Sun Damage - Recognize, Treat, Reverse

As an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner, one of the most common concerns I see in patients is sun

damage—often without them even realizing it. Understanding the signs of sun damage is

essential to protect, prevent, and reverse its effects.

Signs of Sun Damage

A few common signs of sun damage consist of:

• Uneven Skin Tone and Pigmentation:

  This includes brown spots, freckles, and areas of hyperpigmentation. Inflamed skin can become hyper-pigmented, and a frequent cause of such skin inflammation is sun exposure. This is often the first sign of UV damage. These spots usually appear on the face, chest, and hands. A permanently red, often spotty appearance on the lateral sides of the neck and central chest is a condition called poikiloderma. This condition is caused by extensive periods of exposure to UV light.

  
  

• Redness and Capillaries:

  Red, spidery veins around your nose and cheeks can be caused by prolonged exposure to UV light. This results in persistent redness and uneven tone. Elastin fibers normally hold the blood vessels taut, but when those fibers are broken down by sun exposure, they are unable to support the vessels. The blood vessels then become enlarged and become visible.

  
  

• Rough Texture, Dry Patches, and Wrinkles:

  If your skin feels rough or looks dull, chronic UV exposure may be to blame. Sun damage can compromise the skin’s barrier, leading to dehydration and flakiness. Sun exposure causes a breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin, accelerating the aging process and causing fine lines.

  
  

• Actinic Keratosis (Precancerous Lesions):

  These are rough, scaly patches that don’t go away and can feel tender. They are often a warning sign of potential skin cancer and should be evaluated by dermatologist.

  
  

Reversing Sun Damage and How Northeast Dermatology Can Help

• Daily sunscreen, all year long. This will help prevent future skin damage and potential skin cancers

• Yearly skin checks. One of the most important things you can do for your skin is to

  schedule an annual skin check. Even if your skin looks fine to you, professionals track

  the size, shape, and color of moles or spots over time. Dermatologists provide tailored

  advice on sun protection, skincare routines, and how to monitor your skin between

  visits—especially if you’re at higher risk due to family history, fair skin, or a history of

  sunburns or tanning bed use.

• Laser and Light Treatments. At Northeast Dermatology we have the capability to

  cosmetically treat the signs of sun damage listed above. Our BBL and moxi treatments

  are some of the quickest and most effective options to reverse signs of sun damage,

  including pigmentation, poikiloderma, capillaries, and texture.

• Medical Grade Skincare. Along with daily sunscreen, establishing an effective skin care

  routine can help improve the appearance of sun damage. Certain products contain active

  ingredients that target sun spots, rough texture, or early signs of aging. Many patients see

  noticeable improvements within 6–12 weeks of consistent use.

The Bottom Line:

Everyone has a certain degree of sun damage, and you can’t erase years of damage overnight.

However, it is never too late to start taking care of your skin. Contact our office to set up your

yearly skin exam or a cosmetic consultation!