Sun Damage Repair

Sun damage is an inevitability, but you can minimize some of the visible damage with sun damage repair at Comprehensive Dermatology. The team of expert dermatologists can create an individualized sun damage repair treatment plan at the practice’s offices in Woodmere and Westbury, New York. To learn more about sun damage and how to repair the damage, call Comprehensive Dermatology or schedule an appointment online today.

What is sun damage?

Sun damage is what happens to your skin if you spend a lot of time outside using little or no sunscreen. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or from artificial sources like tanning beds can break down some of the fibers (like collagen and elastin) in your skin and lead to increased melanin production. 

Sun damage happens because UV light damages the DNA in your skin cells. In some cases, that can lead to skin cancer. While sun damage can also cause spots and wrinkles, skin cancer is the most severe of the consequences of sun damage. 

At Comprehensive Dermatology, the team examines your skin’s sun damage and can provide skin cancer biopsies for any suspicious spots. They also provide sun damage repair services to restore your skin's youthful appearance. 

What is sun damage repair?

Sun damage repair refers to dermatological services that minimize the sun damage you can see on your skin. They range from medications you apply directly to your skin to energy-based treatments that stimulate your deeper tissues. Your options may include:

Topical products

Medicated products you apply to your skin, such as retinoids and antioxidants, can improve the turnover of your cells, which means younger and healthier cells replace cells affected by sun damage. 

Exfoliants and peels

Exfoliants and peels work by removing the surface layer of skin cells either mechanically or with chemicals. That increases the rate of cell turnover for healthier, less sun damaged skin. 

Laser treatments

Lasers and other light-based treatments like intense pulsed light (IPL) can minimize visible signs of sun damage like spots and wrinkles. 

How can I avoid needing sun damage repair in the future?

It’s next to impossible to prevent sun damage entirely — your skin is exposed to sunlight at times during your life, and whether or not you wear sunscreen, mild sun damage can happen. However, there are plenty of steps you can take to minimize it. You should:

• Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen
• Choose a sunscreen that’s water-resistant
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours
• Minimize your time in the sun during peak UV hours (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
• Never use tanning beds

These suggestions apply regardless of your skin tone. While you might be less likely to experience a sunburn if you have a darker skin tone, sun damage and skin cancer are still very real possibilities. 

For more information on sun damage repair treatments, call Comprehensive Dermatology or schedule an appointment online today.