Despite our best efforts, intentions, and wide-brimmed hats, sun damage happens. It’s a natural side effect of a summer well spent, but the long-term downsides (photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer) should be taken seriously. The good news is that a variety of products, tools, and treatments could reverse the work of harmful UV rays, answering the all-important question: how to repair sun-damaged skin.
After months of long summer days spent outdoors, we tapped three board-certified dermatologists—Seattle-based dermatologist and founder of Doctor Rogers Restore, Dr. Heather Rogers; Dr. Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce of Austin’s Westlake Dermatology; and Dr. Bruce Katz, director of NYC-based JUVA Skin and Laser Center—to learn how to repair and prevent sun-damaged skin...
Lasers, which are highly customizable, work well for all kinds of skin types. “Lasers can correct the skin by targeting deep sunspots, removing dead skin cells, or creating microscopic wounds in the skin, which gives a signal to the body to focus on healing the area, resulting in more refreshed, youthful skin,” explains Dr. Katz who uses Evoke (a quick treatment with no downtime), Morpheus8 (for those with extensive sun damage), and the SmartXide Dot Co2 Laser (good for targeting specific areas) at his New York City-based clinic.
