Post-Summer Skin Refresh: The Best Treatments for Sun-Damaged Skin
After spending months enjoying the sun, vacations, and time outside, you might notice some changes in your skin. Even with daily sunscreen, UV rays can still cause redness, dryness, uneven texture, brown spots, and early signs of aging.
The good news is that fall is a great time to help your skin recover. Cooler weather and less time spent outdoors make it easier to protect your skin from the sun as it heals after treatment.
Here’s what you need to know about treating sun damage and getting your skin looking and feeling healthy again.
What Does Sun Damage Look Like?
Sun damage usually develops gradually, so you might not see it right away. Some common signs are:
- Redness or visible blood vessels
- Dry, dull-looking skin
- Rough or uneven skin texture
- Enlarged pores
- Brown spots or uneven pigmentation
- Fine lines and wrinkles
If you recognize any of these signs, there are several professional treatments that can help.
Which Treatments Can Help with Sun-Damaged Skin?
The best treatment for you depends on your skin, concerns, and goals. At The Aesthetic Center by Medical Associates, we often recommend BroadBand Light (BBL®) and HALO® laser treatments, SkinPen® microneedling, and VI Peel® chemical peels to refresh skin after summer.
BBL
BBL uses advanced light technology to target unwanted pigment and redness, making it a great option for correcting visible discoloration caused by sun exposure. It can help improve:
- Sunspots and freckles
- Rosacea and redness
- Broken capillaries
- Uneven skin tone
BBL has minimal downtime, so it’s a convenient choice if you want to treat discoloration without interrupting your daily routine.
HALO Laser
HALO is a hybrid fractional laser that resurfaces the skin while stimulating collagen production beneath the surface. Rather than primarily targeting discoloration, HALO focuses on improving skin texture and overall skin quality. It can help improve:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Enlarged pores
- Acne scars
- Rough or uneven skin texture
- Other visible signs of sun damage
Because HALO works both at the surface and deeper within the skin, it’s a great option for patients looking for more comprehensive skin rejuvenation.
SkinPen
SkinPen microneedling creates tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate its natural healing response and collagen production. This makes it a great option for improving skin texture and addressing scarring concerns. It can help improve:
- Fine lines
- Acne scars
- Uneven or rough texture
- Overall skin quality
Because SkinPen works by encouraging your skin’s natural repair process, results develop gradually and look natural. It also has relatively little downtime and can be used on many different skin types.
VI Peel
VI Peel chemical peels use a blend of ingredients to exfoliate damaged outer layers of skin and encourage surface renewal. This makes them a great option for addressing discoloration and refreshing dull, uneven skin. They can help improve:
- Uneven pigmentation
- Dullness
- Acne and acne-related discoloration
- Uneven tone and texture
A VI Peel can be especially helpful for refreshing skin after summer by removing damaged surface cells and revealing a brighter, smoother complexion underneath.
Can These Treatments Be Combined?
These treatments can absolutely be combined. One of the biggest benefits of aesthetic medicine is that treatments can often be “stacked” or strategically scheduled to address multiple concerns.
For example, BBL can target unwanted pigmentation and redness, while HALO laser focuses more on skin texture and resurfacing. SkinPen microneedling can be incorporated to support collagen production and improve concerns such as acne scarring, while a VI Peel chemical peel can provide additional exfoliation and surface renewal.
While some treatments can be safely performed together, others are most effective when spaced several weeks apart. Allowing enough time between treatments gives your skin time to heal and helps ensure each treatment is performed at the optimal time for the best results.
Support Your Results with Medical-Grade Skincare
Professional treatments work best when paired with a personalized skincare routine. Medical-grade products can help protect your skin, support the healing process, and maintain your results between appointments.
At The Aesthetic Center, we offer ZO® Skin Health and Hydrinity® products. A few of our favorites include:
- Hydrinity VIVID Brightening Serum: Helps brighten discoloration and improve overall skin tone
- Hydrinity RetaXome Daily Retinal Hydrator: Encourages healthy skin renewal while supporting the skin barrier
- Hydrinity HYDRI-C Daily Vitamin C Moisturizer: Provides antioxidant protection and hydration while helping defend against future environmental damage
Our providers can also recommend ZO Skin Health products tailored to your skin type and concerns. No matter what products or treatments you use, wearing sunscreen every day is still the best way to protect your skin and maintain your results.
Every patient’s skin is different, and the right treatment plan should be, too. At The Aesthetic Center, our experienced providers will assess your skin, discuss your goals, and create a customized plan. Schedule a consultation by calling 563-584-3444 or visit www.aestheticsbyma.com/book-online to book your appointment today!