The official classifcation of damage caused by the sun is referred to as epidermal pigmented lesions, which describes various skin changes in which there are increased melanin in the epidermis of the skin.
One specific lesion is called a lentigines. Solar Lentigines are small, well-circumscribed, pigmented macules that are characterized by melanocyte proliferation in the basal layer of the epidermis. In layman's terms, these are often referred to as aging spots or liver spots.
Do you know the medical term for freckles? Ephelides is the answer. Anyone with freckles will tell you the sun will indeed make freckles come out. Freckles are small, light brown macules that develop in areas of sun-exposed skin. Histopathologically, these lesions demonstrate increased epidermal melanin. The number of melanocytes is normal.
Another common condition made worse by the sun is melasma. Melasma is a common, acquired disorder that usually presents with symmetric hyperpigmented patches on the face.
All of the above mentioned lesions (solar lentigines, freckles, melasma) can be treated with various types of lasers or IPL(intense pulsed light) devices. Laser treatments can clear such a condition of solar lentigines in two to three treatments, with rare reoccurrence. However, partially resolved solar lentigines may darken with subsequent exposure to UV sunlight, and new ones can develop in the area of damaged skin.. Also, post laser treatment hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the treated skin can occur.
Specifically, for laser treatment of melasma, multiple laser modalities have been studied and used for melasma, but treatment results are highly variable and recurrence after treatment is common. Worsening of hyperpigmentation or mottled hypopigmentation may also occur as a result of laser therapy.
In the laser school I attended, I learned that laser treatment really should be avoided if the individual getting treatments plans to continue sun exposure into the Fall and Winter. In fact, one laser instructor taught me that her mentor dermatologist (that she had worked with for years) did not even bother doing laser for sun damage in the summer months, as the laser results would be easily reversed or even look darker if the patient got in the sun.
With laser treatments, there is some down time after the treatment, meaning you cannot go out in the sun for several weeks. And laser treatments are usually done every 4 weeks, so multiple trips to the Doctor should be anticipated. The cost of laser can be quite expensive. Laser equipment technology is a quickly evolving field, and last year's laser model can be obsolete before you know it. The operator must be adequately trained and the laser machines must be adequately maintained for the safety of the patient.
Due to all of these reasons and complexity of laser treatments, I chose not to pursue a laser med spa business, and instead I use, endorse and sell Rodan and Fields Premium skin care products. Drs. Rodan and Fields have 2 main products to reverse sun damage. One regimen is called REVERSE and the other is REVERSE Accelerator pack.
Reverse Regimen is an effective full face solution that tackles the dullness, uneven skin tone, brown spots and other cumulative telltale signs associated with sun exposure. It combines cosmetic and active ingredients to exfoliate dulling dead skin, address the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and protect against further UV damage providing a long term solution for a radiant complexion. The regimen contains an exfoliating wash, an intensive brightening toner as step 2, a dual active brightening complex as step 3, and broad spectrum SPF 50+sunscreen as step 4. This regimen can be used with the Amp MD Roller to greatly improve your results. Ninety-two percent of participants in third party studies (meaning studies performed by independent dermatologists) achieved improved brightness and smoother texture in 8 weeks of consistent use of the Reverse regimen. Although my main regimen is Redefine, I use Step 3 of the Reverse regimen, which is a combo of Retinol and Vitamin C, to brighten my skin.
The second product by Rodan + Fields is the Reverse Accelerator pack. It was formulated by the Doctors to use for fading especially dark marks and patches, including melasma. It features the tried and true over the counter medicine, hydroquinone in the toner as step 2 followed by step 3 skin lightening treatment. It was designed to jumpstart the restoration of your bright, even toned complexion. It is recommended to be used for ONE 60-day treatment cycle, along with Reverse wash step 1 and Reverse sunscreen step 4. It should not be used with Amp MD Roller, and again the Reverse Accelerator pack is not for extended use.
Please Message me with questions about sun damage or on how to order from me to get started on these clinically tested and proven products.
Here's to good health and much happiness,
Dr. Younger You :)