Living in Charleston means enjoying sunny skies nearly every day of the year, whether you’re lounging at the beach, strolling through the park, or having brunch on a patio downtown. But all that time spent outdoors can lead to signs of sun damage, including sunspots, fine lines, and a loss of skin elasticity. One of the most effective ways to treat these concerns is through skin resurfacing. Charleston Plastic Surgery’s aesthetician, Angela, shares her insight into how the sun affects your skin, which skin resurfacing treatments are best for reversing sun damage, and why a consistent skincare routine matters year-round.
How Sun Exposure Affects Your Skin in Charleston
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun accelerates the breakdown of collagen, which leads to sagging skin and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. It also triggers hyperpigmentation, resulting in sunspots, freckles, and uneven skin tone, most commonly on high-exposure areas like the hands, shoulders, chest, and face.
Because UV rays can penetrate clouds and reach your skin even on overcast days, consistent protection and maintenance are essential year-round. A strong morning and evening skincare routine, combined with professional skin resurfacing treatments, can make a significant difference in preventing and reversing visible damage.
Top Skin Resurfacing Treatments to Reverse Sun Damage
When it comes to reversing the signs of sun exposure—like fine lines, discoloration, and dull skin tone—professional skin resurfacing can deliver dramatic improvements. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular skin resurfacing treatments in Charleston for repairing sun-damaged skin.
1. Microdermabrasion: Gently Exfoliate and Reveal Brighter Skin
Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive exfoliating treatment that gently removes the outer layer of dead skin cells to reveal a fresher, more radiant complexion. Using a diamond-tip wand combined with suction, the treatment clears away surface debris and buildup, leaving the skin visibly smoother and more even in tone. It’s especially helpful for improving texture and minimizing the appearance of early signs of sun damage.
Benefits of Microdermabrasion:
- Enhances skin texture by removing surface-level dead skin cells
- Promotes a more even skin tone and reduces dullness
- Minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores
- Improves the effectiveness of skincare products by enhancing absorption
- Offers immediate results with minimal downtime
2. Chemical Peels: Refresh Damaged Skin and Fade Dark Spots
Chemical peels use carefully selected exfoliating solutions to remove damaged outer layers of skin and increase cell turnover, revealing a healthier, more youthful-looking layer beneath. This customizable treatment is particularly effective for targeting sunspots, rough texture, and early signs of aging caused by UV exposure.
After treatment, you may experience mild redness and peeling for 3–7 days. Avoid picking or peeling the skin during this phase, as doing so can increase the risk of irritation or hyperpigmentation.
Benefits of Chemical Peels:
- Diminishes the appearance of sun-induced pigmentation, such as sunspots and freckles
- Smooths rough skin texture and refines fine lines
- Stimulates collagen production for firmer, more resilient skin
- Addresses uneven skin tone and brightens overall complexion
- Can be tailored to various skin concerns and depths of treatment
3. Microneedling: Enhance Texture and Tone with Collagen-Stimulating Skin Resurfacing Microneedles
Microneedling activates the skin’s natural healing response to improve its texture and tone. After applying a topical anesthetic, your medical spa technician uses a device with ultra-fine needles to create tiny, controlled micro-injuries on the skin’s surface. This prompts the production of collagen and elastin—two proteins that are essential for firm, youthful-looking skin.
The procedure typically takes around 30 minutes, with most patients experiencing a quick recovery in 24 to 72 hours.
Benefits of Microneedling:
- Chemical-free skin resurfacing option
- Safe for sensitive skin types
- Stimulates collagen production for up to six months after treatment
- Improves skin firmness, elasticity, texture, and hydration
4. Dermaplaning: Exfoliate and Renew Skin for a Smooth, Radiant Complexion
Dermaplaning is a physical exfoliation technique that reduces pigmentation, UV damage, fine lines and wrinkles, and acne scarring. After a comprehensive cleansing, your aesthetician uses a medical-grade scalpel to gently remove dead, dull skin cells and fine facial hair to expose the glowing complexion beneath. This new skin layer will have a more equal tone, fewer wrinkles, and be bright, smooth, and healthy.
Benefits of Dermaplaning:
- Quick and painless
- Suitable for all skin types
- Regenerates new, healthy skin cells
5. Medical-Grade Skincare: Revitalize Skin with Clinically Proven Products for Lasting Results
In addition to in-office skin resurfacing treatments, the right at-home skincare routine can make a noticeable difference in improving and maintaining your skin’s appearance, especially after sun exposure. At Charleston Plastic Surgery, we offer a full line of Obagi medical-grade skincare products and Jane Iredale mineral makeup, formulated to address concerns like pigmentation, aging, and sun damage. These products use high-quality, clinically proven ingredients to support skin health across all skin types.
While daily sunscreen is your best defense against future UV damage, targeted skincare can help repair what’s already been done. At Charleston Plastic Surgery, our product offerings include:
- Nu-Derm System
- Elastiderm Products
- Hydrate Products
- Clenziderm M.D. System
- Suzan Obagi Products
- DailyHydrodrops
- C-RX System
- Professional C Products
- Sun Shield
- Tretinoin
- Blue Radiance Peel
Prevent Now, Correct Later
While professional skin resurfacing treatments can effectively reduce sun damage, the best defense is a proactive approach to prevention. Simple daily habits can help limit exposure and preserve your skin’s health over time. Wearing wide-brimmed hats, applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30 (even during winter months), and seeking shade when possible are all smart steps—especially in a sunny climate like Charleston. Don’t forget your neck, chest, and hands, either—these areas are often the first to show signs of sun-related aging and deserve just as much attention as your face.
Restore Your Glow with Skin Resurfacing in Charleston, SC
Taking steps to correct sun damage today—and maintaining strong skincare habits year-round—can help you enjoy clearer, healthier, more radiant skin for seasons to come. Whether you’re looking to fade sunspots, smooth fine lines, or simply recapture your glow, the medical spa team at Charleston Plastic Surgery is here to guide you. Schedule a consultation to explore your options and build a treatment plan tailored to your skin, your goals, and your lifestyle.