Sun Damage is common — and treatable.

Sun damage, also called photodamage or photoaging, is caused by ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB) reaching the skin over many years. UV stimulates pigment cells to overproduce melanin — which surfaces as sun spots, age spots, and blotchy tone — while also breaking down the collagen and elastin that keep skin firm and smooth, leading to rough texture and fine lines. Most of this exposure is incidental and everyday: commuting, walking, and even daylight through windows. In Greater Montreal, bright winters with snow glare add reflected UV that many people don't account for. Because it accumulates silently, sun damage is usually more advanced than it looks before any spot appears.

There is no single best treatment — the right choice depends on the type and depth of your sun damage. Defined sun spots and freckled patches are best removed with Pico laser, which precisely targets clusters of pigment. Diffuse blotchiness, dullness, and uneven tone respond best to a brightening chemical peel that resurfaces the discoloured top layer. Rough, sun-aged texture and lost firmness are best addressed with microneedling, which rebuilds collagen. Many people benefit most from a combination, sequenced over time. At your free consultation, our certified estheticians identify exactly which form of sun damage you have and recommend the most effective option, or plan, for your skin type and tone.

It varies by treatment and by how much accumulated damage you have. Pico laser sun-spot removal can show visible clearing of individual spots in 1 to 3 sessions, while diffuse pigment often needs a few more. Brightening peels are typically done as a course of 4 to 6 sessions, spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, with results building progressively. Microneedling for sun-aged texture is usually a series of 3 to 6 sessions about 4 weeks apart. We always map out a realistic, personalized schedule at your free consultation so you know what to expect before you begin.

Most sun-damage treatments have little downtime. After Pico laser, treated spots may briefly darken and flake off over several days before fading. Brightening peels usually cause only light flaking, so many clients return to normal life the same day. Microneedling typically leaves the skin pink, similar to a mild sunburn, for 24 to 48 hours. Across all of them, the one non-negotiable afterward is diligent sun protection — freshly treated skin is highly UV-sensitive and can re-pigment without daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+. We give every client a clear aftercare plan tailored to their treatment.

Yes — and prevention is essential, because treatment clears existing damage but new UV exposure can create more. The single most effective habit is daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+, reapplied through the day and worn year-round, including winter, when snow reflects UV. Add a hat and sunglasses, seek shade midday, and avoid tanning beds entirely. Antioxidant skincare (such as vitamin C) and a gentle maintenance routine help protect your results. We build a simple prevention and maintenance plan into every sun-damage program so your clearer skin stays that way.

You'll usually notice brighter, more even tone within a few weeks, with continued improvement over a full treatment series as deeper pigment clears and collagen rebuilds. The sun spots and texture we treat don't simply return on their own — but your skin is never immune to new sun damage. Without ongoing sun protection, fresh UV exposure can create new spots over time. With consistent SPF and periodic maintenance treatments, results are long-lasting. Your esthetician will recommend a maintenance cadence to keep your skin clear, even, and protected.

Avoid Sun & Tanning

Keep skin out of direct sun and avoid tanning for at least a week before. Laser and peels cannot be performed safely on recently tanned or sun-stressed skin.

Pause Strong Actives

Stop retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, and strong exfoliating actives for 5 to 7 days beforehand so your skin is calm and responds evenly.

Skip Waxing & Hair Removal

No waxing, threading, or hair removal on the treatment area for 5 to 7 days before, to prevent irritation and uneven results.

Tell Us Your History

Let us know about cold sores, recent procedures, medications, or pregnancy so we can confirm the safest treatment for you.

Apply SPF 30+ Every Day

This is the most important step. Freshly treated skin is highly UV-sensitive and can re-pigment — use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily and reapply, year-round.

Let Spots & Flaking Shed

After laser, treated spots may darken and flake; after a peel, skin may lightly flake. Don't pick — let everything shed naturally to avoid marks.

Keep It Gentle & Hydrated

Use only the soothing, hydrating products we recommend. Avoid retinoids, acids, and scrubs until your skin has fully recovered.

No Heat or Sweat

Skip saunas, steam, hot yoga, and intense workouts for 48 to 72 hours to keep skin calm while it renews.

Most adults with sun spots, age spots, freckled or blotchy pigment, dull and uneven tone, broken capillaries, or rough, sun-aged texture are excellent candidates. With the right treatment choice and conservative, melanin-safe protocols, sun damage can be treated on all skin types and tones. Treatments may be postponed for active cold sores, broken or sunburned skin, recent oral acne therapy, or pregnancy for certain options — your esthetician will confirm what's safe for you during your free consultation.

Yes — and often they work best together. Pico laser clears defined sun spots, a brightening chemical peel evens diffuse discolouration, and microneedling repairs sun-aged texture and firmness. Many clients benefit from a staged combination, and well-chosen advanced facials support hydration and maintenance in between. Your esthetician will sequence everything safely so the treatments complement rather than over-stress your skin.