Sun Damage Treatment in Lansing, MI
Woman receiving treatment
Years of Michigan summers on the water, winter glare off the snow, and everyday UV exposure add up — and the skin keeps the score. Brown spots, uneven tone, fine lines, and a rough or leathery texture are all hallmarks of photoaging, the term clinicians use to describe the cumulative skin changes driven by ultraviolet radiation rather than the natural aging clock. At Maison Zolara in west Lansing, our licensed registered nurse (RN) clinicians use the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus — a dual-wavelength, FDA-cleared laser platform — to target and reduce the visible signs of sun damage, guided by our on-staff Medical Director's clinical protocols.
Whether you are noticing your first faint sunspots or dealing with more advanced photoaging, treatment is available. Pricing starts From $250 per session, with a free consultation to confirm your personalized plan.
- ✓Candela GentleMax Pro Plus
- ✓FDA-cleared technology
- ✓All skin types
- ✓MD-supervised
- ✓RN-performed
- ✓Free consultation
- ✓Package pricing available
How It Works
Photoaging begins at the molecular level. According to a 2021 peer-reviewed review published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences by researchers at the Medical University of Lodz, UVB radiation absorbed by epidermal cells causes direct DNA damage and increases oxidative stress, while UVA — with its longer wavelength — penetrates deeper into the dermis, causing indirect DNA damage along with collagen and elastin fiber degradation through oxidative mechanisms. ↗ Over time, this cumulative damage manifests as the visible signs patients bring to us: dark spots, redness, broken capillaries, textural roughness, and fine lines.
Laser sun damage treatment works by delivering precise wavelengths of light energy into the skin. The energy is selectively absorbed by melanin (the pigment in dark spots) and by oxyhemoglobin (in visible redness and vessels), causing those targeted structures to break down while leaving surrounding tissue intact. The controlled thermal response also stimulates the skin's natural wound-healing cascade, prompting new collagen production in the dermis. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology by researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that laser resurfacing treatments for photoaged skin are associated with restoration of skin barrier function and meaningful collagen remodeling across successive sessions. ↗
Clinical bottom line: Laser treatment does not erase all prior UV exposure, but it can meaningfully reduce the visible signs of photoaging — dark spots, uneven tone, and surface texture — while stimulating new collagen that improves skin quality over time. Individual results vary.
What It Treats
Sun damage presents differently from person to person. Our licensed RN clinicians assess your skin at consultation to identify which manifestations are present and how to prioritize treatment.
Solar Lentigines
Flat, well-defined brown spots that appear on sun-exposed areas — face, décolletage, hands, and forearms. Also called liver spots or age spots, these are among the most common and most responsive targets for laser treatment.
Diffuse Hyperpigmentation
Broader areas of uneven skin tone and blotchy discoloration caused by cumulative UV exposure and irregular melanin distribution. Laser energy helps normalize pigment distribution across the treatment area.
Photoaging Fine Lines
UV-induced collagen and elastin degradation contributes to fine lines and surface roughness distinct from deeper expression lines. Laser-stimulated collagen remodeling can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of these lines.
Broken Capillaries & Redness
Chronic UV exposure can dilate and damage superficial blood vessels, creating visible redness, flushing, and broken capillaries. The 755 nm Alexandrite wavelength targets vascular pigment to reduce this redness.
Rough Skin Texture
Photoaged skin often develops a thickened, rough, or leathery surface texture. Laser energy promotes cellular turnover and collagen renewal, smoothing the skin's surface over a series of treatments.
Poikiloderma
A pattern of mixed pigmentation, redness, and skin thinning commonly seen on the neck and chest after years of sun exposure. This condition responds well to a multi-session laser protocol.
According to a 2025 comprehensive review published in Lasers in Medical Science by researchers at the University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City, the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser demonstrated efficacy and a favorable safety profile for treating UV spots — defined as epidermal melanin accumulation resulting from sun damage — across a range of skin types. ↗
Note: Melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation are related pigment conditions with different root causes and treatment considerations — these are covered on our hyperpigmentation treatment page.
