Best treatments for sun damaged (old) skin

[Libertynan]

I've noticed that my skin is now showing serious signs of too much fun in the sun (and sunbeds - teenager in the '80s ) and would like to get rid of the dark sun spots and red patches.

I've been using acid peels at home for a couple of years and whilst the texture of my skin is better now the tone isn't.

Do I need a salon visit for a higher % peel? Or IPL?

I don't feel like spending a ton of money right now as have other things to pay for but will listen to all advice and suggestions and park it for later in the year.

Thanks all

Retinol. Join dermatica as they cost £20 per month and you send them a couple of photos and explain what you want ( anti aging dark spots ect ) and they formulate a serum designed fir your skin.

I'm 50 and I've had some really good results in the last six months.

Start with IPL - best time to do is outside of summer. It will get rid of redness and pigmentation. Then get onto the retinol. With that combo, your skin will look pretty good. I wear very little in the way of foundation after doing the same.

However IPL will need an annual touch up but I consider it money well spent.

Thanks for the replies.

I think that IPL might give me the best results. When not using the acid treatments I use Epiduo a couple of times a week (for stubborn acne which has just about cleared up now I am in peri-menopause) - does that count as a retinoid?

Prob will re-visit this in autumn as have a few summer trips planned. I do have Ultrasun Face 50 and 30 so am really trying to minimise future damage.

Retinol won't be great for ruddy cheeks if you have them (although I don't think you said you did). IPL is the way to go but many salons will offer this cheaply with weak ineffective machines so you will be wasting your money. You will need to pay more to achieve decent results and possibly have a course of 3. And then wear SPF 50 throughout the course of the treatments.
I have to have a block of treatments every 2 years because of hereditary rosacea. It's worth the money, my skin is pretty good even though I'm nearing 50, I often don't wear foundation as it does boost collagen. My treatments were covered through private health insurance via a dermatologist though as the rosacea if untreated can become quite bad so not entirely for a aesthetic reasons.

Sorry, should say, the initial around of treatments to completely clear my rosacea (and sun spots) were paid for via my health insurer, now I top up at my own expense.

I had a laser treatment which incorporated IPL. Basically all the sun damage patches darkened and the fell off. Had a series of 3.
They haven’t returned either.
I also use Retin-A.

Great - thanks for all the advice. I have been looking at local places which do IPL so will get some lined up when our summer is over...

In the meantime I'll keep using my acids - I'm using Glycolic 10% from Bravura - and the good SPF to prevent further damage.

@Libertynan

Great - thanks for all the advice. I have been looking at local places which do IPL so will get some lined up when our summer is over...

In the meantime I'll keep using my acids - I'm using Glycolic 10% from Bravura - and the good SPF to prevent further damage.

Top tip, if you're using peels and different acids on your skin a really nice calming balm is either Sudacrem or the other nappy ointment - Bypanthenon? The latter was voted in the top 10 of facial skin care products in Oz years ago, likening it to the Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream, but much better for sensitive skin.