☀️ We Arizonans love the sun. In fact, Tucson remains the sunniest city in the United States, with over 350 days of sunshine each year. Whether it’s hiking through Sabino Canyon, bouldering in the Santa Catalina Mountains, or biking along The Loop, we can’t resist those UV rays. How could we not love the sun when it has benefits like boosting both serotonin and vitamin D levels?
At Larson Plastic Surgery and ZL Medspa, we love the sun just as much as you do. However, we realize that, unfortunately, you can have too much of a good thing. That’s why we offer laser skin resurfacing—because if the sun’s effects are showing on your skin, we can help you look younger, with a clearer appearance, fewer wrinkles, and a renewed complexion overall.
If you’re wondering if laser skin resurfacing near Oro Valley, AZ, is right for you, we lay out all the information you need below.
How does the sun affect my skin?
Let’s talk about the sun. It produces 3 types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA and UVB give you that sun-kissed glow, but too much exposure can lead to photoaging, which reveals itself through wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
You have 3 layers of skin:
- Epidermis: the outer layer of your skin that protects against bacteria, produces new cells, and determines your skin color.
- Dermis: the skin’s middle layer, which holds collagen (the skin’s building block) and elastin (which provides elasticity and allows the skin to stretch and recover) for resilient skin. Responsible for oil and sweat production for hydration and temperature management.
- Hypodermis: The bottom, fatty later of the skin that protects muscles and bones and also regulates body temperature.
UVA rays penetrate deep into your skin, reaching all the way to the dermis. Over time, this exposure leads to damage and results in sunspots, wrinkles, and a decrease in collagen and elastin.
UVB rays affect the epidermis, and are the culprits for the painful sunburns you may be all too familiar with. They can also cause redness and inflammation and lead to more serious skin conditions like melanoma.
Even on the rare cloudy days in Arizona, the UVA and UVB rays can still cause skin damage. Think about it—if dermal penetration is possible, why not cloud penetration?
Together, UVA and UVB rays speed up the aging process and increase the risk of serious skin conditions. That’s why it’s important to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, like the SkinCeutical 50 SPF UV Defense that we offer at our practice. While protective measures are important, if you notice signs of photoaging, it’s time to try laser skin resurfacing near Oro Valley, AZ.
How does laser skin resurfacing help with sun damage?
The lasers’ controlled heat and energy stimulate collagen and elastin, improving skin’s natural healing for long-term effects. This minimally invasive treatment exfoliates dead skin cells using concentrated light beams to improve your complexion.
Our Moxi and Halo lasers can create a more youthful, smoother appearance for all skin tones, undoing years of extensive sun exposure. Wondering if laser skin resurfacing is right for you? Our ablative and non-ablative lasers can treat sun damage and more, including the following concerns:
- Uneven skin tone
- Acne scars
- Mild to moderate wrinkles
- Age spots
Related Reading: Skin Resurfacing Explained
Depending on your skin’s condition, we can determine which laser is best suited to accomplish your goals. This starts with a consultation.
Consultation
We’ll evaluate your skin, health history, and goals during your consultation to determine if you’re a candidate for laser resurfacing. Laser treatments are versatile and come with ample opportunity for fine-tuning and personalization, making them an excellent option for a variety of people seeking skin rejuvenation.
However, based on your skincare regimen or other skin concerns, a different nonsurgical procedure might be a better fit. If you use retinols or certain medications, we can discuss alternative solutions. Laser skin resurfacing near Oro Valley, AZ, may not be the right choice for you if you are trying to treat:
- Active acne
- Rosacea
- Dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles caused by facial muscle movement, like deep forehead lines)
Our medical-grade skincare, wrinkle relaxers, and BBL treatments might provide you with the results you’re looking for.
If laser skin resurfacing is right for you, we can then discuss our laser options.
Moxi
This laser best treats superficial sun damage and pigmentation irregularities, mild acne scars, and overall skin texture and tone. Since it’s a fractional non-ablative laser, it targets underlying skin concerns by skipping the epidermis. This means minimal downtime. Even if you don’t have sun damage, Moxi is a great prejuvenation treatment to delay the aging process!
