As the temperatures begin to drop and that familiar fall feeling fills the air, you may be reminiscing about summer fun and…accumulated sun damage? You know what they say; fall is the season for sun damage repair.
If you had a little too much fun in the sun this summer, don’t panic. Our resident Medical Aesthetician & Skincare Specialist is an expert when it comes to the treatment and prevention of sun damage. Today, she’s agreed to take some time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions about sun damage, how to prevent it, and her favourite treatment for reversing the damage done.
1. First, what is sun damage?
The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) light that can damage your skin. Any amount of unprotected sun exposure puts you at risk for serious damage that’s responsible for up to 80% of your skin’s aging. This damage manifests in fine lines and wrinkles, skin discolouration, skin laxity, uneven tone, dullness and congestion, among other things.
2. How can we prevent sun damage?
You should wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater every single day, rain or shine, no exceptions. That means re-applying the product regularly to ensure you’re being fully protected!
3. What are some of your favourite products for sun protection?
I’m a big fan of ZO® Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30, which contains natural melanin, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide to protect the skin, but also smooths and primes skin for a more even makeup application. It’s my daily go-to! I’m also a big fan of products that contain Vitamin C to protect against environmental triggers, like Vivier® CE Peptides serum.
4. What treatment(s) do you recommend to target sun damage?
We offer a wide range of medical-grade skincare products that can help to treat the signs of sun damage and aging. We also provide safe and effective treatments that can help to reverse wrinkles, sun spots, and other damage done. Clinical peels, and laser facial treatments can be effective, but my favourite treatment for sun damage is Fotofacial RF.
5. How do Fotofacials work to treat sun damage?
Fotofacials use a combination of intense pulsed light (IPL) and radiofrequency (RF) technology to target pigmentation and signs of photoaging caused by sun damage. Pigmented cells and dilated vessels are targeted and ‘zapped’, and then naturally cleared away by the body.
6. How do I know if a Fotofacial is right for me?
If you’re wondering whether a Fotofacial is right for you, I encourage you to book a consultation with me! I’ll be able to accurately determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for this treatment, or whether another course of action might be better for you and your skin.
7. How many treatments will I need, and what results will I see?
I usually recommend a series of 3-6 treatments. Following your treatment(s) you’ll notice a more even and radiant skin tone, with a noticeable improvement in issues we’re targeting.
8. Does the treatment hurt?
The treatment itself is fairly comfortable and lasts only 20-45 minutes (depending what area you’re having treated). We may apply a topical anesthetic cream 30 minutes before your treatment, which can reduce discomfort.
9. What’s the recovery like?
After your treatment, you’ll probably experience some redness and swelling for the first 24 to 48 hours. You may also have some darkening of the treated pigmentation for about a week afterwards, as the targeted cells are pushed to the surface and sloughed away. You should wear SPF 30 – 60 broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and avoid sun exposure after the session to ensure a successful outcome.
10. How much does a Fotofacial cost?
The cost of a package of 3 Fotofacial treatments at Oakville Plastic Surgery is $900.
If you’re looking to stop sun damage in its tracks, schedule a complimentary consultation with us today.
