Sun damage can be frustrating, especially since its effects are long lasting. Whether it takes the form of excess pigmentation or collagen loss, sun damage is resistant even to the strongest brightening serums. And seeing as we spend 47 percent of our lives in the sun, we can expect the damage to catch up with us at some point. If you are one of the 20.7 percent of people who rarely wear sunblock, this can be even more problematic for you.

Luckily, sun damage is no longer something you should resign yourself to. All it takes is the right treatment to trigger a skin resurfacing process. Lasers have proven to be a good ally against this issue, with Fraxel® and PicoWay® being the leading options. 

How Sun Damage Affects the Skin

Most people associate sun exposure with getting a nice tan, but there’s more to it. When the UV index passes the 3^rd level, it can cause significant damage to the skin, especially among fair-skinned individuals. Prolonged exposure can lead to the following: 

• Hyperpigmentation issues like sunspots and melasma
• Wrinkles and fine lines caused by UV-induced collagen loss
• Uneven texture caused by enlarged pores and rough patches
• Skin elasticity issues caused by the degradation of elastin

Many of these signs can be kept at a minimum with the correct application of sunblock and avoiding the sun during peak hours. Still, if the damage is already there, then Dr. Ostad can create a personalized plan to reduce the severity of your symptoms. 

How Laser Treatments Can Help 

For the most part, laser treatments can reduce sun damage by triggering a skin resurfacing process. When the skin is exposed to the laser, the top damaged layer is removed naturally, while the body triggers a new production of collagen and elastin. However, it is important to understand that every laser acts differently, and understanding how each works can help you make a better choice for your skin.

• Fraxel® Laser

Fraxel® is a collection of laser treatments that uses fractional laser resurfacing to start a skin renewal process. With Fraxel® CO2, the procedure creates controlled micro-injuries on specific areas of the skin, leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected. This leads to deeper sun damage reversal while keeping the recovery time to a minimum. 

The non-ablative laser boosts collagen production deep within the skin, helping you reduce skin elasticity issues. Whether you are dealing with wrinkles, fine lines, and elasticity loss, Fraxel® triggers the body’s healing system, which responds by sending more collagen and elastin. 

As the skin begins to heal, Fraxel® pushes out the damaged skin layer, making the treatment an effective tool against pigmentation. With repeated treatments, the new collagen production can help reduce enlarged pores and uneven texture, offering smoother and youthful skin within three to six months.

• PicoWay® Laser

PicoWay® is an advanced picosecond laser treatment that sends ultra-short pulses into the skin. The pigment absorbs these tiny bursts of energy and breaks them down from the impact while starting a cell removal process. 

The treatment is done without generating excessive heat, as with a traditional laser, making it a good choice for patients with darker skin tones. Most patients use PicoWay® to handle issues like melasma, sunspots, and hyperpigmentation. Results often appear within two to four weeks.

While the collagen-inducing properties of PicoWay® are not as strong as with Fraxel®, the procedure can be used to tackle minimal fine lines and elasticity loss. Alone, the treatment is most effective for individuals in their early 30s. However, if you are nearing your 40s or 50s, the procedure works best when combined with Fraxel® Re:Store.

Get Your Laser for Sun Damage at Dr. Ariel Ostad’s Practice!

Sun damage may seem impossible to deal with, but technological advancements have changed that. Now, all it takes is a series of laser treatments to reverse the signs of UV exposure. Get an appointment with Dr. Ariel Ostad today for smoother, damage-free skin!

For more information about lasers for sun damage, you can contact Dr. Ariel Ostad at 212-517-7900. He can offer you the guidance that you need and create a personalized treatment. You can also fill out the online contact form, and we will get in touch with you shortly!