What are the Types of Sun Damage?
Cellular Sun Damage
Taking care of your skin at an internal level can help combat sun damage deep in the tissues. Vitamin D, antioxidants (like astaxanthin), Vitamin C, and omega and oral supplements all help you maintain optimal skin health. Nutriceuticals support cellular function, and photozymes, which are plant-based enzymes that reverse cellular level sun damage, are found in many skincare products.
ZENA Medical specialists often recommend these products for clients interested in reversing sun damage, particularly those who work outdoors. Dr. ZENA’s favorite is “DNA youth recovery serum” and ISDIN sunscreen.
For patients looking for a more proactive approach to reversing existing sun damage, FDA-approved photodynamic therapies combine light-sensitive medications with a laser to remove abnormal pigmentation spots and skin lesions caused by harmful UV rays. This treatment can also target cellular mutations and precancers that lead to more concerning skin issues.
Visible Sun Damage
This is defined as sun damage we can see—brown spots, hyperpigmentation, broken blood vessels, melasma, and skin cancer.
ZENA Medical has many treatment options for reversing this kind of sun damage, not only for a clearer complexion but for the peace of mind that your skin is the healthiest it can be.
Laser treatments, such as the Clarity laser, target pigmentation beneath the surface to break up clusters of cells that have over-produced melanin, which will even out your skin’s texture and tone for a smoother, clear complexion.
We can also specifically target rosacea and broken vessels, and skin irregularities caused by sun damage. The number of laser systems available at ZENA Medical for skin rejuvenation means there’s bound to be a treatment suitable for you.
Chemical peels are highly personalized formulas with acids designed to remove the damaged top layer of your skin. While this sounds harsh, today’s chemical peels are highly refined compared to those of the 90s. By removing the damaged cells that accumulate at the skin’s surface, chemical peels reveal new, healthy skin cells that are much better suited to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays.
Microneedling can also reverse sun damage and prep your skin with tiny micro-channels through which customized medical-grade serums can be infused to protect your skin and repair the damage the sun has already brought.