Candela GentleMax Pro Plus
The Candela GentleMax Pro Plus is the flagship dual-wavelength laser platform from Candela Corporation, one of the most clinically studied names in medical aesthetics. Maison Zolara is an authorized Candela partner, which means our device is maintained to manufacturer specifications and our licensed RN clinicians receive ongoing training on its protocols.
Dual Wavelength
The GentleMax Pro Plus combines a 755 nm Alexandrite laser and a 1064 nm Nd laser in a single platform. The 755 nm wavelength is highly effective for superficial pigment and lighter skin tones; the 1064 nm wavelength penetrates deeper and is well-suited for vascular targets and darker skin tones. Together, they provide a versatile toolkit for sun damage across Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI.
Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD)
Candela's patented Dynamic Cooling Device delivers a cryogen spray to the skin surface milliseconds before each laser pulse, protecting the epidermis and significantly improving patient comfort. This built-in cooling is one reason the GentleMax Pro Plus is widely regarded as one of the more comfortable laser platforms available.
Precision Targeting
The device's adjustable spot sizes and pulse durations allow our clinicians to calibrate treatment parameters precisely to each patient's skin type, concern depth, and treatment area — minimizing the risk of over-treatment while maximizing efficacy.
FDA-Cleared Technology
The Candela GentleMax Pro Plus holds FDA clearance for multiple indications including pigmented lesions, vascular lesions, and skin rejuvenation. Treatments are performed by our licensed RN clinicians under the clinical oversight of our on-staff Medical Director.
Safety & Risks
Laser sun damage treatment is well-established in clinical practice, but it is not without considerations. Understanding what to expect helps you make an informed decision.
Common, temporary side effects include redness, mild swelling, and a sensation similar to a mild sunburn immediately after treatment. These typically resolve within 24–72 hours. Treated pigmented spots often darken briefly before they flake off over the following 7–14 days — this is a normal and expected part of the process.
Less common risks include temporary hyperpigmentation (darkening) or hypopigmentation (lightening) of the treated area, particularly in patients with darker skin tones or those who receive sun exposure too soon after treatment. Our licensed RN clinicians perform a thorough skin assessment before every treatment and adjust laser parameters accordingly to minimize these risks.
Important: Active tanning, recent sun exposure, or use of certain photosensitizing medications can increase the risk of adverse effects. Always disclose your full medication list and sun exposure history at your consultation. Patients who are pregnant or nursing should defer elective laser treatments until after that period.
Patients with a history of keloid scarring, active skin infections, or certain autoimmune conditions may not be appropriate candidates. These factors are evaluated at your free consultation.
Alternatives
Laser treatment is not the only option for sun-damaged skin. Understanding the landscape of alternatives helps you choose the approach that best fits your goals, skin type, and recovery preferences.
What to Expect
Understanding the full patient journey — from consultation through recovery — removes uncertainty and helps you plan.
Before Your Treatment
Your journey begins with a free consultation with one of our licensed RN clinicians. We assess your skin type, document your areas of concern, review your medical history and medications, and discuss your goals. We will confirm whether laser treatment is appropriate for you and outline a recommended session plan. You will be asked to avoid sun exposure, self-tanners, and certain topical actives (retinoids, AHAs) for at least two weeks before your first session. Arrive to your appointment with clean, product-free skin.
During Treatment
Your clinician will apply a topical numbing cream if appropriate, then calibrate the GentleMax Pro Plus to your skin type and treatment parameters. The Dynamic Cooling Device delivers a cryogen spray before each pulse, which most patients describe as a brief snap followed by a cooling sensation. Treatment time varies by area — a full-face session typically takes 20–40 minutes. You may notice a mild warming sensation and see treated pigmented spots darken slightly during the session.
