The Secret to Treating Sun-Damaged Skin

The warmer summer months mean laying by the pool or lounging at the beach and taking in the sun's rays — unless you want to preserve your skin. Although sunbathing feels good at the time, the long-term results are dangerous to your skin and health.

Sun-damaged skin happens from years of sun exposure without the proper protection. Even with sunscreen, days in the sun can bring on wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.

However, getting your healthy skin back through various dermatologic and cosmetic treatments is possible. At Flushing Medical Spa in Queens, New York, Dr. QiLi Li and her team provide nonsurgical and minimally invasive techniques to restore your skin to its youthful appearance.

Signs of sun-damaged skin

The sun's rays contain harmful ultraviolet light that penetrates deep into your skin, changing your skin's color. Although a suntan is attractive, it's your skin's way of protecting itself from harmful UV rays.

When you're in the sun, your skin creates more dark pigment, or melanin. The result of increased melanin is the coveted suntan. Still, it could be more attractive when you realize it's a defense mechanism.

Changes in pigmentation in sun-exposed areas are a significant sign of sun damage, but other symptoms include:

• Liver spots
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Uneven skin texture
• Uneven skin color
• Lip lesions
• Red scaly spots on your skin

The longer you stay in the sun without proper protection, the more pronounced the signs of sun damage are. Over time, the sun's rays eliminate your youthful appearance and put you at risk for skin cancer and other complications.

Treating sun damage at home

The easiest way to prevent sun damage is to wear SPF sunscreen and cover up where possible. Avoid sitting in the sun during the peak of the day when the rays are at their worst.

However, if you already have sun damage, can you treat it on your own? While the results won't be as profound, you can take the following steps to improve your skin at home:

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
• Utilize products with vitamin C
• Exfoliate a few times a week
• Find a good moisturizer
• Use eye cream
• Find a good retinol or peptide serum

These strategies may help you reduce the signs of sun damage, but you won't eliminate them. The best solution is a good home care plan and talking to Dr. Li about other treatments that provide better results.

What treatments can help my skin?

If you're tired of looking at sun-damaged skin, Dr. Li evaluates your complexion and goals to provide several options. She offers medical-grade skin care products that help you maintain a healthy complexion as well as several other treatment options.

One of the treatments Dr. Li provides for sun-damaged skin is Laser Genesis®. This is an FDA-approved treatment for sun damage and wrinkles and is often referred to as a Hollywood facial.

Dr. Li moves the laser wand over your sun-damaged skin during the procedure to promote collagen production. You feel a warm sensation from the laser, but the results are phenomenal, and there's no downtime necessary.

Dr. Li also provides chemical peels, radiofrequency microneedling, and Hydrafacials® to help rejuvenate sun-damaged skin and give you a fresh, youthful glow.

However, caring for your skin after treatments is the secret to long-lasting results. Adhering to a skin care regimen and protecting your skin with sunscreen are the best ways to keep your skin looking young and flawless.

To learn more about our skin treatments, schedule a consultation at Flushing Medical Spa by calling our office today at 718-539-3366 or using our online booking tool anytime.