Skin Sun Damage Treatments
Years of sun exposure don’t have to define your skin’s future. At Colorado Skin & Vein, our advanced laser and energy-based treatments reverse age spots, uneven tone, and texture damage—revealing the clear, radiant skin you remember.
Leading Medical Certifications
Sun Damaged Skin
How Does Sun Damage Develop?
Understanding how UV exposure changes your skin helps you recognize damage early and choose the most effective treatment approach.
- Pigment Goes Into Overdrive – UV rays signal your skin to produce extra pigment as protection, but this defense mechanism misfires—creating dark spots and uneven patches that don't fade on their own
- Skin's Structure Breaks Down – Sunlight weakens the proteins that keep skin firm and smooth, gradually causing loss of tightness, fine lines, and rough texture.
- Cells Get Damaged – UV energy alters skin cells at their core, leading to abnormal changes, precancerous spots, and a weakened protective barrier over time.
- Inflammation Becomes Constant – Repeated sun exposure keeps skin in a state of low-level irritation that speeds aging, slows healing, and makes discoloration worse.
- Damage Adds Up Silently – Unlike obvious sunburns, sun damage accumulates invisibly over years—visible signs appear gradually as your skin's natural repair system becomes overwhelmed.
Treatments for Sun Damage
Sun damage responds differently depending on depth, severity, and skin type. After comprehensive assessment, we design personalized treatment plans combining proven technologies for optimal, natural-looking results.
IPL / BBL Photofacial
Target multiple pigment concerns in one treatment using broad-spectrum light energy that breaks down melanin clusters, eliminates age spots, and evens skin tone—with minimal downtime and visible improvement within one week.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Transform severely sun-damaged skin with fractional CO₂ laser technology that removes damaged surface layers, erases stubborn hyperpigmentation, and stimulates deep collagen renewal for comprehensive rejuvenation.
Pigment Reduction Laser Treatments
Precision laser wavelengths selectively target and shatter concentrated melanin deposits in age spots and sun damage, allowing your body to naturally clear darkened pigment and reveal clearer, more even-toned skin.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Address sun damage at the cellular level using light-activated medication that selectively destroys precancerous lesions and damaged cells while improving overall skin health, texture, and tone.
Laser Facials (Laser Genesis)
Gentle, non-invasive laser treatment with zero downtime gradually reduces redness, evens skin tone, improves texture, and stimulates collagen production—ideal for mild to moderate sun damage and ongoing maintenance.
Have Questions About Sun Damage? Ask Ava
Wondering which treatment is right for your age spots, how long results last, or whether your skin type is a good candidate? Ava, our intelligent skin health assistant, provides instant, personalized answers about sun damage causes, treatment options, and recovery—anytime, day or night.
Our Team
20+ Years of Aesthetics Excellence
The team at Colorado Skin & Vein, led by David Verebelyi, MD, RVT, and Christina Jordan, FNP, CANS, has been treating vein conditions for over two decades, earning a reputation as leaders in advanced aesthetics, vascular, and laser medicine.
Dr. David Verebelyi serves as Chief of Laser Surgery at Colorado Skin & Vein, bringing over 20 years of specialized experience in venous care and minimally invasive vein treatments.
- Double board-certified physician
- Registered Vascular Technician with advanced diagnostic imaging expertise
- Fellow & Instructor, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
- Personally performs all vein procedures using state-of-the-art technology
- Holds honors MD and B.S. in Science & Psychology
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Skin Sun Damage Treatments
Can sun damage be reversed?
While you cannot erase every cellular change, advanced laser and energy-based treatments significantly improve age spots, uneven tone, texture, and collagen loss—often taking years off your skin’s appearance with proper treatment and maintenance.
How long does it take to see results from sun damage treatments?
IPL photofacials show visible improvement within one week. Laser resurfacing delivers dramatic changes in 2-4 weeks. Gentler treatments like Laser Genesis require 4-6 sessions for optimal results. Your provider will set realistic timelines during consultation.
Which treatment is best for age spots?
IPL photofacials and pigment-targeting lasers excel at eliminating age spots. Your ideal treatment depends on spot depth, skin type, and downtime tolerance. We evaluate these factors during your diagnostic consultation.
Is there downtime after sun damage treatment?
Downtime varies by treatment intensity. IPL and Laser Genesis have minimal to no downtime. Fractional CO₂ laser involves 5-10 days of redness and peeling. We match treatment aggressiveness to your schedule and comfort level.
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients see significant improvement in 1-3 IPL sessions or 3-5 Laser Genesis treatments. Severe damage may require a series plus combination protocols. Your personalized plan outlines expected session count and spacing.
Do sun damage treatments hurt?
Most treatments cause brief warming or tingling sensations. IPL feels like a rubber band snap. We use topical numbing, cooling devices, and gentle technique to maximize comfort. Discomfort is temporary and well-tolerated.
How much do sun damage treatments cost?
Costs vary by treatment type, session count, and area size. IPL photofacials typically range per session; laser resurfacing per treatment area. We provide transparent pricing and customized plans during your consultation.
How do I maintain results after treatment?
Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen is non-negotiable. Medical-grade skincare, antioxidants, and periodic maintenance treatments preserve improvements. We provide detailed aftercare protocols and product recommendations.
What's the difference between IPL and laser treatments?
IPL uses broad-spectrum light targeting multiple concerns simultaneously with minimal downtime. Lasers use single wavelengths for deeper, more precise treatment with potentially more dramatic results but increased recovery time.
Can sun damage treatments prevent skin cancer?
Photodynamic Therapy treats precancerous actinic keratoses, reducing skin cancer risk. Other treatments improve cosmetic damage but don’t prevent cancer. We recommend annual skin cancer screenings alongside aesthetic treatments.
Denver's Aesthetic Experts
For over 20 years, Denver-area patients have trusted us for exceptional aesthetic results. Our combination of board-certified medical expertise, advanced laser technology, and personalized care delivers transformations that look natural and feel authentic.
