Sun Damage Restoration
Restore Healthier Skin. Reverse the Signs of Photodamage.
Chronic sun leads to more than a tan. Sun damage results in redness, brown spots, broken capillaries, uneven tone and texture, precancerous sunspots (actinic keratoses)—and over time, increases the risk of skin cancer.
As a laser an experienced procedural dermatologist Dr Nina Wines offers a medically sound, aesthetically refined approach to treat all aspects of sun-damaged skin. Her treatments combine the precision of dermatology with innovative technologies to deliver natural, meaningful outcomes—safely and efficiently.
Understanding 'Field Damage'
Dermatologists refer to sun damage as a “field” problem—meaning the entire area of skin (not just visible lesions) has undergone change. This includes:
Visible signs: redness, pigmentation, roughness
Microscopic damage: cellular mutations, pre-cancerous changes (this can be visible as dry sun spots, but also microscopically and non visible.
For this reason treating sun damage effectively requires a field-based strategy, not just spot treatments.
Topical Treatments Alone Are Not Enough to address the full spectrum of Sun Damage
While prescription creams (e.g. 5-FU, imiquimod, retinoids) can target early precancerous changes, they:
Do not improve redness, dilated vessels, brown spots or skin texture
Often require extended downtime and multiple applications
For those seeking visible skin improvement alongside medical field treatment, energy-based solutions make a large difference. For instance, this patient of Dr Nina´s had previously used many topical medical creams over a number of years. It was not until he added in PDT and 1927nm laser did he obtain full skin improvement.
Results vary between individuals. Images are of patients treated by Dr Nina Wines and are published with their consent. These are for illustrative purposes and are not a guarantee of results
A New Era: Lasers for Skin Cancer Prevention
Emerging research now supports what dermatologists have long observed: treating sun-damaged skin with fractional lasers may also reduce the future risk of skin cancer.
A study published by Benson et al. found that patients treated with nonablative fractional lasers (NAFL) had:
A 50% reduction in new facial keratinocyte carcinomas compared to untreated controls
A significantly delayed onset of new skin cancers
A substantially lower risk of progression from sun damage to cancer
A subsequent study led by Brewer et al. reinforced these findings, demonstrating that the 1927nm fractional laser—a laser Dr Wines uses regularly—also reduced the incidence of new keratinocytic skin cancers over time.
These findings confirm that laser treatment isn’t just cosmetic. When used correctly, it can be part of a preventative medical strategy for patients at risk of skin cancer.
Laser-Assisted Photodynamic Therapy (L-PDT)| Dermatologist-Led Medical Protocol for Field Treatment
PDT is one of the most effective, dermatologist-performed strategies for treating widespread sun damage. It involves:
Laser pre-treatment to enhance the agent’s uptake into the skin
Application of a photoactive agent to the skin
Light activation of the agent to selectively destroy abnormal or precancerous cells
This approach can reduce: Actinic keratosis, background field cancerisationRedness, pigmentation, and texture changes (when combined with laser)Not all patients are suitable for L-PDT, and alternatives are discussed based on your personal skin type, sun history, and goals.
Progress following L-PDT.
Patients experience during and following L-PDT
Before and After L-PDT
Multi-stacking of Lasers
After L-PDT patients can then undergo stacked lasers to address all other elements of photo damage, resurface the skin and improve the overall outcome.
Click here to watch a webinar on laser assisted drug delivery for sun damage.
All medical and laser procedures carry some risks. The information provided here is general in nature and not a substitute for a professional medical consultation. For advice tailored to your skin and health, please book an appointment with Dr Nina Wines.