Treatments for Sun Damaged Skin

Steele Creek Dermatology offers many treatments for skin damaged by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Sun damaged skin can take the form of discoloration, wrinkles, and facial lines. Sun damage can also cause rough, scaly and discolored patches of skin in people with fair skin. Some treatment options we offer include the following:

Botox®

Botox® is derived from the botulinum toxin, which is used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. One of our staff will inject the Botox® directly into the treatment area with an ultrafine needle. The Botox® injection works by relaxing the muscles and thus smoothing out wrinkles. The treatment typically lasts for four months.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers can also be injected into the skin. As the name suggests, they erase wrinkles or lines simply by filling them with a substance like hyaluronic acid or collagen. Dermal fillers can also be used to make lips plumper or to fill out cheeks or hands. Depending on the area treated and the type of filler used, the effects may last from four to twelve months.

Juvederm® and Restylane® Silk are the dermal fillers offered by Steele Creek Dermatology. Juvederm® is a gel typically used to treat three kinds of wrinkles or folds: marionette lines, smile lines, and vertical lines. It works by temporarily replenishing the hyaluronic acid in the skin. Juvederm® is also infused with an anesthetic called Lidocaine that reduces the discomfort caused by the injections during and after the treatment.

Restylane® Silk is a clear gel made with hyaluronic acid. It is used to treat wrinkles around the mouth and make the lips plumper.

Chemical Peels

In a chemical peel, the dermatologist will use a chemical solution to remove damaged skin layers. The procedure is used to treat skin on the face, neck or hands that have become discolored, scarred or wrinkled. It can treat conditions related to age, sun damage or acne. The chemicals used in a peel can include Alpha hydroxy acids, phenol, and trichloroacetic acid.

A light chemical peel uses the mildest combination of chemicals to remove the epidermis or outermost layer of skin in an exfoliation. It can be used to treat dryness, uneven coloring, acne and fine wrinkles. The treatment can be repeated weekly for up to six times.

A medium peel removes the epidermis and middle layer of the skin. It is used to treat deep wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. The procedure may cause the patient’s skin to turn red or brown, and it can take up to six weeks for the patient’s skin to return to normal.

A deep chemical peel is the most extreme treatment and uses the strongest combination of chemicals. While its effects can last up to ten years, it has a longer recovery period and is apt to be more painful than milder chemical peels. Its side effects will also last longer. Patients may have peeling skin for several days and swelling for two weeks. The treated skin may also be reddened for up to three months.

All these treatments are good for skin that has been damaged by the sun. Not all treatments are for everyone so it is best to speak with a specialist to figure out which one could work for you. Contact us at Steele Creek Dermatology today to schedule a consultation.