Over time, excessive UV exposure leads to collagen breakdown, hyperpigmentation, and premature signs of aging. At The Laser Cafe, we offer skin correction options that treat specific skin concerns, including sun damage. Lasers and injectables are popular treatments for sun damage, but they don’t work for everyone. This blog explores lasers and injectables and gives you the information you need to choose the right treatment.

What Does Sun Damage Do To The Skin?

Regular, prolonged sun exposure without protection can do more damage than temporary burns. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, destroying the collagen and elastin that keep skin plump and firm. Sun damage can lead to sagging, wrinkles, and rough skin texture. Hyperpigmentation is common because UV damage triggers excess production of melanin, resulting in age spots, freckles, and melasma.

In addition, UV exposure can cause blood vessel dilation, which causes redness and broken capillaries. Fine lines gradually develop into deep wrinkles and severe dermal damage if left untreated. We provide several anti-aging treatments at our med spa that are designed to treat sun damage and create a smoother, brighter complexion without invasive surgery.

How Do Laser Treatments Treat Sun Damage?

Cosmetic laser treatments deliver precise energy pulses to problem areas, creating microscopic injuries. These injuries trigger the body’s natural healing mechanism, increasing cellular turnover. As new cells are created, the damaged, pigmented cells break down until they can be absorbed by the body. Laser treatments also kickstart collagen remodeling, which smoothes skin texture and fades pigmentation over multiple sessions.

We offer two laser-based pigmentation solutions: LaseMD and Erbium 1540. Both lasers are non-ablative, so they do not damage the outer layer of the skin. Modern laser technology is very precise and can be used to target even the smallest imperfections. Designed to target pigmentation and wrinkles caused by sun damage, LaseMD and Erbium lasers provide visible improvement within a few weeks.

How Can Injectables Rejuvenate Sun-Damaged Skin?

Injectables offer sun damage treatment approached from a different angle. Using Botox and dermal fillers, we can erase early signs of aging like fine lines and sagging skin. Years of UV damage make the skin thinner and cause volume loss in the cheeks and under the eyes. Neurotoxin injections like Botox relax muscles in the face to soften expression lines that are exacerbated by sun exposure.

Dermal fillers replenish hyaluronic acid (HA), which occurs naturally in the body to retain moisture for skin hydration. Sun damage depletes HA levels, leading to dehydrated skin that loses its plump, smooth appearance. Dermal fillers reverse hydration loss by introducing new HA and filling in hollow areas like nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and under-eye hollows. Fillers also improve skin elasticity and provide a youthful glow.

What Are The Differences Between Lasers and Injectables for Treating Sun Damage?

Deciding between lasers and injectables boils down to personal preference and your specific sun damage. Lasers are ideal for treating epidermal issues such as hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and textural irregularities. Laser treatments address skin concerns on a cellular level, resolving the root cause of the issue without harming the surface of the skin. If your main concern is dark patches, redness, or roughness, lasers may be best.

Injectables, on the other hand, are ideal for treating dermal issues like wrinkles and hollow skin. Botox and dermal fillers don’t erase spots; they fill the gaps created by sun damage. If you are worried about rapidly thinning skin and are developing a gaunt appearance, dermal fillers may provide the best results. For patients whose main concern is wrinkles, Botox is a reliable option that has been used to reverse the signs of aging and sun damage for decades.

Many of our clients have multiple skin concerns that often include sunspots, wrinkles, and hollowness simultaneously. In such cases, we recommend a multi-pronged approach that starts with lasers for resurfacing, Botox for expression lines, and dermal fillers for plumpness and hydration. We create custom treatment plans for each patient that factor in skin type, recovery time, and budget to meet their unique needs.

Restore Your Skin’s Natural Radiance

When we discuss laser resurfacing vs injectables, it’s important to understand that neither is better than the other. Different treatments achieve different outcomes, and using treatments that complement each other can boost their effectiveness and provide superior results. If you want to explore cosmetic treatments for sun damage, contact The Laser Cafe. Our qualified, passionate team members will answer any questions and guide you through the process.

Your first appointment will start with a consultation where we will review your medical history, skin sensitivities, and aesthetic goals. We must have a thorough picture of your past so we can keep you safe. After your treatments, your provider will walk you through the recovery process and suggest products that are perfectly suited to your skin type. Let us help you go from sun-damaged to sun-kissed!

‍