What Sun Damage Actually Looks Like (and What to Do About It)

 

Spoiler: It’s not just a tan line.

 

Pigmentation, dullness, fine lines, rough texture—these can all be signs of sun damage. Here’s what you can do now to start reversing the signs.

 
 

Let’s break it down:

  • Pigmentation – blotchy patches, uneven tone, sun spots, or melasma that seems darker than before.

  • Dullness – that “glow” doesn’t last long. UV breaks down collagen and moisture, leaving skin looking tired and flat.

  • Fine lines & crepey texture – UV exposure breaks down your skin’s support system. Think of it like weakened scaffolding.

  • Rough patches or clogged pores – SPF buildup, sweat, and UV exposure can leave the skin congested and textured.

If any of this feels familiar, don’t stress—it’s extremely common. But the earlier you act, the easier it is to reverse.

 
 

What You Can Do Now to Reverse the Signs of Sun Damage

Here’s what works for our patients —and why it can work for you too:

1. BBL™ (BroadBand Light)

Think of this as a reset button for pigmentation. BBL uses light energy to target sun spots, redness, and uneven tone by lifting pigment to the surface and stimulating collagen. Most people notice brighter, clearer skin within days.

  • Best for: Brown spots, redness, dull tone, fine lines.

 
 

2. HALO™ Laser

If you’re ready to level up, HALO is the gold standard. This hybrid laser targets both surface-level damage and deeper dermal issues like fine lines and texture irregularities—without the downtime of more aggressive lasers.

  • Best for: Deeper sun damage, texture, collagen loss, and that “my skin feels tired” look.

 
 

3. Medical-Grade Skincare: Specifically ZO Skin Health Products

 
 

Medical-Grade Skincare: Specifically ZO Skin Health Products

Between in-clinic treatments, what you do at home matters. ZO’s medical-grade protocols are designed to correct sun damage at a cellular level—think powerful antioxidants, pigment correctors, and skin brighteners that actually do what they say.

Daily must-haves: Consistent protection and repair are key. A broad-spectrum SPF every single day is non-negotiable, since UV rays are the root cause of so much visible skin damage. Pairing SPF with daily antioxidants helps neutralize free radicals, while retinol works to both protect against UV-related damage and improve the appearance of existing lines, texture, and pigmentation. Together, these three create a foundation that both prevents and repairs sun damage.

Key products to ask us about:

  • Brightalive® Skin Brightener – for evening tone without retinol

  • Retinol Skin Brightener – when you’re ready for stronger correction

  • Exfoliating Polish + Complexion Renewal Pads – to smooth and detox

  • Daily Power Defense – a must for skin barrier repair, anti-oxidant protection and DNA repair after damage from UV

 
 

Ready for a Reset?

 
 

If your skin’s sending you post-summer SOS signals, we’ve got you. Book a consultation with Dermatologist, Dr. Allison Sutton, your highest authority in skin, and get your custom plan using protocols that work together to repair, restore, and get your skin glowing all year long.

Let’s undo the damage—and have you loving your skin again.

 
 
 
Allison Sutton