How to Get Rid of Sun Damage in 2026

Sun damage is one of the most common reasons people seek professional skin treatments. Years of sun exposure can leave skin looking uneven, dull, and prematurely aged. Even with good skincare habits today, damage from the past often becomes more visible over time. 

At Capital Laser and Skin Care, we help address sun damage using advanced treatments that improve both the appearance and health of the skin.

What Does Sun Damage Do to Your Skin?

Sun damage occurs when ultraviolet radiation penetrates the skin and disrupts normal cell function. Over time, this leads to visible and structural changes that affect skin quality.

Common effects of sun damage include

• Dark spots and uneven pigmentation, often referred to as sun spots 
• Fine lines and wrinkles, caused by collagen breakdown 
• Rough texture, as damaged skin cells accumulate 
• Enlarged blood vessels, leading to redness 
• Loss of elasticity, which contributes to sagging 

Sun damage also weakens the skin barrier, making skin more sensitive and less resilient. Treating damage early helps restore balance and prevent further deterioration.

How to Get Rid of Sun Damage in 2026

At Capital Laser and Skin Care, we use a combination of light-based treatments and resurfacing options to address sun damage at multiple levels.

BBL HERO™
BBL HERO is an advanced broadband light treatment designed to correct pigmentation and redness caused by sun exposure. It works by targeting unwanted pigment and visible vessels while promoting healthier-looking skin.

BBL HERO is commonly used to

• Reduce sun spots and uneven tone 
• Improve redness and vascular changes 
• Enhance overall skin clarity 

This treatment is quick, effective, and typically requires little downtime.

Chemical Peels
Chemical peels help remove damaged surface layers of skin, allowing healthier skin to emerge. They are often used to address uneven tone and texture caused by sun exposure.

Chemical peels can help by

• Brightening dull sun-damaged skin 
• Improving texture and smoothness 
• Enhancing the results of light-based treatments 

Peels vary in strength, allowing treatment to be customized based on your skin type and goals.

Laser treatments such as Fraxel®
Lasers like Fraxel target deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production and repair damage from within. This approach improves texture, fine lines, and pigmentation.

Fraxel is often chosen to

• Smooth rough texture 
• Improve fine lines related to sun damage 
• Promote long-term collagen renewal 

Laser treatments may involve downtime, but they deliver deeper correction when needed.

Which Sun Damage Treatment is Right For Me?

Choosing the right treatment depends on the type and severity of sun damage, as well as your lifestyle and recovery preferences. Some people benefit most from light-based treatments, while others require resurfacing or combination therapy.

During a consultation at Capital Laser and Skin Care, we evaluate

• Pigmentation patterns and skin tone 
• Texture and collagen loss 
• Sensitivity and medical history 
• Desired downtime and goals 

In many cases, combining treatments produces the most comprehensive results. A personalized plan ensures that treatment addresses both visible discoloration and underlying damage.

Preventing Future Sun Damage: Beyond Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential, but long-term protection requires more than one step. Preventing future damage helps preserve your treatment results and supports healthier skin.

Effective prevention strategies include

• Wearing protective clothing and hats outdoors 
• Avoiding peak sun hours when possible 
• Using antioxidant skincare to defend against free radicals 
• Scheduling regular skin evaluations 

Consistency matters. Small daily habits add up over time and help maintain clearer, more even skin.

Sun damage does not have to define your skin’s future. With modern treatments and a thoughtful prevention plan, healthier-looking skin is achievable. At Capital Laser and Skin Care, we focus on restoring balance and clarity so your skin looks its best in 2026 and beyond.

Take the First Step

Interested in learning more about getting rid of sun damage? We would love to speak with you. Please fill out the form on this page to request a consultation or call our Chevy Chase, MD office today at (301) 450-5291 to schedule your private consultation at our laser and cosmetic dermatology center, located just blocks away from Washington, D.C.