Sun Damage & Dark Spots

Conditions Skin Sun Damage & Dark Spots

As important and beneficial as the sun is in our everyday lives, it’s not kind to our skin. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can damage our skin’s structure and even change the DNA of our skin cells. That’s why sun damage is a primary cause of skin cancer. But it’s also one of the biggest contributors to signs of aging and dark spots.

What Does Sun Damage Look Like?

A sunburn is not the only way sun damage can change the appearance of skin. Sun damage can contribute to many common complexion concerns, including:

All of these issues can occur on their own, and many tend to come with age. Sun damage often leads to premature aging, however. It breaks down collagen fibers and weakens your skin’s structure, leading to skin laxity and wrinkles. Often, the most common and recognized signs of sun damage are pigmentation issues, such as age spots, blotchy redness, and uneven skin tone.

Sun damage guilford

Frequently Asked Questions

Limiting sun exposure is the best way to prevent sun damage, but that’s not always realistic. There are steps you can take to protect your skin whenever you’re going to be out in the sun. First, apply sunscreen liberally with at least 30 SPF. Second, consider wearing hats and clothing that cover your skin. Be sure to reapply sunscreen frequently if you’re spending time in the water or sweating during strenuous activities.

If you use skincare products to treat acne or other common skin conditions, check if the products increase your sun sensitivity. Many topical and oral treatments for acne, such as isotretinoin, make your skin extra sensitive to ultraviolet light. You should be especially vigilant about sun protection if you use these products.

Unfortunately, some amount of sun damage is inevitable as the years go by. If you find yourself with dark spots, wrinkles, and other signs of photoaging, Dr. Langdon can help you find an effective treatment. He may recommend trying one of our medical-grade skincare options with ingredients like vitamin C that help the skin protect and heal itself from external damage. 

We offer multiple skin rejuvenation treatments for fast, lasting, and dramatic improvements to sun-damaged skin. A board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Langdon can help you assess your skin condition and determine the best treatment to restore your complexion. He may recommend one of the following options for patients with sun damage.

Microneedling

When sun exposure damages your skin, it also impairs its ability to repair that damage. Microneedling treatments use strategic, controlled micro-damage to stimulate the skin’s healing process. This helps clear away the blemished surface and increases collagen production in the deeper layers.

In addition to SkinPen® microneedling, we offer radiofrequency microneedling that uses RF energy to enhance the treatment’s efficacy. Or, patients can choose AquaGold® fine touch™ for an innovative microneedling treatment that also infuses their skin with beneficial vitamins, antioxidants, and other skincare ingredients.

PhotoFacial

A PhotoFacial uses BroadBand Light technology to remove excess pigmentation, making it a perfect treatment for dark spots and redness. Pigmented skin cells absorb the BBL energy and break down. Your body then naturally absorbs and filters out the destroyed cells, clearing away brown spots, spider veins, and other pigmentation issues. It can also help fade acne scars.

Laser Treatments

The Langdon Center offers multiple advanced laser treatments. Some of these treatments, such as ResurFX and PicoSure, are very effective for restoring sun-damaged skin. The laser energy heats the dermis to promote healing and collagen production. Depending on the treatment, the laser may also partially ablate the surface, removing dull, damaged cells to make way for a healthy new layer of skin. 

CO2 laser resurfacing may be beneficial for moderate to severe sun damage. During a detailed consultation, Dr. Langdon will help you determine the best laser treatment.

Take the next step.

To learn more about sun damage or to schedule your consultation with Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon and Dermatologist Dr. Langdon, please fill out the form on this page or call The Langdon Center at (203) 453-8625. We look forward to working with you! The Langdon Center serves patients in the Guilford & New Haven, CT areas.

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