How Cosmetic Skin Treatments May Lower Your Risk of Skin Cancer

Cosmetic dermatology is mostly associated with aesthetics—smoother skin, fewer wrinkles, sunspot removal, and overall rejuvenation. But emerging evidence shows that some aesthetic dermatology treatments may offer a real medical benefit as well in the form of lower rates of skin cancer.

According to Dr. Brian Hibler, board-certified dermatologist in New York City, some popular skin-rejuvenation procedures don’t just make the skin look healthier, they actually help it become healthier. The key lies in how the skin rebuilds itself after treatment.

“When performing skin-rejuvenation treatments, we repopulate the skin from a healthy population of stem cells located deep within the hair follicles, below where UV radiation typically reaches,” explains Dr. Hibler. “The new, healthy skin layer that forms has less sun damage and UV exposure—both major contributors to skin-cancer development.”

In other words, by encouraging the skin to regenerate from protected, untouched stem cells, cosmetic procedures may help create a “cleaner slate,” reducing precancerous changes and future risk.

Dr. Hibler breaks down the common cosmetic treatments that may offer this added benefit.

Ablative Laser Resurfacing (CO₂ / Erbium)

Ablative lasers work by vaporizing the outer layer of damaged skin, triggering the body to create fresh, healthy skin in its place.

Benefits

  • Dramatic improvement in wrinkles, skin laxity, and sun damage
  • Effective in treating precancerous lesions (actinic keratoses)
  • Studies show lower rates of non-melanoma skin cancer after treatment

Because of its aggressive nature and longer downtime, this option is typically best for people with more advanced signs of sun damage or photoaging.

Nonablative Fractional Laser (Fraxel 1550/1927 nm)

Fraxel creates microscopic heat channels in the skin, stimulating collagen production and gradual turnover of the outer layer.

Benefits

  • Improves fine lines, wrinkles, pores, acne scars, and sunspots
  • FDA-cleared for treating actinic keratoses
  • Research shows people who get Fraxel have fewer future skin cancers

Fraxel laser is one of the most popular options for treating early aging and “turning back the clock.”

PRO TIP: Doing a Fraxel treatment once a year helps keep your skin smooth and glowing—and it clears sun-damaged cells before they can turn into skin cancer.

Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL)

PDL is best known for treating redness, broken capillaries, and rosacea, but it also offers a surprising benefit beyond vascular issues.

Benefits

  • Reduces early sun-damage spots
  • Creates more even tone and texture
  • A recent study found patients who received PDL had fewer facial skin cancers

PRO TIP: Although it targets blood vessels, the improved skin quality appears to contribute to reduced cancer risk.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels safely remove layers of damaged skin to reveal fresh, healthier skin beneath.

Benefits

  • Medium and deep peels remove layers significantly damaged by UV exposure
  • Smooth the skin and reduce discoloration
  • Remove many precancerous cells during the exfoliation process

This makes them both cosmetic and preventative.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

PDT uses a light-activated medication that specifically targets abnormal, sun-damaged cells.

Benefits

  • Treats both visible and “hidden” precancerous cells
  • Lowers future risk of skin cancer by eliminating damaged tissue before it progresses

This makes PDT especially helpful for people with a history of significant sun exposure.

The Takeaway: Beauty and Prevention Can Go Hand in Hand

Cosmetic skin treatments aren’t just about looking younger—they may also help you stay healthier by reducing the accumulation of UV-damaged cells that can lead to skin cancer.

While these treatments are not a replacement for sunscreen, protective clothing, and regular dermatology checks, they offer a powerful added layer of defense.

If you’re considering laser resurfacing, chemical peels, PDT, or Fraxel for cosmetic reasons, you may be doing much more than improving your appearance—you may also be improving your long-term skin health.

Dr. Brian Hibler is a board certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist in the Park Avenue office of Schweiger Dermatology in New York City. He completed his dermatology residency training at Cornell followed by a prestigious fellowship in lasers and cosmetic surgery at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Wellman Center for Photomedicine, one of the leading laser and cosmetics centers in the world.
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About Schweiger Dermatology Group

At Schweiger Dermatology Group, we believe no one should wait to feel confident in their own skin. That's why we're committed to delivering The Ultimate Patient Experience—expert care that's fast, compassionate, and seamless. Founded by Dr. Eric Schweiger in 2010 to eliminate long wait times for high quality dermatologists, we've grown into the nation's leading dermatology practice, with hundreds of locations across the country and millions of satisfied patients. We offer medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology, as well as allergy services—in modern, state-of-the-art offices. Most new patients are seen within days, and we accept most insurances and handle billing for you. Whether it's a skin concern or a cosmetic goal, we make it easy to get the care you need—without the wait.

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