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It’s one of my few regrets in life: skipping sunscreen during all of those Minnesota summers I spent on the tennis court and at the lake. Nevermind the gratuitous sunbathing, assisted by Hawaiian Tropic SPF 4. Not surprisingly, my adult skin is a constellation of sun spots which, unlike freckles, are not cute and do not fade come fall. Read on for the treatments that have worked for me to help undo the damage.
The Face Changer: BBL
If total elimination is your goal and you don’t mind temporarily looking like your face has been dusted with coffee grounds (worth it!), nothing beats BBL (BroadBand Light therapy). This relatively painless, non-invasive treatment uses high-intensity pulses of light to treat discoloration below the surface. The unwanted pigment cells turn darker, then naturally slough off in one to two weeks, leaving you with near-flawless skin.
Best for: Stubborn spots that haven’t responded to other products or treatments
Cost: $425 for full face; discounted packages available
Where: Skin Rejuvenation Clinic, 6545 France Ave., Ste. 165, Edina, 952-920-6545, skinrejuvenationclinic.net
Lunchtime Lift: Microdermabrasion
A tried-and-true treatment for dull complexions, microderm physically buffs away surface spots and dead skin cells using a diamond-tipped wand. Unlike light therapy, there’s no downtime. In fact, if you’re willing to skip the full facial, Phresh offers an Express Microdermabrasion that will have you back at your desk eating sushi in 30 minutes.
Side effects: Also helps reduce acne scars and blemishes without extractions
Cost: $75 for Express treatment, $120 with facial
Where: Phresh Spa Salons, West End and Grand Ave. locations, phreshspasalon.com
Red Carpet Approved: Vitamin C Facial
Not all facials are created equal, especially when it comes to visible results. Fusion LifeSpa’s Vitamin C and Papaya Custom Facial features Organic Pharmacy products (a Gwyneth Paltrow go-to) to boost radiance and re-surface skin using a papaya enzyme peel—as effective as 4 percent Hydroquinone without harmful side effects. Book one to three days before a big event to take full advantage of that “skating rink” glow.
Take Home: Organic Pharmacy’s Antioxidant Gel and Firming Antioxidant Serum. The brand claims that when used daily for 60 days, the combination will take 10 years off skin (insert raised-hand emoji).
Cost: $125 and up
Where: Fusion LifeSpa, 18142 Minnetonka Blvd., Wayzata, 952-345-3335, fusionlifespa.com
