It is no secret that exposure to the sun’s UV rays can negatively affect our skin by causing premature aging and sunburn. In fact, photoaging – skin damage from the sun– is responsible for 90 percent of visible changes to our skin. You may be wondering if photoaging is reversible. If you are worried about sun damage on your skin, keep in mind there are multiple ways to reverse the sun damage on your face and prevent further damage from taking place in the future.
How to Treat Sun Damaged Skin
Common treatment options for sun damage on the face include facial chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing. What’s more, these treatments are non-surgical procedures that can rejuvenate your skin and reverse the damage caused by UV light.
What Are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels use chemical solutions to remove the damaged surface layers of facial skin and provide new, younger-looking skin. This minimally-invasive procedure removes old skin and reduces wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, and sun damage.
Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Stein offers a variety of chemical peels that tackle the damaging effects of the sun on our skin. Patients can opt for light, medium, or deep peels, depending on the patient’s preference. Patients with delicate, sensitive skin may want to opt for lighter peels; however, patients seeking faster results may want to try the more aggressive chemical peels.
After the procedure, it is normal for your skin to be red and swollen as your face begins to heal itself. Your doctor may give you an ointment to protect and soothe your skin. If you get a lighter peel, you may even be able to wear makeup the following day to cover up the redness.
What is Laser Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing or laser peeling is another non-surgical procedure that is sometimes combined with chemical peels. Dr. Stein performs laser resurfacing using the MicroLaserPeel® to remove the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and increase collagen production, repairing the sun damage on your skin.
Dr. Stein’s unique techniques allow for a faster recovery. With laser resurfacing, you will notice results immediately, becoming more visible over six months. Your skin improvement can last for many years. Additionally, it diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars, leaving you with healthier, smoother skin.
Am I a Candidate for Chemical Peels or Laser Resurfacing?
No matter how moderate or severe the sun damage on your skin, chemical peeling and laser skin resurfacing may be right for you. The best way to discover if chemical or laser peels are the best options to reverse sun damage is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Stein.
Take the Next Step
Ready to learn more about chemical peels and laser resurfacing? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Stein at Stein Plastic Surgery based in Raleigh, NC, today! Simply fill out the form on this page or give us a call at (919) 261-7099.
*Individual results may vary.