Summer-Approved Skin: A Leading Expert Weighs In

With summer in full swing and (hopefully) lots of exciting warm-weather vacations coming up, we chatted with an expert on some of the cosmetic skincare industry’s leading treatments for sun-damaged skin, tips on how to prevent and protect against sun-damage and beyond. Leading cosmetic dermatologist Dr.Roni Munk uses state-of-the-art exosomes in combination with jet peels, microneedling and other laser treatments to treat sun-damage, aging, hair loss and a host of other skin concerns at Dermapure’s Westmount clinic in Montreal. —Vita Daily

Can you describe the innovative treatments you use at Dermapure’s Westmount clinic for sun-damaged skin, particularly the combination of exosomes with jet peels, microneedling, and laser treatments?

At Dermapure Westmount and Pointe-Claire, we use a combination of advanced treatments to address sun-damaged skin. This includes exosomes, jet peels, microneedling, and laser treatments. Exosomes are tiny vesicles derived from stem cells that promote cell communication and regeneration, helping to heal and rejuvenate the skin. They regenerate collagen and signal skin DNA to promote healthy and radiant skin. The exosome serum can be delivered into the skin through various techniques:

• Jet Peels: Uses a high-pressure stream to exfoliate, hydrate, and deliver nutrients (or exosomes) deep into the skin.
• Microneedling: Creates micro-injuries to stimulate collagen production and enhance skin texture. The micro-channels created by the fine needles allow the exosome serum to penetrate deeper layers of the skin.
• Laser Treatments: Technologies like Clear and Brilliant, Fraxel, and Intense Pulsed Light target pigmentation, stimulate collagen, and improve overall skin tone.

By combining these treatments, we provide a comprehensive solution that significantly improves the appearance and health of sun-damaged skin.

What are some of the most common misconceptions about sun damage and its long-term effects on the skin?

Some common misconceptions about sun damage include:

• Sun Damage is Only Visible as Sunburn: Many believe that sun damage only shows up as sunburn, but it can also manifest as premature aging, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
• Sun Damage Only Happens on Sunny Days: UV rays can penetrate through clouds, so skin can be damaged even on overcast days. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays are present year-round, regardless of climate, and contribute to premature aging.
• Sunscreen is Only for the Beach: Sunscreen should be worn daily, regardless of the activity or season, to protect against cumulative UV exposure.

What preventative measures do you recommend to your patients to protect their skin from sun damage on a daily basis?

To protect skin from sun damage daily, I recommend:

• Daily Use of Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day, regardless of weather. Mineral sunscreens are preferable as they offer broader coverage and are less irritating when applied daily.
• Use an Antioxidant with Sunscreen: Vitamin C is one of the most potent antioxidants on the market and helps enhance UV protection while also protecting against visible light, infrared, and pollution.
• Protective Clothing: Wear hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves to shield skin from direct sunlight.
• Seek Shade: Whenever possible, stay in the shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM).
• Avoid Tanning Beds: These can cause significant UV damage to the skin.
• Regular Skin Checks: Monitor your skin for any changes and consult a dermatologist for routine check-ups.

How do exosomes enhance the effectiveness of other treatments such as microneedling and jet peels in combating skin concerns like aging and hair loss?

Exosomes enhance the effectiveness of treatments like microneedling and jet peels by:

• Promoting Healing: They accelerate the healing process, reducing downtime and enhancing results.
• Stimulating Collagen Production: Exosomes boost collagen and elastin production, leading to firmer, more youthful skin.
• Enhancing Absorption: When used with jet peels, exosomes are delivered more efficiently into the skin, maximizing their regenerative benefits.
• Combating Inflammation: They reduce inflammation, which helps in the treatment of aging skin and hair loss.

Can you share some success stories or notable case studies where your treatments significantly improved the condition of a patient’s skin?

I see success stories every day in my practice. Our mission is to improve people’s skin quality and ensure they feel confident about their skin. Whether treating sun damage, melasma, acne, rosacea, or aging skin, we have incredible technologies and methods to enhance quality of life. Patients often say they feel confident leaving the house without makeup, love their skin, and notice that the aging process has slowed. There’s also evidence that shows having healthier skin can positively impact overall health, and vice versa. People who live healthier lifestyles tend to have better skin, but external factors can still cause issues like uneven tone, texture, or pigmentation, which is why we combine advanced technologies with injectables and great skincare programs to help our patients achieve the skin they desire.