Too much fun in the sun: Noninvasive procedures to combat summer sun damage

While the summer months promise plenty of warmth, sunshine and time to spend with friends and family, one unfortunate side effect is the potential for skin damage. As we spend more time in the great outdoors and the sunlight is at its brightest, our skin is more exposed to potential harm because of UV rays. You still run the risk of sunburn, melanoma and other skin conditions even if you're wearing sun protection and lathering on the SPF.

As the summer comes to a close, it's time to start thinking about prepping the skin for the fall season ahead, which includes countering the damage that we may have experienced from the summer sunlight. Those interested in renewing and rejuvenating the skin without the worry of any significant downtime should consider noninvasive skin procedures. Fortunately, there are plenty of nonsurgical solutions for dry and damaged summer skin.

To get more insight into combating summer sun damage and the world of noninvasive treatments, we spoke with ASPS Member Surgeon Karen Horton, MD, MSc, FACS, and her aesthetic nurse practitioner Emily Sespaniak, NP.

A closer look at popular procedures

Just because the summer sun is out doesn't mean that you need to hit pause on any treatments to keep your skin at its healthiest. In fact, many patients undergo ongoing noninvasive treatment, even during the summer months.

"During the summer, we definitely receive lots of requests for treatment of hyperpigmentation such as melasma and other visible signs of sun damage," said Dr. Horton. "Surgical scars also can become darker with exposure to the sun, particularly in patients with more melanin, the skin's natural pigment."

Patients may be tempted to jump straight into planning for their next treatment, but it's important to take a step back and consider their unique needs and specific concerns that they want to target.

"Treatment options depend on the patient's skin type and specific concerns," said Sespaniak. "We love intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments for lighter skin tones. IPL targets brown and red pigment in skin, so it addresses everything from sunspots and hyperpigmentation to rosacea and broken capillaries. It is important for patients to minimize prolonged sun exposure while undergoing this treatment, which is typically done in a series of three to four treatments, so it is truly a fall or winter treatment."

We may be eager to take the plunge right into procedures during the summer, and there are options that do work effectively during the summer, sometimes it really is better to wait until the sunshine isn't quite as intense.

"It's often best to wait until the fall to address these skin concerns so as not to undo any progress seen with treatment," said Sespaniak. "Even a few minutes of sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation to worsen. Many of the treatment options for sun damage require that patients stay out of the sun completely during recovery."

So, which procedures should be saved for later in the year?

"The IPL treatment is one that requires patients staying out of the sun for optimal results," said Dr. Horton. "In reality, most laser- or energy-based devices are best saved for fall and winter when the skin is less exposed to prolonged sun."

Another important noninvasive treatment option is to combine an in-office procedure with medical grade or prescription skincare.

"We also like the Clear + Brilliant laser treatment in combination with medical-grade skincare and/or prescription-strength topical skincare products to address hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones," said Dr. Horton. "Depending on the type of skin concern, we recommend an individualized specific skincare regimen that will treat the issue without the need for a procedure. This may include a pigment-suppressing ingredient such as hydroquinone or a prescription retinoid."

Tips to keep your skin healthy and radiant

Noninvasive treatments are a great solution to combating summer sun damage, but there are other steps that you can take to keep your skin healthy, radiant and glowing all year long.

We've all heard lectures on the benefits of SPF, but do you actually use it correctly? This crucial element of our daily skincare routines is the number one contributing factor to the appearance and health of our skin as we age, with sun-damaged skin aging more quickly.

"Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! Look for a sunblock product with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, meaning the product filters out both the aging rays and burning rays, preferably SPF 50," said Sespaniak. "Physical sunblocks that contain titanium or zinc are more effective than chemical sunblocks. It is important to apply sunscreen to all sun-exposed areas of skin, including the ears, scalp if hair is thinning, the neck and decollete area and the back of the hands. Remember to reapply sunblock every two hours when outdoors or after being in the water."

You also can always add extra layers of skin protection if you're spending more time than usual outside and are worried about potential sunburn or damage.

"We remind patients to wear hats, sunglasses and sun-protective protective clothing whenever possible, remembering that UV rays can penetrate through clothing and fresh surgical scars can darken even through swimsuits," said Dr. Horton.

Another method of rejuvenating the skin and maintaining its health is to ensure that you are using the proper skincare. Discuss your options with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is an ASPS member or skincare professional to determine what you need to make the most of your routine.

"Other skincare products to consider include an antioxidant serum like vitamin C, applied daily before sunscreen, and a retinol product – preferably prescription-strength, if tolerated – at nighttime before bed to boost collagen production in the skin," said Sespaniak.

It may feel like it's too late in life to start good skincare and sun protection practices, but both can benefit you at any age, no matter what the state of your skin.

"The time to implement daily sun protection and good skincare practices is now, even if a patient already has a lot of sun damage or has had skin cancer previously," said Dr. Horton. "Consider a consultation with a skincare professional at a board-certified plastic surgeon's office to explore your options. Remember that without safe sun habits, you will not receive the full benefits of the skin rejuvenation treatments you are seeking."

In the fight against summer sun damage, there are plenty of tools available that can help refresh and rejuvenate the skin following the summer months, including laser skin treatments and prescription-strength skincare. Remember, by employing adequate sun protection and a proper skincare routine, you can effectively work to reduce and block any potential damage to the skin.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.