As a child, we were often told to apply sunblock on our face to prevent ourselves from getting sunburned. There may have been several instances where we did not listen to this advice and now maybe regret it. With summer in full swing and the sun shining down its warmth, light, and much-needed vitamin D, it is important to protect our skin from the harmful rays. Sunlight, while good, transmits ultraviolet (UV) radiation that, if overexposed to it, can cause the condition of our skin to develop wrinkles, age spots, lines, and even skin cancer. Dr. Diamond specializes in skin care and provides several resurfacing treatments to rejuvenate your skin after sun damage.
Why Should You Protect Your Face?
While summer is known as the hottest and sunniest time of year, it should not be the only time to protect your skin. Whether it is bright out or partly cloudy, the sun can cause damage to your skin all year round if not cared for properly. Other factors, such as alcohol consumption or smoking, can also have a significant impact on skin health that causes moderate to severe facial damage. Patients struggling from severe sun damage and would like to rejuvenate their face have the option of choosing a TCA acid peel or phenol skin peel to help restore their skin.
TCA Acid Peel
A TCA acid peel, also known as a medium chemical peel, uses trichloroacetic acid to treat surface wrinkles, blemishes, and pigmentation irregularities caused by sun exposure. It removes skin cells from the outermost layer of skin (epidermis) and part of the second layer (dermis). During your treatment, you may experience a burning sensation as the solution sits for a few minutes after it is brushed onto your face. The solution is then neutralized, and your skin may be red for the first few days following your procedure. The outer layer of skin will begin to shed and can last up to one week before revealing the fresh new layer of skin. You will also notice that the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes have reduced drastically. Be sure to avoid the sun as much as possible after your treatment and apply sunblock daily for the next few months to protect the new skin.
Phenol Skin Peel
Phenol skin peels, or deep chemical peels, can treat more severe facial conditions, such as scars, sun damage, and pre-cancerous growths. It addresses the lower dermal layer of the skin and requires a pre-treatment. Local anesthesia or a sedative will also be administered to ease discomfort during your treatment. Because phenol skin peels are more intense than a TCA acid peel, your recovery time can last up to a few months.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses highly advanced technology that will rejuvenate your skin through a broad spectrum of light waves. This treatment can address several facial imperfections, including sun damage, sunspots, acne, wrinkles, pigmentation irregularities, and even unwanted hair. The IPL device will emit waves of light energy to your face, improving your skin while also stimulating the production of collagen.
Clear and Brilliant
Clear and brilliant is a non-invasive laser treatment aimed to treat early signs of aging and skin damage for a more smooth and youthful complexion. The laser energy will create millions of microscopic treatment zones to stimulate collagen production in the skin and restore facial tissue. Clear and brilliant is safe on all skin types and can address the following issues:
- Sun damage
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Uneven skin tone
- Rough skin texture
- Large pores.
If you would like to learn more about our skin peels or other facial resurfacing treatment options, please call Dr. Diamond’s office at 310-859-9816 to set up a consultation today.