Summer sun might feel good on your skin, but the truth is, it can cause a lot of damage — some of which you may not see for years. Fortunately, chemical peels can help, and autumn is a great time to try one for yourself.

At Adult and Pediatric Dermatology of Forest Hills in Queens, New York, we’re all about helping our patients look and feel their best. After a summer under the sun, that often means taking steps to eliminate UV-related damage, including damage that can lead to the premature aging of your skin.

The good news is that chemical peels are a time-tested solution for sun-damaged skin, promoting healthy skin turnover and revealing skin that looks and feels smoother, clearer, and sexier. Here’s what Dr. Michael Paltiel of Adult and Pediatric Dermatology and the rest of the skilled team want you to know about the benefits of an end-of-summer peel.

The sun and your skin

Your skin has a kind of love-hate relationship with the sun. Some sunshine is necessary to help your body produce vitamin D, stabilize moods, and support optimal health in other ways. But too much sun — even a little bit too much — can damage your skin, drying it out and significantly contributing to age spots, lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

These changes are called “photoaging,” the type of skin changes directly attributable to exposure to UV rays. In fact, the American Cancer Society says that photoaging causes 90% of visible signs of aging in your complexion. 

UV radiation penetrates your skin and weakens the skin’s structure. In some cases, it can even alter your skin cells’ DNA. UV rays also damage collagen networks, the structure that supports your skin and keeps it smooth, wrinkle-free, and resilient. Over time, UV exposure can cause collagen production to decline, increasing your risk of developing lines and wrinkles.

And, of course, UV exposure also causes changes in melanin, the pigment-producing cells in our skin. We can see these changes as suntans and sunburn, but as we age, these changes also produce age spots and warty patches called seborrheic keratoses.

Chemical peels to the rescue

Most of the age-related damage we see in our skin is relegated to the upper layers. Chemical peels work by removing these upper layers to reveal smoother and healthier skin. As the upper layers are sloughed away, wrinkles, lines, and other age-related changes are eliminated or minimized.

Chemical peels use special solutions that can be adjusted and customized based on your skin type and cosmetic goals. In fact, chemical peels are so good at what they do, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons says chemical peels are one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your skin’s appearance.

After your peel, you’ll need to protect your skin from the sun while it heals. Most peels involve some amount of peeling, which can range from a little flaking to significant sloughing and peeling for more moderate wrinkles.

Our team will provide you with guidance on how to care for your skin while it heals. Plus, we can help you develop a skin care regimen focused on maintaining your results.

Give your skin some TLC

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a little summertime fun under the sun. With fall’s cooler weather on the horizon, now is the ideal time to repair your skin with a chemical peel tailored to your skin’s needs. 

To schedule a consultation with Zina Goldvekht of Adult and Pediatric Dermatology or any member of our skilled team, call 315-860-1185 or book an appointment online today.