Skin Care Changes With the Seasons

The midnight sun is no longer with us. Days are getting shorter, the air is crisper, and pumpkin spice lattes have returned. While we transition to fall by breaking out our sweaters and jackets, it’s also a great time to transition our skincare needs.

It’s the best time to reverse sun damage.

Fall is a great time to address any darker pigmentation that has developed during the summer months. Sun exposure is the leading factor for hyperpigmentation, and even with sunscreen, melasma and hyperpigmentation can emerge. At FACES, our medical spa in Anchorage, we offer treatments and products to even out skin tone and texture.

Photofacials

Photofacials with BroadBand Light technology are a fabulous way to eliminate sun spots and red vessels and increase collagen and elastin. Photofacials are especially helpful for the face, neck, chest, and hands, but they can be effective on any area that has had excessive sun exposure. A series of 3 to 5 treatments will give the best results and should be done monthly. You can see the difference BBL therapy can make in the before (top) and after (bottom) photos below:

Obagi® Skin Care Products

Hydroquinone has long been the gold standard for treating pigment disorders. Obagi medical-grade skincare products with hydroquinone are an excellent tool to treat hyperpigmentation and melasma. Hydroquinone works by inhibiting melanogenesis or inhibiting pigmentation. The Obagi Nu-Derm System in particular is the perfect at-home skincare regimen for someone with pigmentation and anti-aging concerns.

Chemical Peels

At FACES, we offer a variety of chemical peels. The VI Peel®, for example, uses a blend of acids, antioxidants, and hydroquinone to lighten, exfoliate, and rejuvenate skin. Patients can expect flaking to sheet peeling for 3 to 5 days. 1 to 5 peels per year can effectively treat stubborn melasma and hyperpigmentation.

Tips for At-Home Care

SPF is a key component in preventing and protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Sun exposure is the leading cause of aging. As this Bustle article explains, UVA and UVB rays penetrate the skin all year, so it is imperative to use SPF daily.

The best approach is a blend of at-home and in-office treatments. Patients should use skincare products and sunscreen daily to inhibit and lighten pigment. Coming in for deeper treatments will eliminate and prevent future hyperpigmentation and solar aging. .

For more information on all the medical spa treatments (including BOTOX® and dermal fillers) available at our Anchorage practice, contact us and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions.

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