Sun damage from the past

Is it possible to reverse the sun damage gained from the past? Until I was in my mid-twenties I did not practice sun care at all, and although I have yet to show signs of damage I'd like to know what I can do to prevent and treat my skin besides diligent sun care.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
For any sun damage, use liberal amounts of sunscreen, avoid the sun, and wear protective clothing. The newest treatment for age spots is an alpha hydroxy acid gel or beta hydroxy acid gel.  Retin-A cream, alpha hydroxyacid peels, and liquid nitrogen therapy are other options. Please discuss these options with your dermatologist before using them.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.