Top Photodamage Treatments: Chemical Peels, Lasers, Microneedling & More

Have you suffered from several sunburns after sitting in the sun for too long? Or do you love soaking up the rays and getting a luscious tan? 

Though many strive to achieve a good glow during the warmer months (and during the winter months with tanning beds), this can seriously damage the skin and contribute to photodamage. 

 

What is Photodamage? 

Also referred to as photoaging, solar damage, or sun damage, photodamage describes permanent damage done to the skin as a result of prolonged unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB rays. 

It occurs over a long period of time and because photodamage affects the deepest layers of skin, also known as the dermis, it can take several years for the damage to show up. 

The signs of photodamage include: 

• Fine lines and wrinkles 
• Discoloration (age spots, dark spots, freckles)
• Sagging skin and loss of elasticity 
• Rough, uneven texture
• Appearance of superficial blood vessels (capillaries)  
• Redness and inflammation  

If you’ve sat out in the sun for too long, one too many times, or used tanning beds over the years and now have fine lines and wrinkles, sunspots, dark spots, and other signs of photodamage, we’re here to help with effective treatment options in Westerville, Ohio. 

 

Top Photodamage Treatments 

Lasers 

In recent years, laser treatments have risen in popularity due to their effectiveness in addressing many different cosmetic concerns, including photodamage. At the Center for Surgical Dermatology, we use four different lasers to address and treat photodamage: fractional laser, laser for pigmented lesions, vascular laser to address redness, and IPL (intense pulsed light).

• Fractional Laser – Delivers thousands of precise microbeams that penetrate the deeper layers of skin to stimulate the growth of new skin cells and collagen, which improve wrinkles, discoloration, and textural irregularities. 
• Pigmented Lesions Laser – Ideal for lightening or eliminating a wide variety of pigmented lesions, such as sun spots.
• IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Laser – Emits a range of different wavelengths in each pulse of light to improve the look of skin and improve signs of photodamage, such as sun spots, freckles and broken capillaries.
• Vascular Laser – Ideal for treatment of visible superficial blood vessels (capillaries).

At your skin consultation, your doctor will help you determine which laser will best help you achieve your cosmetic goals. 

 

Chemical Peels 

Chemical peels are a type of cosmetic procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin, allowing damaged skin cells to “peel off.” The new skin underneath is often smoother and softer with a more even skin tone. 

In short, they’re an effective form of exfoliation and work to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and rejuvenate the deeper layers of skin to revitalize an individual’s complexion. 

Chemical peels are great for treating photodamage and can help improve: 

• Hyperpigmentation
• Sun spots
• Freckles
• Melasma
• Wrinkles and fine lines 

 

Microneedling 

Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling is a non-invasive treatment that uses a small device inlaid with micro-needles that create micro-injuries in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the immune system and trigger an inflammatory reaction. 

Once this happens, a cascade of events occur, leading to the development and deposition of new collagen and elastic fibers.

 

Topical Medication 

While the cosmetic treatments mentioned above are best for improving signs of photodamage, certain topicals can help as well. At the Center for Surgical Dermatology, our dermatologists recommend various antioxidants and topical retinoids to help improve signs of photoaging.

 

Schedule Your Photodamage Treatment in Westerville, Ohio 

Interested in learning more about our photodamage treatments or would you like to schedule a skin consultation with one of our experienced cosmetic dermatologists? Contact us today! We’re ready to help you achieve softer, smoother, and younger looking skin through effective photodamage treatments! 

 

Professional Cosmetic Treatments at the Center for Surgical Dermatology 

Center of Surgical Dermatology is the largest medical and surgical skin treatment and wellness facility in Central Ohio. Since 2007, our board-certified Dermatologists, fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons, and caring professional staff have provided patients with the treatment they can trust in an environment second to none. Learn more about our state-of-the-art Dermatology Center before booking your appointment today.