How to Reverse Sun Damage After Summer: Medical Grade Strategies from Franklin Skin and Laser

As summer comes to an end, the visible effects of sun exposure often linger. From uneven pigmentation and dullness to textural changes and fine lines, UV radiation can accelerate skin aging and discoloration. At Franklin Skin and Laser, we specialize in clinically proven treatments to restore skin clarity and vitality—safely and effectively.

Here are the most effective ways to repair sun-damaged skin after summer:

1. Recommit to Daily Physical, Broad-Spectrum Sun Protection

Effective repair begins with prevention. Even after summer ends, UVA rays remain active year-round and contribute to long-term damage.

• Apply a physical, broad-spectrum SPF 40+ every morning, regardless of weather.
• Reapply your sunscreen every 2–3 hours with outdoor exposure.
• A sunscreen mixed into your make-up or moisturizer is not enough! A separate mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide offers the best protection for full-spectrum defense.

2. Use Medical-Grade Retinoids for Cellular Renewal

Topical retinoids remain a cornerstone of reversing photoaging:

• Stimulate collagen production
• Normalize epidermal turnover
• Improve pigmentation, texture, and tone

3. Incorporate Chemical Medical-Grade Peels to Brighten and Smooth Skin

Controlled exfoliation and peeling with chemical peels support pigment reduction and skin refinement. At Franklin Skin and Laser, we have a variety of peels with ingredients such as lactic acid, TCA (trichloroacetic), glycolic acid, AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acid) and BHA’s (beta hydroxy acid) and other ingredients to make your skin even and glowing.

4. Apply Antioxidants to Neutralize Ongoing Oxidative Stress

Topical antioxidants help reduce inflammation and support pigment repair:

• Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) brightens and blocks pigment production
• Niacinamide supports barrier repair and calms inflammation
• Ferulic acid enhances antioxidant potency and photostability

Apply in the morning prior to sunscreen for maximum benefit.

5. Schedule Professional Treatments for Deeper Rejuvenation

Franklin Skin and Laser offers advanced laser and energy-based therapies tailored to each patient’s specific skin damage and goals:

Clear + Brilliant®

A gentle fractional laser ideal for early sun damage:

• Improves tone, texture, and radiance
• No downtime; safe for most skin types
• Often used in a series for best results—perfect for melasma

UltraClear® Laser

A precision-based erbium fractional laser for deeper sun damage:

• Targets stubborn pigmentation and fine lines
• Minimal downtime with rapid healing
• Stimulates dermal collagen remodeling
• Safe for most skin types, effective for melasma

Additional Laser Options

We offer a full range of devices for:

• Alexandrite Laser – to treat darker brown spots
• V Beam Laser – to treat redness, vascular lesions, and broken capillaries
• CO2 Laser – for deeper sun damage and wrinkles

Each treatment plan is created after a comprehensive consultation and skin analysis. Learn more about our laser procedures.

6. Support Skin Recovery from Within

• Hydrate consistently to maintain optimal barrier function
• Emphasize a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and protein
• Avoid other sources of UV exposure (tanning beds, unnecessary sun exposure)

7. Be Patient — and Persistent

Skin turnover takes time. With a properly guided regimen, patients typically begin noticing improvement in 4–8 weeks, with continued gains over several months.

Ready to Repair Summer Sun Damage?

At Franklin Skin and Laser, we use cutting-edge technology and evidence-based energy-based devices to reverse the effects of UV exposure and help you achieve healthy, glowing skin. Our team will create a customized treatment plan based on your skin type, level of sun damage, and long-term goals.

Schedule a consultation today to begin your journey to clearer, healthier skin this fall! 615-595-8177.