Repairing Sun Damaged Skin

Sun Damaged skin or Melasma is a result of extensive exposure to the sun.  Sun damage can include wrinkles, dark or age spots or over dried skin.

There are several remedies for repairing sun damaged skin that include cosmetic procedures, prescription and non prescription medication. Be sure that you speak with your dermatologist about the severity of sun damage you have and which treatment is best suited for you.

Skin treatments for repairing Sun Damaged Skin can include:

Cosmetic procedures

Chemical Peels: A chemical solution which is applied to the face in order to remove the outer layer(s) of your skin. As the skin regenerates, it is noticeably smoother, softer, and less wrinkled.

Laser Resurfacing: Surface imperfections (wrinkles, lines, and age spots) are removed using controlled laser light penetration. Through laser resurfacing, undesired skin tissue is vaporized layer by layer.

Collagen and Fat Injections: Injections of collagen or fat taken from another place in the body are used to fill out wrinkles, deep creases, and acne scars. Improvement differ from patient to patient. Regular injections may be necessary.

Botulinum Toxin Type A: Botulinum toxin injections block nerve impulses to facial muscles, by paralyzing the action of those muscles. Botulinum Toxic Type A is most often used to decrease deep wrinkles in the forehead and around the eyes.

Non prescription Treatments

Retinol:  A pure form of Vitamin A, Retinol promotes the production and elimination of skin cells and stimulates the renewal of cells that synthesize keratin. Keratin is also the protein that makes up the skin, hair, and nails. The effects of retinol include softer skin and reduced appearance of fine lines.

Copper/Copper Peptides: Copper is a trace metal in the body that is responsible and necessary for power and flexibility of the skin. Copper is often added to specific anti-aging formulations to enhance the skin's elasticity and strength.

Alpha Hydroxin Acids (AHAs): AHAs removes dead skin cells from the upper layer of the skin. This increases creation of new skin cells and controls moisture levels. That results in a smoother, more healthy skin tone. AHAs are resulting from natural sources, such as fruit, milk and sugar cane.

Antioxidants Vitamin C & E: Oxidative stress (primarily caused by sun exposure) damages the skin's support formation, the collagen matrix, Vitamin C and E, fights oxidative pressure and helps cells mend prior damage. When applied to the skin, antioxidants can lower the appearance of wrinkles and skin discoloration, and enhance skin vivacity.

Soy: The benefits of soy consist of smoothing and moisturizing the skin, smoothing the overall skin tone, and delaying the look of hair regrowth.

Alpha-Arbutin -  An advanced skin lightening ingredient that doesn't have the negative side effects typically found in other skin-lightening agents. Alpha Arbutin inhibits the formation of melanin in the skin while promoting lightening and affecting skin tone on all skin types. It will naturally fade dark spots giving an even skin tone.  It's also the main ingredient in the popular Vikki LaMotta's Perfect Skin Lightener.

Prescription treatments for Sun Damaged Skin

These treatments are only available with a prescription from a dermatologist and are available at most pharmacies:

Tretinoin: Tretinoin is a derived from vitamin A that works at the cellular level. Medical studies imply that topical tretinoin increases collagen production to better the skin's inner arrangement. Tretinoin has been clinically confirmed to decrease fine lines and wrinkles, fade brown spots, and perfect overall skin texture.

Hydroquinones: Topical treatments that are applied directly to the skin inhibiting the melanin production, the material that colors the skin. Hydroquinones helps remove overpigmented cells to enhance overall skin tone and clarity.

Your best prescription against sun damage is to avoid the sun as much as possible. Sunscreen and sunless tanning products are your best means of protection. Avoid tanning beds, they do not guard again UV rays and be sure you use sunscreens that offer UVA and UVB protection.