After Treatment
Immediately after, your skin will appear pink or red, similar to a mild sunburn. This typically resolves within 24–48 hours. Treated dark spots will darken over the next few days before naturally flaking off over 7–14 days — do not pick or scrub them. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily and avoid direct sun exposure during the healing period. Most patients can return to work and normal activities the same day or the next day. Full results from a single session are visible at 4–6 weeks; a series of 3–5 sessions is typically recommended for optimal outcomes.
Aftercare
Proper aftercare is essential to achieving the best possible results and minimizing risk. The days immediately following treatment are when your skin is most vulnerable to UV damage and irritation.
Pricing
Sun damage treatment at Maison Zolara is priced transparently, with no hidden fees. Final pricing is confirmed at your free consultation based on the treatment area and session plan recommended for your skin.
| Pricing Tier | Per Session |
|---|---|
| Standard | From $250 |
| Maison Circle Members | From $215 |
Package pricing is available for multi-session programs and provides the best per-session value. Maison Circle members receive member pricing on Sun Damage Treatment and can track their treatment journey in the Zolara Care app (available on the App Store).
Final pricing is confirmed at consultation. Prices are subject to change.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Most adults with visible sun damage are candidates for laser treatment. The best way to confirm candidacy is through a free consultation with our licensed RN clinicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Treatments
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Sublative RF resurfacing for deeper texture improvement, acne scars, and fine lines — a complementary option for patients with more advanced photoaging.
Chemical Peels
Medical-grade VI Peel and chemical peels for surface renewal and tone correction — can be combined with laser treatment as part of a comprehensive photoaging program.
RF Microneedling
Candela Matrix RF microneedling for collagen remodeling, skin tightening, and texture improvement — addresses the structural changes of photoaging alongside pigment correction.
Melasma & Pigmentation Treatment
For pigmentation driven by hormonal factors or post-inflammatory causes rather than UV exposure — a distinct condition requiring a tailored approach.
Hyperpigmentation Treatment
Comprehensive pigment correction for melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and related conditions with different root causes than sun damage.
Medical-Grade Skincare
Professional-grade topicals including antioxidants, retinoids, and SPF to protect your laser investment and maintain results between sessions.
Serving the Greater Lansing Area
Maison Zolara is located at 4820 W Saginaw Hwy in west Lansing, conveniently accessible from across the greater mid-Michigan region. We serve patients from Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos, Holt, DeWitt, Grand Ledge, Mason, Charlotte, St. Johns, Williamston, and surrounding communities within a 30-mile radius.
Our clinic is open 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturdays. Free consultations are available — book online or call us to get started.
Whether you are coming from Okemos after a summer on the lake, from DeWitt dealing with years of snow-glare UV exposure, or from East Lansing looking to address sun damage before it progresses, our team is here to help you build a treatment plan that fits your skin and your schedule.
Clinical References
Nguyen TT et al. Fractional 1064 nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser for Asian skin rejuvenation: clinical efficacy and the role of photoprotective behaviours. Lasers in Medical Science. 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12014787/
Pawlaczyk M et al. Inflammatory Molecules Associated with Ultraviolet Radiation-Mediated Skin Aging. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021;22(8):3874. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8069861/
Kang S et al. Association of Early Clinical Response to Laser Rejuvenation of Photoaged Skin with Increased Lipid Metabolism and Restoration of Skin Barrier Function. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2023;143(3):374–385. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9971340/
Haykal D et al. Advancements in laser technologies for skin rejuvenation: A comprehensive review of efficacy and safety. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2024. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.16514
American Academy of Dermatology. Treatment of solar lentigines. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(05)04969-8/abstract
Page Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical references are sourced from peer-reviewed research and named institutions as cited below. Individual results vary. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any treatment.
The Medical Director provides clinical oversight of treatments performed at this practice. The Medical Director does not author, review, or endorse website content.
Candela® and GentleMax Pro Plus® are registered trademarks of Candela Corporation. Maison Zolara is an authorized Candela partner.