Sun Damage Treatment in Coral Gables, Florida

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What are the symptoms of skin damage?

If you notice any of the following symptoms of skin damage, contact our dermatology office in Florida for a full evaluation and recommended skin rejuvenation options:

• Freckles
• Wrinkles, especially around the eyes, and on the face, neck, or shoulders
• Sun spots
• Age spots
• Discolored patches of skin
• Changes in skin tone
• Sunburn or redness
• Lip lines or wrinkles

What is the best treatment for sun damaged skin?

Because everyone’s skin is unique and each patient may have a different level of sun damage to their skin, the best way to decide which treatment option is right for you is to visit your dermatologist and ask. Dr. Francisco Kerdel and Dr. Frank Don are specially-trained to evaluate your unique skin type, observe the extent of your sun damage, and recommend the best option for your skin. No two skin types are exactly alike, so there is no one-size-fits-all sun damage treatment regimen. Some of the most popular sun damaged skin treatment options include:

• Laser therapy
• Microdermabrasion
• Chemical peels
• Retinol creams
• Photofacial laser treatment
• Hydration and moisturizing treatments

Can sun damage be reversed?

The term sun damage refers to areas of your skin that have suffered damage due to overexposure of UV rays. When you go outside on a sunny day, your skin is immediately exposed to UV rays unless you are wearing proper protective gear. Some UV exposure won’t harm your skin, but over time, excessive UV ray exposure will result in uneven skin tone, sun spots, and cosmetic concerns with your skin. This is especially true in areas of your skin that are more sensitive.

There are some treatment options that are available that can help reverse some of the sun’s damage to the skin. However, depending on the severity and extent of your skin’s damage, you may or may not be able to completely reverse this damage.

Is sun damaged skin permanent?

In many cases, sun damage can be reversed or reduced with treatment from a certified dermatologist. Some of the treatment options that are available for sun damage include:

• Chemical peels
• Microdermabrasion
• Laser skin therapy
• Prescription medications
• Cryotherapy

Speak with a trusted dermatologist about your skin concerns and to determine which treatment would be the most beneficial for you.

What should I do after sun exposure?

The most important part of preventing sun damage to your skin happens before you are exposed to the sun, not after. Whenever possible, put on the correct protective gear, like hats, shoulder coverings, and of course, sunblock with an appropriate SPF level for your skin type. However, if you have already been exposed to the sun, there are several things you can do to help limit the extent of damage to your skin. These include:

• Cooling the skin off by taking a cool shower
• Moisturizing the skin as soon as possible
• Applying aloe cooling gel to the exposed area (even if no sunburn has shown yet)
• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding rubbing the skin (such as with exfoliants or rough clothing fabrics)

Can sun spots be removed by a dermatologist?

Sun spots and age spots can both be removed using a common procedure called cryotherapy. During this procedure, Dr. Kerdel or Dr. Don freezes some of the skin’s outer layer, which triggers new cell growth. These new skin cells usually appear lighter than the old, lessening the appearance of age spots and sun spots. One of our Coral Gables dermatologists may also be able to recommend other topical creams for lightening a darker area of the skin.

How do you heal damaged skin?

Here are some helpful tips for keeping your skin healthy and reversing the signs of sun damage:

1. Use sunblock as much as possible (at least 15 SPF or higher)
2. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day as recommended for your age and size
3. Visit your dermatologist at the Florida Academic Dermatology Center for routine exams and whenever you have a skin concern
4. Use moisturizers daily
5. Use an exfoliating body and facial scrub

Can age spots become cancerous?

Age spots or sun spots are very common in people–especially those who spend a great deal of time outside in the sunlight. Many age spots are harmless and do not require medical treatment unless a person is unhappy with the way the spot looks. However, some spots that change or grow larger over time may be cancerous. Always consult with your dermatologist if you have any suspicions about a skin spot or if you notice any of these signs that your age spot is cancerous:

• Rapid increase in the size of an age spot
• Unusual colors on an age spot
• Dark coloring on an age spot
• Irregular borders on an age spot
• Itchy, burning, or red sun spot

Call Today For Your Sun Damage Consultation in Coral Gables, FL!

If you are experiencing symptoms of sun damage, visit the Florida Academic Dermatology Center, a dermatology and research clinic dedicated to offering the best sun damage treatment options. Our state-of-the-art facility provides compassionate medical care using world-class, cutting-edge treatments. Call our experienced dermatologists today at (305) 324-2110 or fill out the form on this page to request an appointment.