Sun exposure can leave long-lasting marks, brown spots, age spots, uneven skin tone, and rough texture that make the skin look older than it is. Thankfully, modern laser treatment options offer an effective way to reverse sun damage and rejuvenate the skin. This guide breaks down the best laser treatment for sun damage, explores downtime expectations, and compares laser therapy with other sun damage treatment options so you can choose the best path to achieve the best results for your skin type.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Best for
Mild to moderate sun damage and early signs of aging like freckles or small sun spots.
Downtime
Minimal, expect slight redness for 24 to 48 hours.
IPL treatment is a go-to for patients frequently exposed to the sun who want to reverse the appearance of sun damage without invasive procedures. While not technically a laser, IPL uses broad-spectrum light to target pigmentation and improve skin texture. It treats sun damage by removing brown spots and improving uneven skin tone across various skin types.
The pros include minimal recovery time and visible improvement after just a few sessions. However, multiple treatments are needed for optimal results, and those with darker skin tones should proceed cautiously to avoid hyperpigmentation. Learn more about how IPL compares to resurfacing techniques in this Chemical peel vs laser guide.
Fraxel Laser
Best for
Moderate to extensive sun damage, fine lines, and texture improvement.
Downtime
Around 3 to 5 days of redness and peeling.
Long-term benefit
Continuous collagen stimulation for months.
Fraxel laser treatment, also known as fractional laser therapy, penetrates the deeper layers of the skin to trigger regeneration while leaving the surface mostly intact. The fraxel laser promotes long-term collagen growth, improving skin texture and reducing age spots and sun spots.
Following Fraxel laser sessions, patients should avoid sun exposure and practice strict sun protection to maintain their results. The treatment is one of the most effective options for sun damage because it repairs the deeper layers of the skin while enhancing overall skin rejuvenation. The fraxel laser treatment also benefits those with sun-damaged skin on the face, chest, and hands.
The downside? Fraxel laser therapy requires several sessions to see dramatic results. Still, the treatment for your skin type can be tailored to minimize downtime and maximize safety.
CO2 Laser
Best for
Deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, and thickened or rough skin.
Downtime
Between one to two weeks of healing.
Considerations for skin type
Best suited for lighter complexions, as it may cause pigmentation changes in darker skin tones.
Ablative laser resurfacing, such as CO2 laser treatment, removes the top layer of skin, allowing new skin cells to form. It’s highly effective for extensive sun damage and deeper forms of sun exposure that lead to visible skin damage.
CO2 lasers deliver the best results for patients dealing with wrinkles, liver spots, and the appearance of sun damage. Because this type of laser treatment works on the deeper layers of the skin, it’s crucial to follow your provider’s aftercare instructions, including applying a cream to the treatment area and avoiding much sun exposure post-procedure.
Although ablative lasers provide dramatic improvements in skin texture and tone, they come with longer downtime and a higher risk for irritation if you have sensitive skin.
PicoSure or PicoWay
Best for
Pigmentation and sun spots on all skin tones.
Good for darker skin tones
Yes, these non-ablative laser systems are safe and gentle.
Downtime
None to minimal.
PicoSure and PicoWay use ultra-short laser pulses to break up pigment beneath the surface without damaging the surrounding tissue. This laser treatment for sun damage is especially beneficial for darker skin tones and those with sensitive skin.
While it’s a gentler form of sun damage treatment, multiple sessions are often required. Still, it’s one of the top laser choices for improving mild to moderate sun damage, age spots, and brown spots while preserving the integrity of your skin cells.
Laser vs. Other Sun Damage Treatments
While laser therapy remains the most effective treatment option for long-term results, it’s not the only one. Depending on your skin concern and skin type, alternative treatments may complement or replace laser procedures.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels exfoliate the top layer of skin to reduce pigmentation, sun spots, and fine lines. They’re great for mild to moderate sun damage but don’t penetrate as deeply as lasers. Check out this Chemical peel vs laser breakdown for more on how they differ.
Microneedling
Microneedling uses small needles to stimulate collagen and improve the appearance of sun damage. While it enhances skin texture and skin rejuvenation, it’s better suited for mild discoloration than deeper sun damage.
Topicals
Retinoids, vitamin C, and hydroquinone creams can fade brown spots and improve uneven skin tone. For melasma-related pigmentation, explore these reads: Sun spots vs melasma, Freckles vs sun spots, and How to get rid of melasma.
Does a laser permanently remove sunspots?
Laser treatment can significantly reduce or even remove sun spots and age spots, but new pigmentation may appear with continued sun exposure. To ensure the best treatment results, always avoid sun exposure after your laser procedure and maintain consistent skin care habits.
Can you treat sun damage on the chest or hands?
Absolutely. Fraxel and IPL are excellent for these areas since they’re frequently exposed to the sun. Laser treatment for sun-damaged skin in these regions can also improve skin texture and tone while reducing visible dark spots and sun damage by removing damaged cells.
Is laser safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, especially non-ablative lasers like PicoSure, PicoWay, and gentle IPL systems. These options for sun damage treatments are designed for various skin types, minimizing irritation while delivering visible results.
When it comes to choosing the right laser treatment for your skin, consider the severity of sun damage, your skin type, and your lifestyle. The best laser treatment for sun damage depends on whether you’re seeking fast recovery, deeper rejuvenation, or correction for specific issues like age spots or uneven skin tone.
For those in Southern California, you can book an expert-led Laser treatment in San Diego at Avalon Laser to achieve the best results and avoid complications.
