NEW YORK CITY — Chances are that if you're enjoying a bit of sun, your skin and hair are not.
Damage to the skin caused by UVA and UVB rays can result in uneven pigmentation and sunspots, and can contribute to dark eye circles, premature wrinkles and overall dullness. For your hair, that glorious day in the sun can mean broken cuticles, loss of moisture and a depletion in color.
Here's how some salons are reversing sun damage for New Yorkers:
► The Facial at Face Place, 425 W. 14th St. in the Meatpacking District
The classic facial at Face Place uses a low-voltage galvanic current to target deep into sun-damaged skin.
“It breaks down molecules in the vitamin C and zinc [the ingredients in the facial] making them penetrate to the deeper levels of the skin,” said Face Place manager, Laura Eacklof.
The process purportedly breaks down pigmentation abnormalities, which can be a sign of sun-damaged skin.
A facial at Face Place starts at $150 and takes 80 minutes to complete.
► LED Light Therapy at Ildi Pekar Salon, 315 Madison Ave. Suite 2600 in Midtown East
Ironically, this painless therapy uses light — a UV-free one — to treat sun-damaged skin.
“The light energy reverses skin damage by stimulating skin cells and accelerating its healing process while boosting collagen production, leaving your skin even toned, plump, and healthy,” wrote salon owner Ildi Pekar in an email to DNAinfo New York.
The service takes 30 minutes and costs $150.
► Fraxel Laser at Union Square Laser Dermatology, 19 Union Square West in Union Square.
Unlike other techniques that only improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin, a fraxel laser bumps up its health, Dr. Anne Chapas, a dermatologist at the center, said.
“During the treatment, tiny beams of laser light stimulate new cell turnover, removing the sun damaged cells and replacing them with smoother, healthier, more even skin,” she added.
Depending on the level of sun damage, Chapas recommends between one to five sessions. Treatments can take as little as 20 minutes and up to two hours. The cost depends on the treatment area.
► Spot Peel from Juva Skin and Laser Center, 60 E. 56th St. in Midtown East
The Spot Peel is a chemical peel that targets uneven pigmentation such as freckles and sunspots. The results last for a few months, so the center recommends regular maintenance. Juva Skin and Laser Center requires an initial consultation to determine if it is the best treatment for each client.
The process can take as little as 20 minutes and does leave the skin slightly pink for three or so days following the treatment. The cost of treatment depends on the area being treated.
► Glycolic Acid Treatment at Mario Badescu Skin Care, 320 E. 52nd St. in Midtown East
Besides uneven pigmentation and dark eye circles, an overall dullness in the skin is a sign of sun damage. The Glycolic Acid Treatment is a fast exfoliator, according to Mario Badescu Skin Care. Using acid from sugar cane, the treatment clears away with dead skin cells to get to the fresh, glowing skin underneath.
As a standalone service, the Glycolic Acid Treatment is $50, but the salon recommends it as an addition to a regular facial for a total of $110.
► Deep Conditioning Treatment from Arrojo Salon in SoHo, TriBeCa and Williamsburg
Avocado oil, coconut oil and keratin make this treatment a savior for sun-damaged hair, according to Andrew Arrojo, the salon’s marketing director.
“Keratin makes up most up of the structural component of the hair shaft,” he said. “When it gets sun damaged, it is keratin that [the hair] has lost.”
The in-salon service costs $74, takes about 40 minutes and includes a blowout.
► Clear Shine Glaze from Oscar Blandi Salon, 545 Madison Ave. in Midtown East or Online
Preventing sun damage to your hair is ideal, and that includes protecting your hair color.
Clear Shine Glaze uses vitamin E, a coconut oil derivative, panthenol and castor oil to lock in moisture. It supports cuticles to prevent hair color from fading, according to Gina Guercia, a spokeswoman for the brand.
"If your cuticle is sealed then light will bounce off the hair and keep your hair color intact," she said. "It locks in the pigment."
Once a week, leave the glaze in hair for one to three minutes following conditioning or add a few drops to your conditioner for daily use. Pick up a bottle for $28 from the salon in Midtown East or online.
