Beverly Hills Dermatology
Sun Damage Treatment in Beverly Hills
Cumulative UV damage is both a medical and a cosmetic problem. Dr. Zaks treats the precancerous lesions first, then the visible signs.
- Verified Reviews
- 792
- Overall Rating
- 4.77★
- Bedside Manner
- 4.84★
- Years in Practice
- 20+
Overview
Chronic ultraviolet exposure produces a predictable set of changes: actinic keratoses, which are rough, scaly precancerous lesions with the potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma; solar lentigines, the discrete brown macules commonly called sun spots; telangiectasias and persistent redness from damaged superficial vasculature; and degradation of dermal collagen and elastin producing wrinkling and coarse texture. Actinic keratoses are a medical finding, not a cosmetic one, which is why sun damage should be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist rather than treated at a spa.
Dr. Zaks addresses the medical component first. Individual actinic keratoses are most often treated in the office with liquid nitrogen cryospray. When sun damage is extensive or a field of early precancerous change is present, photodynamic therapy with Levulan® and blue light treats a broader area at once rather than one lesion at a time. Any suspicious lesion is biopsied. He then addresses the visible signs: the Vbeam® pulsed dye laser for telangiectasias and redness, and salicylic acid peels for pigmentation and texture. An appropriate skin exam interval and disciplined daily photoprotection are part of the plan for patients with significant photodamage.
What Sun Damage Treatment Addresses
Actinic Keratoses
Rough, scaly precancerous lesions with potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma. Individual lesions are typically treated with liquid nitrogen cryospray; photodynamic therapy is used for extensive field treatment or prevention.
Solar Lentigines (Sun Spots)
Discrete brown macules on the face, chest, shoulders, and hands from cumulative UV exposure.
Telangiectasias and Redness
Visible dilated vessels and persistent redness treated with the Vbeam® pulsed dye laser at 595 nm.
Texture and Fine Lines
Coarse texture and fine wrinkling from collagen and elastin degradation, improved with salicylic acid peels and prescription topicals.
Skin Cancer Risk
Significant photodamage means elevated risk. An appropriate skin exam and same-day biopsy when indicated are part of the plan.
Prevention
Daily mineral sunscreen at SPF 30+, protective clothing, and behavioral change — without which every treatment result erodes.
The Treatment Experience
Skin exam
Dr. Zaks performs a skin exam appropriate to your presentation and risk, identifying actinic keratoses and any suspicious lesion. Biopsy can be performed the same day when indicated, with pathology results typically in five business days.
Medical treatment of precancerous lesions
Individual actinic keratoses are typically destroyed with liquid nitrogen cryospray. For extensive sun-damaged fields, photodynamic therapy treats a broader area to reduce the risk of new lesions developing.
Cosmetic correction
Vbeam® sessions address telangiectasias and redness; salicylic acid peels address pigment and texture. These are staged after the medical component.
Photoprotection and surveillance
A daily regimen of mineral sunscreen at SPF 30+ is established, and you are placed on an appropriate skin exam interval for ongoing surveillance.
Important Information
- Actinic keratoses are precancerous and require medical treatment — they are not a cosmetic concern to be managed with facials.
- Peels in this practice are limited to salicylic acid peels and the Cosmelan® system; Dr. Zaks does not use TCA or glycolic acid.
- Photodynamic therapy involves 45–60 minutes of Levulan® incubation and requires strict sun avoidance for 36 hours afterward.
- Patients with significant sun damage are at elevated risk for skin cancer and should be on a regular skin exam schedule appropriate to their history and findings.
- Medical treatment of actinic keratoses and skin cancer screening are covered by most major PPO plans and Medicare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an actinic keratosis, and why does it matter?
It is a rough, scaly lesion caused by cumulative UV damage, and it is precancerous — a subset progress to squamous cell carcinoma. That makes treatment medical rather than cosmetic.
How are actinic keratoses treated?
Most individual actinic keratoses are treated in the office with liquid nitrogen cryospray. Photodynamic therapy with Levulan® and blue light is reserved for extensive sun-damaged fields or prevention across a broader area. Anything suspicious is biopsied.
Can you treat both the medical and cosmetic sides of sun damage?
Yes, and in that order. Precancerous lesions and any suspicious spots are handled first; brown spots, redness, and texture are then addressed with peels and the Vbeam® laser.
Which peels do you use for sun damage?
Salicylic acid peels, and the Cosmelan® system for pigmentation. Dr. Zaks does not use TCA or glycolic acid peels.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
Treatment of actinic keratoses and skin cancer screening are medical services covered by most major PPO plans and Medicare. Purely cosmetic treatments are not. Our office reviews costs with you in advance.
How often should I be checked?
Annually at minimum for most adults, and more frequently with significant photodamage, many moles, or a personal or family history of skin cancer.
Is it too late to start using sunscreen?
No. Ongoing UV exposure continues to generate new damage and degrades results from any treatment you have. Daily mineral sunscreen at SPF 30+ benefits skin at any age.
Patient Reviews
“I have been going to Dr. Zaks for over 4 years. His outstanding skill, great bedside manner, warm personality, and artistry with Botox make me come back again and again!”
“I had Rosacea on my face for over 10 years. Dr. Zaks quickly reduced this embarrassing condition. Nobody else could help me. He's the best Dermatologist in LA hands down!”
“Dr. Zaks did not rush and he gave me 100% attention. He did not try to sell me product or convince me to try aggressive procedures which I appreciated.”
“Doctor took the time to explain the technical aspects of my condition, the treatment options and the expectations.”
About Dr. Boris Zaks, MD
Dr. Boris Zaks personally performs every procedure at Superior Beverly Hills Dermatology — never rotating assistants. He has practiced dermatology in Beverly Hills for more than twenty years.
- Board Certified — American Board of Dermatology (since 2002)
- Medical Degree — UCLA School of Medicine
- Chief Resident — Charles Drew University of Medicine & Science
- B.S. Biology — UCLA, Summa Cum Laude (age 19)
- Medical Board of California Expert Reviewer since 2009
- Super Doctors® 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 & 2027 (Southern California)
- "Rock Star Dermatologist" — Glamour Magazine
Schedule Your Consultation
435 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 408, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · Monday–Friday · (310) 552-3376
Paid parking on-site, or free 2-hour parking at 461 N. Bedford Drive Garage, 1 block away
Areas Served
Patients seek Sun Damage Treatment at Dr. Zaks’s Beverly Hills office from throughout greater Los Angeles: West Hollywood, Bel Air, Brentwood, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Westwood, Century City, Culver City, Marina del Rey, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Torrance, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and Irvine.