Sun Damaged Skin

If you receive the full series of recommended treatments and maintain a good skincare routine, which includes wearing sunblock every day, your results will be permanent.

Prior to receiving any type of skin resurfacing treatment, you must discontinue use of Accutane® for six months, Retin-A® for two weeks, and glycolic acid and alpha-hydroxy acid products for a week before your treatment. During your treatment series, stay out of the sun and avoid sunless tanning. Do not take aspirin or other blood thinners for at least three days before your treatment. You cannot be treated while you have infections or sores in the area.

Your skin will be sensitive and will need to be protected from the sun. Any swelling will be minimal and can be treated with cold compresses. Dark spots from the treatment should flake off in a week. Protect your skin with moisturizers and sunscreen. Cold compresses and steroid creams may be used as necessary.

For overall skin resurfacing and sun damage rejuvenation, we recommend a combination of treatments. These are typically performed during each spa visit and repeated for a total of 4-6 visits. Each treatment has a different level of intensity. For example, microdermabrasion and peels do not hurt, but during microdermabrasion, you feel suction, and with peels, you may experience slight stinging during a portion of the treatment. IPL feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin, and Fraxel has been described as an intense prickling sensation. During all parts of the treatment, we use Cryo-air cooling, and prior to the laser treatments, we can apply a topical numbing cream. For sensitive patients, we suggest an oral painkiller and can prescribe one for you if needed.

Most of these treatments are safe and effective for all skin types. However, there is a risk of hyperpigmentation when using Fraxel or IPL on dark skin.