Sunspot Removal

Laser Treatments for Sunspots

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and noticed stubborn brown spots that seem to appear overnight, you’re not alone. Sun damage happens to almost everyone, even those who always use sunscreen. The good news? You don’t have to live with sun damaged skin forever.

Understanding Sun Damage

Here’s the thing about sun damage… it’s sneaky. Even if you’ve been diligent about wearing sunscreen, years of everyday sun exposure can still leave its mark on your skin. UV rays break down the good stuff in your skin (like collagen and elastin) while causing your body to produce extra pigment in certain spots.

At Schweiger Dermatology Group, our experienced dermatologists and dermatology providers specialize in treating all forms of sun damage to the skin. We use advanced laser technology and proven cosmetic procedures to help restore your skin’s natural radiance.

What Does Sun Damage Look Like?

Sun damage shows up in various ways. Recognizing these signs early can help you seek treatment before more lasting effects occur. Common signs of sun damaged skin can look like:

  • Brown spots, age spots, and sunspots
  • Uneven skin tone and discoloration
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Rough or leathery skin texture
  • Broken capillaries and spider veins
  • Enlarged pores
  • Loss of skin elasticity

At what age does sun damage start to show? While sun skin damage accumulates over time, most people start noticing visible signs in their late twenties to early thirties. Depending on the amount of sun exposure, damage can begin much earlier, including in childhood.

How Sun Damage Develops

You may wonder, “How much sun exposure will damage the skin?” Here’s the honest truth – any time spent in the sun unprotected adds up over the years. Modern treatments can assist in reversing a lot of the damage, helping your skin get back to a healthy state.

We have a few ways to treat sun damaged skin. At Schweiger Dermatology Group, we’ve helped thousands of people restore their skin’s natural glow using proven treatments that really work.

Advanced Sun Damage Treatment Options

We offer several proven methods for treating sun-damaged skin. Each option is designed to target specific concerns and skin types.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

IPL represents one of the most effective treatments for sun damage, targeting brown spots and broken capillaries. This advanced technology uses broad-spectrum light in multiple wavelengths to penetrate the skin’s surface without affecting it. This helps the treatment focus on the deeper layers where sun damage resides.

During IPL treatment, pigment cells absorb the emitted light, converting it to heat. This is effective in clearing unwanted pigmentation. IPL works best for patients with pale to light brown skin tones and can significantly improve the appearance of sun damage on the face and other treated areas.

What should you expect? Treatments usually last 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the area. You may experience some redness and swelling after the procedure, which generally subsides within a few hours. Multiple sessions may be needed for the best results.

Fraxel Laser Treatment

The Fraxel laser offers a revolutionary approach to treating sun damage by working on small sections of skin using microscopic laser columns. This process stimulates natural collagen production, allowing your body’s healing response to replace damaged cells with healthy new ones.

Fraxel laser treatment is very effective for addressing sun damage to the skin, age spots, and overall skin texture improvement. After the treatment, you’ll notice softer, brighter skin with the tone starting to look more even. This regeneration process continues for 3 to 6 months post-treatment, delivering progressive improvement.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

PDT offers a unique approach to reverse sun damage by applying a photosensitizing cream to the treatment area and exposing it to visible light. This specialized treatment stimulates healthy new skin growth while targeting areas that are severely sun damaged.

PDT combined with IPL treatment may be recommended for patients with extensive sun damaged skin or significant skin aging. While recovery involves temporary redness and peeling (which is similar to a sunburn), the results reveal healthier, more beautiful skin.

Chemical Peels for Sun Damage

Professional chemical peels can effectively address mild to moderate sun damage by removing damaged surface layers while promoting new skin cell growth. This option works well for patients seeking gradual improvement with minimal downtime.

Prescription Topical Treatments

Our dermatologists and dermatology providers may recommend prescription-strength topical creams to enhance your sun damage treatment results and maintain long-term improvement. These medical-grade formulations work synergistically with in-office procedures.

Choosing Your Treatment Plan

How do we determine the best approach to reverse sun damage for your specific needs? Our experienced team conducts thorough skin assessments to understand the exact location, type, and depth of pigmentation we’re targeting. This analysis helps us select the most effective treatment modality for your unique concerns.

For example, superficial sunspots may respond favorably to IPL therapy, while deeper sun damage may benefit from Fraxel laser treatment. Combining multiple approaches can often provide the most comprehensive results for patients with multiple types of sun damage.

Prevention and Maintenance

While we excel at treating existing sun damage, prevention methods are crucial for maintaining your results and preventing future damage. Daily SPF sunscreen application, protective clothing, and regular skin examination assist in preventing sun damage on face areas and maintaining healthy skin.

Ready to Reverse Your Sun Damage?

Don’t let sun damaged skin affect your confidence. At Schweiger Dermatology Group, we’re committed to helping you achieve clearer, more youthful-looking skin through safe, effective treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

Our skilled dermatologists and dermatology specialists have successfully treated thousands of patients with various types of sun damage. Whether you’re dealing with age spots, uneven pigmentation, or more extensive sun damage to skin, we have the expertise and advanced technology to help you achieve your goals.

Take the first step toward healthier, more radiant skin. Visit our location pages to find a convenient office near you. Book online in seconds or call us at (844) 337-6362.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does sun damage look like?

    Sun damage appears as brown spots, age spots, uneven skin tone, fine lines, rough texture, and broken capillaries. It can also cause loss of skin elasticity and enlarged pores.

  • How to effectively reverse sun damage?

    Professional treatments like IPL therapy, Fraxel laser, PDT, and chemical peels can effectively reverse sun damage. The best approach depends on your specific type and extent of the damage.

  • What age does sun damage start to show?

    Most people notice visible sun damage in their late twenties to early thirties. The damage process begins much earlier with prolonged sun exposure over time.

  • Are freckles sun damage?

    Freckles are a form of sun damage caused by increased melanin production in response to UV exposure. While they are often considered attractive in childhood, they indicate some photodamage to the skin.

  • How much sun exposure will damage skin?

    Any unprotected sun exposure contributes to cumulative damage. Even brief daily exposure without sunscreen can lead to long-term skin damage over time.

  • Can sun damage be completely reversed?

    While significant improvement is possible with treatments, complete reversal depends on the amount of damage.

  • How long does sun damage treatment take?

    The treatment time varies by method, and multiple treatments are usually needed.

  • Is sun damage treatment painful?

    Most treatments involve minimal discomfort. IPL feels like a rubber band snap, while laser treatments may cause mild stinging. Topical anesthetics can be used for sensitive patients.

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.