How to Treat Sun Damage to the Chest
Sun damage to the chest normally occurs early in life from blistering sunburns. The result of these burns is premature aging of the chest area. Age spots, wrinkles and leathery skin begin to appear and can make you look older than you really are. Treatments are available to reduce the signs of sun damage to the chest area.
Things You'll Need
- Alpha hydroxy acid creams
- Bleaching creams
- Retinoid creams
- Chemical peels
- Dermabrasion
- Laser therapy
Instructions
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Use over-the-counter alpha hydroxy acid creams that contain glycolic acid. Apply to the chest area each day for two to three months. The acid in the cream peels off dead surface skin, revealing a smoother surface. Results are best after several months of use.
Use prescription bleaching creams containing tretinoin. Bleaching creams reduce the appearance of liver spots on the chest area over a two-month period.
Apply prescription retinoid creams to the chest area to reverse the effects of chronic skin damage to the chest.
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Have a chemical peel administered by a professional dermatologist. An acid is applied to the chest area, burning the outer layer of skin. A superficial chemical peel is performed for minor sun damage, and a medium-depth chemical peel is performed for major sun damage. Your skin peels off, allowing younger-looking skin to appear.
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Dermabrasion uses a rotating brush to slough off dead skin in the chest area. You lie on a table as your dermatologist slides a fast rotating brush over the surface of your chest. Redness lasts several days after treatment.
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Ask your dermatologist about laser therapy for your sun-damaged chest. Laser therapy destroys the dark pigment under the skin without damaging the skin's surface. The result is younger-looking skin without the dark leathery appearance. Several sessions may be needed, and fading takes one to two months, depending on the severity of sun damage.
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Tips & Warnings
Sun-damage treatment reveals new softer smoother skin that is vulnerable to UV rays from the sun. Keep the chest area covered or wear sunscreen to protect the new skin.