Related: Upping Your Moxie With ZL
Halo
This hybrid laser can help you enhance that sun-kissed glow to become a radiant, halo-like complexion. Using ablative and non-ablative wavelengths, the Halo laser can eliminate years of sun damage by triggering your body’s natural healing response. Without requiring significant downtime, Halo gently addresses fine lines, age spots, and skin imperfections. Although this approach to laser skin resurfacing near Oro Valley, AZ, requires longer recovery time than Moxi (4 to 7 days), the results are worth it.
Related: What’s Right for You? Moxi vs. Halo
Both lasers offer customizable options to suit your individual needs and skin type. You can trust our expert team to educate you on which treatment works best for your skin tone, type, and concerns.
Your Aesthetic Providers
Laura Zimmerman, the founder and owner of ZL, brings 15+ years of nursing background and 10+ years of experience in aesthetics. She oversees the nonsurgical side of Larson Plastic Surgery and continues to acquire extensive knowledge of the latest laser technology.
Adalia Benson, our licensed aesthetician, received exclusive laser preceptorship, and remains at the forefront of laser treatment technology. She offers years of experience in transforming complex skin conditions and specializes in our Moxi and BBL laser treatments.
Under Laura’s supervision, and with Adalia’s expertise, your laser skin resurfacing near Oro Valley, AZ, will be effective and comfortable, with every treatment proven by extensive study and research. Before, during, and after your treatment, our experts are committed to your best possible care, providing education and support every step of the way.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
Before your appointment, we ask that you follow these instructions for your safety and for optimal results:
- Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning beds
- Use gentle cleansers
- Wear sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Start a topical Vitamin C (Skinceuticals CE ferulic)
- Refrain from bleaching, waxing, or tweezing the treatment area
Based on your timeline, budget, and aesthetic goals, we may have more pre-care instructions. We also ask that you arrive with skin free of makeup the day of your appointment.
Treatment Day
Your comfort and safety are our priorities, and we take many measures to deliver an exceptional treatment.
Before beginning, we thoroughly cleanse your skin and provide you with protective eyewear and lidocaine blocks with anesthetic if necessary. For your comfort, we also apply a topical anesthetic. During treatment, a facial air chiller blows cold air on your face, further minimizing discomfort. As your provider precisely targets the treatment area, you should only feel a slight painless heat sensation. Depending on your aesthetic goals, this procedure may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Post-Treatment Care
After your laser skin resurfacing near Oro Valley, AZ, we provide you with a chilling mask to soothe your skin. You will receive a personalized post-treatment skincare regimen to follow to maintain your results and protect your skin. For some general guidance, we’ll likely recommend the following instructions:
- Continue to avoid sun exposure
- Wear sunscreen
- Avoid makeup for 24 to 48 hours
- Limit physical activity for at least 48 to 72 hours
Results
After just 1 session, you can expect noticeable improvements in your skin. However, we may suggest additional follow-up visits to help you achieve your desired aesthetic goals. Results typically last 1 year, especially when combined with limited sun exposure and a proper skincare routine.
What tips do you have for avoiding sun exposure?
It’s hard to avoid the sun in the sunniest city in the United States! Even in the winter months, the mild temperatures still provide us with enough warmth to continue with many of our favorite activities. To keep your skin safe throughout every season, we advise applying sunscreen year-round and reapplying as directed. After laser skin resurfacing near Oro Valley, AZ, you should also take other preventative measures, like wearing wide-brimmed hats and sun-protective clothing. During your consultation and after your treatment, we can discuss other options to help protect your skin.
Can I still get laser skin resurfacing in the summer?
Even though we usually recommend scheduling laser treatment in the fall or winter, we still offer it year-round! No matter what season, the sun is still always shining. We can also discuss the best time of year for you during your consultation, as everyone’s timeline and lifestyle are different. Our treatments require variations on downtime depending on your skin and goals, so it’s best to discuss your schedule with us to determine the best time for you to get laser skin resurfacing.
Radiate Like the Sun With Larson Plastic Surgery and ZL Medspa
Restore your youthful glow without the sun damage and come to Larson Plastic Surgery and ZL Medspa. We offer safe, customizable, and effective treatments for a variety of aesthetic goals, with both surgical and nonsurgical solutions to choose from. Under our care, you can revive your skin and your confidence. If you’re ready to start from the comfort of your home, you can try our treatment planner tool. Otherwise, you can reach out to request an appointment!
