A summer spent outdoors is great for the soul, but not always for the skin. According to facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist Deidra Blanks, M.D., FACS, the most common concern patients bring in after months of sun is brown spots.
“That’s just the damage you can see,” she said. “The same sun exposure is also causing invisible injury — breaking down collagen, thinning the skin and accelerating wrinkles and laxity.”
Fellow facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist Jefferson Kilpatrick, M.D., FACS, sees the same pattern each year.
“Ultraviolet exposure stimulates melanin production in the skin, which can lead to brown spots, uneven pigmentation and an overall dull skin tone,” Kilpatrick explained. “Interestingly, those pigment changes often don’t appear right away. Many patients begin noticing the effects weeks or even months later, which is why sun damage often becomes more obvious in the fall.”
Another frequent complaint are those tiny red veins on the cheeks and around the nose, called telangiectasia.
“They’re broken capillaries,” Blanks said. “Genetics play a role, but sun exposure is a major culprit. It weakens blood vessels and thins the skin, letting those vessels sit closer to the surface.”
Kilpatrick noted that repeated sun and heat exposure can make them more noticeable and persistent.
What Helps at Home and What Doesn’t
For early sun damage, a few well-chosen ingredients can genuinely help.
“Sunscreen is the most important step. Preventing damage is always easier than correcting it,” Blanks said. “Retinols boost skin-cell turnover, stimulate collagen and calm inflammation.”
Kilpatrick also recommends antioxidant support as part of a daily routine. “Antioxidant serums help defend the skin by neutralizing free radicals generated by UV exposure,” he said. “Ingredients such as vitamin C can reduce oxidative stress in the skin and help limit the amount of pigment that forms after sun exposure.”
But even the best OTC products have limits.
“If you’ve used something consistently for three months without improvement, it may be time for professional care,” Blanks said.
Over-the-counter products can only contain low concentrations of active ingredients. Prescription options or in-office treatments can reach deeper layers and offer more dramatic, faster results.
When to See a Specialist
“If you’re trying to improve or maintain your skin, a consultation can save you from spending hundreds on products that don’t work,” Blanks added. “A visit allows for personalized recommendations and a discussion of options such as lights, lasers and chemical peels.”
Kilpatrick agrees that professional evaluation helps patients find the most effective treatment plan.
“When we evaluate patients, we consider the full picture of their skin health,” he said. “Laser therapies and medical-grade chemical peels can be very effective for pigmentation and visible vessels, but they work best when combined with a consistent skincare regimen and diligent sun protection.”
Blanks also noted that concerning moles or lesions should always be evaluated by a dermatologist.
The Most Effective In-Office Fixes
For brown spots and broken capillaries, Blanks highly recommends IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). “It’s a bright, filtered light that targets brown and red areas without downtime,” she explained. “Most people need three to five sessions. Chemical peels are another strong option as they remove damaged cells, lighten brown spots and soften fine lines, though they require some recovery.”
Kilpatrick said laser technology can be highly effective.
“Specific wavelengths of laser energy target pigment or blood vessels in the skin,” he explained. “The pigment or vessel absorbs the energy and gradually breaks down, allowing the body to clear it over time and leaving the skin brighter and more even.”
One caveat: timing matters. “We avoid lasers and chemical peels in the summer,” Blanks said. “The best window is Labor Day through Memorial Day.”
The Long Game
“There are no quick fixes,” Blanks emphasized. Natural skin-cell turnover takes 12 weeks, meaning visible results take patience whether at home or in the clinic. Kilpatrick encourages patients to think about skincare as a long-term investment.
“Compare a version of yourself five years from now who maintains annual treatments and consistent sun protection versus one who does nothing,” he said. “That’s where the real difference appears.” Their shared advice for summer skin? “Wear sunscreen and reapply. Cover up when you can,” Blanks said.
“A good sunscreen, a hat and a consistent skincare routine with antioxidants can go a long way in protecting your skin,” Kilpatrick added.
In other words, this summer’s healthy skin starts now.
Deidra Blanks, M.D., FACS, practices at FirstHealth Fayetteville ENT & Facial Plastics with Pinehurst Surgical Clinic in Fayetteville, N.C. Jefferson Kilpatrick, M.D., FACS, practices at Pinehurst Surgical Clinic in Pinehurst and Southern Pines.
