Now that summer has come and gone, it’s time to address all that sun damage from those days at the pool and down the shore! There are several in-office laser and light devices that rejuvenate the skin and even reverse some of the damaging effects caused by the sun’s harmful rays.
1. IPL Photofacial
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a broad band light device that targets brown spots, age spots, and redness. Certain models have adjustable filters to target specific skin problems, such as birthmarks, broken blood vessels, brown spots, and age spots, as well as leg veins, tattoos, and even hair removal. It feels like a warm snap and is associated with minimal downtime. This is a very effective option to improve brown spots on the face, chest, and hands, as well as improve the redness and broken blood vessels seen in rosacea. Like most procedures, it is typical to require multiple treatments to achieve a significant result.
2. Fractionated resurfacing
I offer the Fraxel DUAL, which is the premier device in fractionated non-ablative resurfacing lasers. FraxelⓇ is FDA-approved to treat fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, brown spots, melasma, acne scarring, surgical scars, and even precancerous growths known as actinic keratoses. It works by creating microscopic columns in the skin to stimulate new collagen formation, which heals the skin from the inside out to soften wrinkles and fine lines, erase brown spots, improve skin tone and texture, and even do a little tightening. Most patients will experience several days of redness after the procedure, but it is very tolerable and can be covered with make up. The results can be very dramatic and long-lasting.
3. Clear + BrilliantⓇ
Clear + BrilliantⓇ is a revolutionary gentle laser that improves skin tone, pigmentation, and the appearance of pores with little or no downtime. Because it is a gentle laser treatment, like a “laser facial,” it is perfect for those with busy lifestyles where downtime is not possible. My patients tell me they love the “glow” they get after a Clear + Brilliant treatment. It is great for younger patients and as a maintenance treatment after Fraxel. While this is a gentle treatment, it also stimulates new collagen formation so that the benefits can be long-lasting.
Fortunately, with advances in technology, there are many options to reverse the signs of aging and sun damage. However, even with daily sunscreen, it is still possible to sustain sun damage accumulated over time, so a “skin clean-up” is necessary every now and then for healthier, rejuvenated, younger-looking skin.
Dr. Rebecca Lu is a board-certified dermatologist with an office located at 7 Mt Bethel Rd in Warren, NJ. Dr. Lu specializes in skin cancer, skin cancer treatments, laser treatments, as well as cosmetic dermatology. The office also carries a suite of skin care products, including award-winning Jan Marini and SkinMedica, to address your cosmetic concerns. Please visit our website www.eliteskinmd.com or call (908) 787-8088 for an appointment to discuss your skincare goals.