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Although we may not have been able to hit the beach this summer as we have done in the past, the summer sun can still make its mark any time you head outdoors. If your skin is showing the signs of a little too much time in the sun, the good news is that we can undo much of the damage with one of our facials, namely a chemical peel.

At Rapaport Dermatology, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Vicki Rapaport and our team of skin care experts offer a wide range of products and services that bring out the best in your skin. Whether you are struggling with acne or sun exposure, we offer the latest evidence-based treatments and technologies to help you achieve glowing, youthful skin year round.

If the sun has had an effect on your skin this summer, we can reduce the damage in a number of ways, starting with one of the mainstays of skin care — the chemical peel.

The Effects of the Sun

When we say “sun damage,” we are referring to the problems that arise when you expose your skin to the sun’s ultraviolet rays for any length of time. Without protection, these rays can lead to:

• Hyperpigmentation (sun spots)
• Facial veins
• Melasma
• Fine lines and wrinkles

To put some numbers to the problem, skin care experts say that the sun is responsible for 80% of the visible signs of aging in your skin.

Undoing the Damage

As we mentioned, we offer several approaches for renewing and revitalizing your skin and a chemical peel is one of the easiest and fastest.

When you come in, we review your sun damage and determine which type of peel is best for your skin and your goals. If your skin simply needs a quick reset, we turn to a light, or superficial, peel.

During a light peel, we apply a formula to your skin, which typically contains salicylic acid, to penetrate and exfoliate the outermost layer of your skin. A light peel is so easy and effective that it can become a regular part of your beauty regime since there is virtually no downtime.

If your sun damage runs a little deeper, we may turn to a more powerful formula to reach below the surface. A medium peel of this type may come with a little downtime (usually only a few days) as your damaged skin flakes away leaving healthier skin in its wake.

If your sun damage is serious, we can discuss whether you may be a candidate for a deep peel, which is a procedure we only perform once as it gets to the deeper layers of your skin.

Putting Your Best Face Forward

After your peel, there are a few steps you should take to protect your skin, such as avoiding retinol creams and facial scrubs for a little bit and using sunscreen vigilantly. Rest assured, we supply you with everything you need to know about maintaining your great results.

To learn more about how effective a chemical peel is for erasing sun damage or to set up an appointment, simply contact our office in Beverly Hills, California.