Sun Damage Treatments

September is the Ideal Time to Reverse Summer Sun Damage

Summer leaves its mark on skin long after the last day at the shore, and September is the ideal time to begin sun damage treatment. Freckles, brown spots or patches across the cheeks and chest, rough texture, and an overall dullness are all signs of the ultraviolet (UV) exposure the past few months delivered. These changes are common after a season of beach weekends, rooftop afternoons, and outdoor dining, and they improve significantly with the right care.

Starting sun damage treatment now addresses these changes early, while they are easiest to correct, and gives Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg the chance to identify any precancerous spots. Cooler weather and shorter days also make fall the simplest season to protect healing skin, and a plan that begins in September delivers a clear, glowing complexion in time for the holidays. Fall is also a natural time for a full skin check, since summer exposure makes new or changing spots easier to notice.

We offer several advanced sun damage treatment options at Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan, including Laser Genesis, microneedling with exosomes, and MiXto fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. Treatments can also be combined, such as Laser Genesis for redness and texture with MiXto for deeper spots and wrinkles, to address every sign of summer sun exposure. Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg match each patient with the sun damage treatment that best suits their skin, goals, and schedule.

How the Sun’s UV Rays Damage Skin

Sunlight contains two types of ultraviolet rays that affect the skin. UVB rays reach the outer layer of skin and cause sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the dermis, where they break down collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and smooth.

UV exposure also stimulates melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment, to make extra melanin, which is why freckles and brown spots darken over the summer. UVA rays are present year-round and pass through clouds and windows, so pigment builds gradually, and the long, bright days of summer add more exposure than any other season. Over time, UV rays can also damage the DNA in skin cells, which raises the risk of precancerous growths and skin cancer.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UV radiation causes about 90% of visible skin aging, including wrinkles, uneven tone, and loss of firmness. Because so much visible aging comes from the sun, sun damage treatment is one of the most effective ways to restore a smoother, brighter, more even complexion.

Every sun damage treatment at Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan is designed to rebuild collagen, even out pigment, or accomplish both at once. Our board certified dermatologists select the approach based on which layers of the skin need the most support. Lighter treatments refresh the surface, while deeper treatments rebuild collagen beneath it.

Types of Sun Damage

Sun damage appears in several forms. Freckles are small, flat brown spots that darken with sun exposure, while sunspots, also called solar lentigines or age spots, are larger brown spots that commonly form on the face, chest, shoulders, and hands. Sunspots are benign, and they respond especially well to sun damage treatment.

Melasma causes larger brown or gray-brown patches, usually across the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. Sun exposure and hormones both play a role in melasma, so it calls for a gentle and carefully planned sun damage treatment. Consistent sun protection and a long-term care plan help keep melasma under control.

Other signs of sun damage include rough texture, fine lines, broken blood vessels, and a dull, uneven tone. On the neck and chest, sun damage often appears as a mix of redness, brown discoloration, and crepey texture. Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches caused by years of sun exposure, and they are considered precancerous because some can progress to squamous cell carcinoma, which makes early evaluation and treatment important.

Manhattan board certified dermatologists Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg examine each patient’s skin carefully to identify every type of sun damage present. Some patients have one main concern, while others have several forms of sun damage at once. This careful evaluation allows them to recommend the sun damage treatment, or combination of treatments, that will deliver the clearest and healthiest result.

Laser Genesis Sun Damage Treatment

Laser Genesis is a non-ablative laser that uses 1064 nanometer light to warm the deeper layers of the skin without disrupting the surface. Laser Genesis can be used on the face, neck, and chest. This gentle heat stimulates the production of new collagen, which improves fine lines, rough texture, and enlarged pores over time.

Laser Genesis sun damage treatment is also effective for diffuse redness and an overall dull, uneven complexion. Skin typically looks brighter and more even after each session, and results build steadily over a series of treatments. Because Laser Genesis also stimulates collagen, it softens fine lines on the cheeks and around the eyes.

Each Laser Genesis session takes about 30 minutes, requires no numbing, and involves no downtime, so patients can return to work or social plans right away. Laser Genesis is suitable for every skin type, and the sensation during treatment is a gentle warmth. Most patients benefit from a series of sessions spaced a few weeks apart for the best results.

This is why Laser Genesis is a popular sun damage treatment at Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan, especially among patients seeking gradual, natural-looking improvement with no interruption to their routine. It also pairs well with other sun damage treatment options for patients who want to address several concerns at once.

Microneedling with Exosomes Sun Damage Treatment

Microneedling uses a device with fine, sterile needles to create tiny channels in the skin. These micro-channels activate the skin’s natural healing response, which boosts collagen and elastin production and improves texture, fine lines, and uneven tone. Microneedling is suitable for all skin types and is especially helpful for texture and fine lines on the cheeks, forehead, and neck.

Exosomes are tiny vesicles that cells release to carry proteins, lipids, and growth factors to other cells. When exosomes are applied during microneedling, the micro-channels allow them to reach the deeper layers of the skin, where they are designed to support repair, calm inflammation, and enhance the collagen-building effects of microneedling.

We use EXO|E, an advanced exosome system created to enhance microneedling results and support a faster recovery. Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan is one of the first and only practices in NYC to offer this new exosome skin rejuvenation treatment, which has quickly become one of the most exciting advances in anti-aging and skin rejuvenation.

Microneedling with exosomes is an excellent sun damage treatment for fine lines, dullness, rough texture, and mild discoloration, with typically only a day or two of mild redness afterward. Because exosomes support faster healing, this sun damage treatment is a great option for patients who want visible improvement with minimal time away from work or social plans. Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg often recommend a series of sessions, and skin continues to look smoother and brighter as new collagen forms over the following months.

MiXto Fractional CO2 Laser Sun Damage Treatment

MiXto is a fractional CO2 laser that resurfaces the skin by treating thousands of microscopic columns while leaving the surrounding skin intact. This fractional approach removes sun-damaged outer layers and stimulates deep collagen remodeling, with a faster recovery than traditional CO2 laser resurfacing. Fractional CO2 resurfacing produces some of the most significant improvements available for sun-damaged skin.

MiXto uses a patented scanning pattern that spaces each laser pulse apart, which allows the skin to cool between pulses and keeps each MiXto session more comfortable. Most patients need only a topical numbing cream, and a MiXto session typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the area.

MiXto sun damage treatment is ideal for more advanced sun damage, including brown spots, deeper wrinkles, rough texture, and crepey skin on the face, neck, and chest. Skin typically looks pink and feels like a mild sunburn for several days, and new collagen continues to form for months afterward, so results keep improving over time. Gentle cleansing and moisturizing during the first week keep healing skin comfortable.

Fall and winter are the ideal seasons for MiXto sun damage treatment, because healing skin needs protection from strong sunlight. The board certified dermatologists at Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan customize the depth and intensity of every MiXto session to balance dramatic results with a comfortable recovery. Many patients see significant improvement after a single MiXto session, and daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher protects those results for years to come.

Sun Damage Treatment | Manhattan

September is the ideal month to address the brown spots, rough texture, and dullness that summer left behind. Starting sun damage treatment now gives your skin time to heal and renew, so you can enjoy a clear, glowing complexion for the holidays and beyond. Each sun damage treatment option can be tailored to your skin type, schedule, and goals.

If you are considering sun damage treatment, schedule an appointment with Manhattan board certified dermatologists Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg at Goldenberg Dermatology. Our dermatologists will help you choose the Laser Genesis, exosome microneedling, or MiXto plan that will restore your skin’s smooth, even, radiant tone.

Manhattan Sun Damage Treatment: 212-405-8202