Featuring expert insights from Dr. Georgina Ferzli, Medical Director at Tribeca MedSpa
When it comes to healthy, radiant skin, one non-negotiable step stands above all others: sun protection. Whether you’re battling discoloration, fine lines, or loss of elasticity—or have invested in professional treatments like BBL and Moxi laser—the best way to protect and preserve your results is to wear SPF daily. At Tribeca MedSpa in NYC, we educate every client on how sun damage occurs and how to prevent it. It’s why our team calls sunscreen “the most important step in your skincare routine.”
How the Sun Damages Your Skin
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun penetrate deep into the skin, even on cloudy days and through windows. “UV radiation triggers a cascade of biological responses in the skin that result in collagen breakdown, inflammation, pigment production, and even DNA damage,” explains Dr. Georgina Ferzli, Medical Director at Tribeca MedSpa. “Over time, this leads to visible signs of aging and sun damage—freckles, sun spots, fine lines, and an uneven tone or texture.”
Even brief sun exposure without protection can cause long-term harm. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and play a major role in skin cancer, while UVA rays penetrate more deeply, accelerating aging and hyperpigmentation. No matter your skin tone, the effects of UV exposure are cumulative and damaging.
What Does Sun-Damaged Skin Look Like?
The signs of sun-damaged skin vary from person to person but often include:
- Brown spots, sun spots, or age spots
- Freckles that darken or multiply
- Uneven skin tone or redness
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Rough texture and enlarged pores
- Visible blood vessels
“The face, neck, chest, and hands are most susceptible because they are exposed year-round,” says Dr. Ferzli. “Fortunately, we have excellent treatments at Tribeca MedSpa to reverse these changes.”
Best Treatments for Sun-Damaged Skin on the Face
If you’re searching for the best treatment for sun-damaged skin on the face, our expert team offers several advanced solutions tailored to your skin’s needs. Below are our most popular treatments to correct discoloration, stimulate collagen, and improve skin texture.
1. BBL (BroadBand Light) Therapy
BBL is an advanced form of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. “It’s one of the most effective tools for treating pigment, redness, and broken capillaries,” says Dr. Ferzli. BBL targets melanin and hemoglobin to fade sun spots, freckles, and vascular lesions with minimal downtime.
- Ideal for: Sun damage, redness, uneven tone
- Downtime: Mild redness, makeup can be worn the next day
- Best results: 3–5 treatments spaced 3–4 weeks apart
2. Moxi Laser
A gentle, non-ablative fractional laser, Moxi is perfect for younger clients or those seeking prejuvenation and maintenance. It creates micro-injuries to stimulate new collagen and target pigmentation.
- Ideal for: Early sun damage, melasma, tone and texture
- Downtime: 1–2 days of redness and rough texture
- Best results: 3 sessions annually
“BBL and Moxi laser work beautifully together to rejuvenate and maintain skin health,” says Dr. Ferzli. “BBL clears pigment while Moxi refines tone and texture.”
3. Fraxel Laser
For more significant sun damage and deeper wrinkles, Fraxel uses fractional resurfacing technology to stimulate collagen and resurface the top layer of skin.
- Ideal for: Advanced sun damage, wrinkles, scars
- Downtime: 3–5 days of redness, peeling, and swelling
- Best results: 3–4 sessions spaced one month apart
4. Laser Genesis
A no-downtime, skin-perfecting laser, Laser Genesis gently heats the dermis to promote collagen growth and reduce redness. It’s a great option for all skin tones and types.
- Ideal for: Rosacea, early signs of aging, diffuse redness
- Downtime: None
- Best results: 4–6 sessions or as part of our Medical Facials offerings
5. Chemical Peels
Professional peels exfoliate damaged outer layers to reveal brighter, smoother skin. At Tribeca MedSpa, we offer VI Peel, SkinCeuticals MicroPeels, and Cosmelan, each designed to treat different depths of discoloration.
- Ideal for: Pigment, fine lines, acne scarring
- Downtime: 3–7 days depending on peel depth
- Best results: Series of 3–6 peels
“Our team customizes every treatment plan based on your skin type and goals,” says Dr. Ferzli. “But no matter which procedure you choose, the key to long-term results is sun protection.”
Why You Must Wear SPF—Every Single Day
Here’s the truth: your results from even the most advanced treatment won’t last if you’re not protecting your skin afterward.
“Immediately after procedures like BBL and Moxi, your skin is more vulnerable to UV damage,” warns Dr. Ferzli. “If you’re not wearing SPF, you risk undoing the benefits of your treatment or even developing new pigmentation.”
SPF not only prevents new sun damage, but also protects your skin as it heals and rejuvenates. And it’s not just for beach days—UV rays are present year-round, even on overcast days or during your commute.
Who Needs SPF?
Everyone. Regardless of:
- Skin tone: Deeper skin tones may not burn as easily but are still susceptible to hyperpigmentation and long-term UV damage.
- Weather: UV rays can penetrate clouds, glass, and even snow.
- Lifestyle: Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, sunscreen is a must.
“SPF is for everyone, every day,” says Dr. Ferzli. “We emphasize it as a critical part of your skincare routine—not just after treatments, but always.”
Our Favorite SPF Formulas at Tribeca MedSpa
We carry a curated selection of medical-grade sunscreens that provide broad-spectrum protection without clogging pores or leaving a white cast. Some of our client and provider favorites include:
- SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense SPF 30
A brightening, hydrating sunscreen that evens tone and protects from UVA/UVB rays. - SkinCeuticals Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense SPF 50
Ideal for sensitive, acne-prone or post-procedure skin, this mineral-based formula calms while protecting. - Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 36
A lightweight, tinted mineral sunscreen with antioxidants and a beautiful sheer finish. - skinbetter science sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 68 Compact
A water-resistant, mineral-based SPF in a portable compact for easy reapplication throughout the day.
“We always help our patients choose an SPF that fits their skin type, aesthetic preferences, and lifestyle,” says Dr. Ferzli. “Compliance improves dramatically when sunscreen feels good on the skin.”
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re reversing sun-damaged skin or looking for the best treatment for sun-damaged skin on the face, your efforts should always include daily SPF. Treatments like BBL and Moxi laser, Fraxel, and chemical peels offer incredible results, but sun protection is what keeps them going.
At Tribeca MedSpa, we’re here to guide you through every step of your skincare journey—from personalized treatment plans to choosing the right sunscreen. Protect your skin, preserve your glow, and let your results shine—safely.
Ready to restore your skin after sun damage? Book a consultation with one of our medical aesthetics experts today.