For those already dealing with sun damage, however, Dermatology and Skin Care Associates offers outpatient solutions to remove or lighten visible spots and hyperpigmentation. These treatments are popular in the fall, but there is no wrong time.
“We can treat any skin color type, but we need to make sure one is not too tan for optimal results,” says Dr. Elizabeth Muennich, president and CEO of Dermatology and Skin Care Associates. “Tt’s usually best to wait a few months after summer ends.”
Whenever you choose to address sun damage, Dermatology and Skin Care Associates has multiple options to fit your individual needs and help you reach your skincare goals.
The most common light therapy treatment is Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, which can be used to minimize dark spots. It helps get rid of visible spots on the hands and legs — the areas where patients usually see the most damage. Procedures can be done within a half hour and may require multiple treatments to get the desired result. IPL works well on all skin types and on darker skin tones as well.
A KTP laser treatment can help treat uneven pigment due to sun damage. This laser uses a potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) crystal to transmit a high-frequency beam to provide results in one or two treatments.
For patients looking for over-the-counter products to apply at home, hydroquinone pads and masks deliver a skin-lightening agent to help brighten pigment and age spots. They’re available in 2, 4 or 6% formulations and can be applied to the skin to produce the desired effect within a few weeks. While hydroquinone is not designed for permanent use, it can be a good first step toward treating sun damage. For clients who are pregnant or looking to take an all-natural route, doctors recommend brightening creams that do not contain hydroquinone for nighttime or daytime use.
“These are all more cosmetic options,” Muennich says. “The best part about choosing us is, if a spot concerns us when you come in for a treatment, we can investigate it medically.”
While more choices than ever are available for patients to treat sun damage, the best choice is avoiding it altogether. Dermatology and Skin Care Associates offers a broad range of sunscreens, including EltaMD sunscreen and sunscreens from its own label, to help keep skin safe from harmful UV rays. They include chemical-free formulations (that don’t leave white streaks) for kids, and formulas that can be sprayed on for easier coverage. There are also sunscreens that can be applied by brush, which customers often choose for face applications. Women may want to keep them in their purse for handy re-application. Brush applicators are also popular with male customers who are bald and want to apply sunscreen evenly to the top of their heads.
“Everybody needs to be wearing sunscreen, no matter their skin color,” Muennich said. “Especially with everyone starting to get out and go on walks, sunscreen is vital.”
Dermatology and Skincare Associates is located at 5160 Socialville-Foster Road, Mason, OH 45040. Call 513.770.3263 or visit dermatologyandskincare.com for more information.