Featuring Dr. Georgina Ferzli, Medical Director at SkinLab by Tribeca MedSpa
If you’re investing in your skin—whether with medical-grade products or advanced in-office treatments like the Moxi laser treatment or BBL laser treatment—there’s one non-negotiable step that determines how long your results last: sun protection.
“Sun exposure is the leading cause of premature skin aging and discoloration,” says Dr. Georgina Ferzli, Medical Director at SkinLab by Tribeca MedSpa in NYC. “No matter how effective your skincare or treatments are, they can’t compete with daily UV damage unless you’re using SPF every single day.”
In this article, we’ll break down what sun damage on the face looks like, how UV rays cause it, how to reverse it, and—most importantly—how to protect your skin and preserve the results of your treatments for the long haul.
How Sun Damage Happens
Sunlight emits ultraviolet (UV) rays that penetrate the skin and cause a cascade of harmful effects. UVA rays age the skin by breaking down collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and sagging. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and can damage the skin’s DNA, potentially leading to skin cancer.
“Over time, this exposure accumulates and results in what we call photoaging,” explains Dr. Ferzli. “You’ll see fine lines, rough texture, enlarged pores, discoloration, freckles, and sun spots, especially on areas like the face, neck, and chest that get the most exposure.”
Treatments We Offer to Reverse Sun Damage
While prevention is ideal, sun damage is extremely common—and fortunately, we offer several effective options to help reverse it.
1. Moxi Laser Treatment
The Moxi laser is a gentle, non-ablative fractional laser that targets pigmentation, uneven tone, and early signs of aging with minimal downtime.
“Moxi is ideal for younger patients or those who want to maintain their results with little disruption to their routine,” says Dr. Ferzli. “It’s especially great for patients with melasma or sensitive skin who need a gentle approach.”
Downtime: Mild redness for 1–3 days
Cost: Typically ranges from $600 to $900 per session, depending on the treatment area
Best For: Early signs of aging, sun damage, melasma, and maintaining skin health
2. BBL Laser Treatment (BroadBand Light)
BBL (BroadBand Light) is a form of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy that targets sun spots, broken capillaries, and freckles while also stimulating collagen production.
“BBL uses light energy to heat the skin’s upper layers and trigger a natural healing response,” says Dr. Ferzli. “Patients love it because it gives a brighter, clearer complexion after just one treatment.”
Downtime: Mild redness and darkening of pigment for 3–7 days
Cost: The laser treatment for face cost with BBL ranges from $500 to $800 per session
Best For: Sun spots, freckles, redness, and overall skin rejuvenation
3. Laser Genesis
This non-invasive laser treatment gently heats the dermis to improve skin tone, texture, and redness. It’s particularly good for those with rosacea or diffuse sun damage.
“Laser Genesis is a patient favorite because there’s zero downtime and it leaves the skin with a natural glow,” says Dr. Ferzli.
Downtime: None
Cost: Approximately $300 to $500 per session
Best For: Redness, uneven texture, and diffuse sun damage
4. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels, like the SkinCeuticals MicroPeel or VI Peel, exfoliate the top layer of skin, reducing pigmentation, dullness, and fine lines.
“Peels are a great option for those looking to brighten the skin and improve overall tone,” Dr. Ferzli explains. “We often combine them with laser treatments for even better results.”
Downtime: Peeling and dryness for 3–7 days
Cost: Ranges from $200 to $400, depending on the type of peel
Best For: Uneven skin tone, rough texture, and mild sun damage
Why SPF Is Crucial—Especially After Treatments
After any of these treatments, your skin is more vulnerable to UV rays. “Post-treatment, your skin is in a reparative state,” says Dr. Ferzli. “Without SPF, you risk undoing all your progress, or worse—developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.”
But protecting your skin from sun damage isn’t just important after procedures—it’s essential every single day, regardless of the weather.
“People think they don’t need SPF on cloudy days or in winter, but UVA rays are constant year-round,” Dr. Ferzli warns. “And every skin tone needs protection—melanin offers some natural defense, but it’s not enough to prevent photoaging or skin cancer.”
Our Top SPF Recommendations
At SkinLab by Tribeca MedSpa, we consider SPF the most important step in your skincare routine. Our team consistently recommends broad-spectrum sunscreens that not only protect but also enhance skin clarity and comfort.
Here are some of our favorites:
- SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense SPF 30
A lightweight, hydrating SPF that visibly brightens skin while protecting against UVA/UVB. Perfect for treating sun damage on the face and maintaining an even complexion. - SkinCeuticals Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense SPF 50
Ideal for sensitive or post-procedure skin, this calming SPF formula includes niacinamide and zinc oxide to reduce redness while shielding from further damage.
“These formulas are elegant enough for daily wear and provide the kind of high-level protection we recommend for all patients,” says Dr. Ferzli.
Final Thoughts: SPF is Non-Negotiable
Whether you’re investing in a Moxi laser treatment, a BBL laser treatment, or simply want to delay the signs of aging, sun protection is the key to long-term results.
“Our goal is always to help patients achieve healthy, beautiful skin,” says Dr. Ferzli. “But without SPF, you’re fighting an uphill battle. If there’s one product everyone should be using, it’s sunscreen.”
Ready to take control of sun damage and protect your skin investment? Schedule a consultation with our expert team at SkinLab by Tribeca MedSpa in NYC, and let’s build a plan for radiant, resilient skin—starting with SPF.