Are you wondering what to do about your aging, sun damaged skin? Aging and sun damage are closely related, because excess sun exposure is often responsible for early signs of aging. Laser therapy is considered a superb skin rejuvenation treatment, but can laser treatments help diminish signs of aging and sun damage.
Understanding skin aging and sun damage
Skin aging is often the result of a drop in levels of collagen and elastin, which leads to a decline in the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Laser therapy stimulates collagen production and promotes skin renewal.
Excess sun exposure can be hard on the skin, especially during the hot summer months. The UVA and UVB rays of the sun can damage the DNA of the skin cells and cause early signs of aging. Common signs of sun damage include wrinkles, uneven skin tone, rough texture, and sunspots.
Can laser treatments help diminish signs of aging and sun damage?
Yes, laser therapy is a popular solution for both aging and sun damage.
There are a range of laser technologies on the market, but it’s possible to diminish signs of aging and sun damage with the Fraxel Dual and the Fraxel CO2 lasers. Fraxel lasers improve the tone, texture, and quality of the skin. That’s why they are such an effective solution for skin imperfections such as wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and dullness.
Fraxel Dual skin resurfacing treatment for aging and sun damage
The Fraxel Dual is a revolutionary procedure that features two laser wavelengths that provide optimal skin rejuvenation.
The 1927nm wavelength treats superficial skin conditions such as
hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun freckles, and photodamage. Removing old skin cells encourages the regeneration of healthy, new skin cells. The 1550nm wavelength penetrates to the deeper layers of the skin and initiates collagen remodeling. It also corrects concerns such as wrinkles and acne scars.
How the Fraxel Dual works
The Fraxel Dual is a fractional laser, so it emits laser energy that creates thousands of microscopic channels in the skin that help promote collagen production. The Fraxel Dual laser only treats specific columns of the skin, and leaves the surrounding tissue intact. This helps to accelerate the skin’s natural repair process.
Depending on the area being treated, a single session with the Fraxel Dual can take 20-30 minutes to complete. Fraxel Dual skin resurfacing is relatively comfortable, as topical anesthesia is applied to the skin at the start of treatment.
It can take anywhere from 1-3 sessions to achieve the desired results. The effects of the Fraxel Dual laser typically last 10-12 months. The Fraxel Dual can be used on the face, hands, arms, and chest.
What to expect after treatment with the Fraxel Dual
There is generally some redness and peeling after treatment, but downtime is minimal, and ranges from 3-5 days. However, most patients are able to return to work the following day.
Ample sun protection is needed after treatment with the Fraxel Dual as the skin is very sensitive. It’s also important to avoid any harsh products or medication that can increase skin sensitivity.
The Fraxel Dual can treat aging and sun damage in a single treatment. It leaves the skin fresher, smoother, and healthier.
Fraxel CO2 or Fraxel Repair skin resurfacing treatment
The Fraxel CO2 is a fractional ablative laser treatment that can also diminish signs of aging and sun damage. The laser treats a variety of skin issues including wrinkles, fine lines, irregular texture, and pigmentation.
The Fraxel CO2 operates in a similar manner to the Fraxel Dual, but the Fraxel CO2 is a more aggressive treatment, and penetrates deeper into the dermal layer of the skin. This makes it suitable for more advanced cases of aging and sun damage.
Fraxel lasers are beneficial for reducing signs of aging and sun damage, because they regenerate skin cells, and therefore heal the skin from the inside out.
Would you like to learn more about laser treatments for aging and sun damage.
If you are in the Orange County area, contact Total Dermatology located in Irvine, CA for a consultation.
Call (949) 408-1982 today to set up a consultation with board certified dermatologist Dr. Nissan Pilest.