Sun Damage Treatment

It might feel good to spend time in the sunshine, but the sun’s rays can take a toll on your skin. In the short-term, that can mean contending with a scorching sunburn. But, there can also be long-term consequences lurking within the skin, even if you don’t experience a burn. The sun prematurely ages the skin. Called photoaging, this can lead to skin cancer. 

The damage the sun does to our skin is known by several different names, including photoaging, photodamage, solar damage, or sun damage. It happens when ultraviolet (UV) light hits skin unprotected by sunscreen, causing DNA changes at a cellular level. Because photodamage happens in the deepest layers of the skin—the dermis—it can take years before the damage surfaces and becomes visible. 

Unlike normal, chronological aging, which is dictated by age and genetics, photoaging happens when ultraviolet light from the sun and/or tanning beds permanently damages the skin’s structure. To see the difference between chronological aging and photoaging, compare skin on an area of your body that is not exposed to the sun with the skin on your face.  

Signs of photodamage begin in the teens to early twenties. Symptoms include the following:

• Wrinkling
• Pigmentation changes such as age spots, liver spots (solar lentigines) and freckles
• Loss of skin tone (decreased elasticity) 
• Rough, uneven skin texture
• Broken capillaries (spider veins), usually around the nose and chest
• Redness and blotchiness

Is there any way you can turn back the clock?

Icon Non-ablative laser post-treatment instructions

Application of cool gel packs and appropriate topical creams immediately following treatment can help alleviate post treatment itchiness and stinging that may occur.

Edema, and sometimes blanching, is expected immediately post-treatment and generally resolves within 24- 48 hours. It may last up to 3 - 5 days in some clients.

Those being treated may experience significant redness, broken capillaries and bronzing in the treatment area for approximately 1 -3 days after treatment. This may persist in mild form for several weeks particularly in areas other than the face.

Following a more aggressive treatment, it may be helpful to use some occlusive ointment on the skin after treatment and during the healing process to help desquamation or crusting.

To help remove debris and bronzing of the skin that can appear 1 - 4 days after treatment, soak treated areas for 5 - 15 minutes with gauze or washcloth wet with water, then gently remove debris. Do not pick at or scrub the treated areas.

Gently cleansing and use of non-irritating cosmetics are permitted after treatment. It is suggested that retinoids be discontinued 1 - 2 weeks prior to the initial treatment and throughout the course of treatment. The use of retinoids during the treatment course may result in undesirable side effects and prolonged healing.

Those prone to acne outbreaks should avoid heavy makeup and moisturizers for 24 hours post treatment.

As healing occurs, clients should avoid injury and sun exposure for at least 2 weeks following treatments. It is highly recommended that clients use sunscreen with SPF 45 or higher containing UVA/UVB protection between treatments, along with a sun blocker such as zinc oxide whenever they are outside.

Once the treatment area has healed, some itching or dryness may occur. This will gradually clear. The use of non-irritation moisturizers may provide some relief.

After treating striae (stretch marks) it is recommended to avoid tight fitting clothes around the treated area for 3 months after the last laser treatment.

Please advise the treatment provider if there are any issues or concerns following your treatment.

 Pre-treatment/Post treatment Instructions - PicoSure

Precautions to take before your light-based treatment:

• No sun exposure, tanning beds and sunless tanning cream for 4 weeks prior to treatment. Sun exposure decreases the effectiveness of the laser treatment and can increase the chance of Post treatment complications.
  

• Use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply to the treated area every 2 hours when exposed to the sun and it is recommended to make this a part of your skin care routine.
  

• Remove all makeup, creams or oils prior to treatment.
  

• Be sure to inform your care provider if you have ever had cosmetic tattoos or cosmetic pigmentation or permanent makeup applied near the area of treatment.
  

Instructions following your laser treatment:

• Cleanse the treated area at least daily with water and mild soap, and then pat the area dry.
  

• Do not rub or scratch the treated area.
  

• If crusting/scabbing occurs, do not shave or pick the area. Apply Aquaphor ointment (tattoo) or other moisturizer (face) to the area 2 - 3 times per day. Keep the area moist, and let the crusting/scabbing resolve on its own. 
  

• If you are prone to breakouts or have oily skin, consider waiting 24 hours before applying any topical products.
  

• Discomfort may be relieved by cold gel packs and/or an over the counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen.
  

• Avoid contact sports or any other activity that could cause injury to the treated area.
  

• Avoid swimming, soaking or using the hot tub/whirlpool until the skin heals.
  

• Contact your physician if there is any indication of infection (redness/tenderness or pus).

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