How to Treat Sun-Damaged Skin With Skin Rejuvenation

Skin rejuvenation treatments are the ideal way to reduce sun damage (including fine wrinkles, dry skin and dark spots), especially in younger people who may not need more invasive procedures. The treatments are popular because they require little-to-no post-procedure care, allowing people to return to their normal lives almost immediately. Compared to other types of facial treatments, skin rejuvenation is practically painless.

Instructions

1. Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of skin rejuvenation before you decide that this type of procedure is the right one for you. While relatively noninvasive and painless, skin rejuvenation may not be effective in all cases (for example, if there is deep scarring) and with certain types of skin, such as dark or extremely oily skin.

2. Find a practitioner who specializes in skin treatments. Most plastic surgeons will perform some type of skin resurfacing, although some may not have enough experience to treat serious cases. Spas and day clinics may also be licensed to practice skin resurfacing, although common sense indicates that a hospital or medical office is better for this.

3. Find out what type of laser your doctor uses to treat sun-damaged skin. Nonabrasive lasers, which do not cut into the skin, are the newest type available, but not all doctors have them, simply because of the high costs involved in replacing their current equipment. Photo rejuvenation, another popular treatment for sun-damaged skin, involves the use of pulse light that produces little-to-no redness and surface irritation.

4. Be prepared to experience some level of discomfort, both during and after the procedure. Some mild swelling is also expected. Other than that, the procedure itself should be bearable, as most doctors use some type of anesthesia to numb the skin before using the laser.

5. Book your appointment with your doctor for a Friday afternoon. Sun-damaged skin can usually be treated in a single visit of less than 1 hour. Although some swelling is expected, it usually goes down in about 48 hours, allowing you to return to work by Monday.

Tips & Warnings

• While skin resurfacing produces dramatic results in most patients, the results are not permanent. If the patient does not protect her skin from the sun, wrinkles and dark spots will eventually return, requiring additional treatment.

• As with any other type of cosmetic surgery, there are risks and possible problems with skin rejuvenation. Make sure you understand them before deciding to treat your sun-damaged skin.