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Now that summer is over, you may have noticed changes in the tone and texture of your skin. Sun spots, wrinkles, melasma, and dry spots are all signs of sun damage.

Signs of sun damage can be treated with skin care products and in-office treatments. Fall and winter are ideal for treating sun damage, especially in Tennessee. Sun exposure should be avoided when treating sun damage.

Prevent sun damage

Repairing sun damage is futile without daily protection from the sun’s damaging rays.
At Tennessee Telederm, we recommend:

  • Application of moisturizer with SPF 30+ every day, regardless of season or weather. Apply to face, neck, & chest.
  • Sunglasses as often as able.
  • Wear a hat when outdoors for extended periods of time.

Morning application of an anti-oxidant serum has also been shown to minimize the effects of free radicals that assault the skin all day long.

In-office treatment

In-office treatments for sun damage are safe, effective, and offer the fastest results. Procedures for sun damage are customized to address the specific signs of sun damage like sun spots or fine lines.

  • Chemical Peels
  • Laser resurfacing

Chemical peels are suitable for all skin tones and most skin types. They range in depth, cost, and downtime so be sure to talk to your dermatology provider. They are easily performed over a lunch hour and are generally well-tolerated.

Laser therapy, like chemical peels, is available for all skin tones and skin types. Significant advancements in laser therapy over the past decade mean laser treatments are more targeted and widely available.

More than one in-office treatment may be recommended for sun damage.

Skin care for sun damage

In addition to in-office treatments, your dermatologist can recommend skin care for sun damage. Certain products can rejuvenate the skin, which may reduce the appearance of wrinkles, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and dryness. Your dermatology provider can tell you which ingredients to look for over the counter or write a prescription.
Some individuals with sun damaged skin will benefit from retinoids. These products speed up cellular turnover, which can reduce the appearance of shallow wrinkles and sun spots. Certain acids, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), can remove outer skin cells to improve skin texture and even out skin tone. Your dermatologist may also recommend a skin-lightening cream to fade sun spots.

Ingredients used in skin care for sun damage include;

  • Anti-oxidants like Green tea, Vitamin C, and Resveratrol
  • Retinol or Retinoid (Adapalene)
  • Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
  • Hydroquinone

Prescription strength products often combine these ingredients into a single cream.

Remember to always discuss your skin needs with a dermatology provider before starting a skin care regimen. They will tell you which products are safe to use together, as well as which can increase skin sensitivity.


If you’re interested in treatment for sun damage or skin care for sun damage, Tennessee TeleDerm is here to help. Book a convenient telehealth appointment online at tntelederm.com. We treat patients throughout Tennessee, including Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville, and Clarksville.

Have questions or comments, or want to book an appointment?

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