Microneedling or Laser Resurfacing? What Works Best for Sun-Damaged Skin in Beach Cities
Living in a beach city like Hermosa Beach has its perks: ocean views, salty breezes, and year-round sunshine. But all that sun exposure comes with a price: sun-damaged skin. If you’re noticing brown spots, fine lines, uneven texture, or dullness, you’re not alone. UV exposure is one of the biggest accelerators of visible aging, especially for those of us who love life by the coast.
At Pier Medical Aesthetics, two of the most effective treatments we recommend for sun-damaged skin are
Microneedling and
Laser Resurfacing. But which one is right for your skin?
Sun-damaged skin doesn’t always show up right away. Over time, UV rays break down collagen and elastin, leading to:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Hyperpigmentation or “sun spots”
- Rough or leathery texture
- Enlarged pores
- Uneven skin tone
Both microneedling and laser treatments are designed to repair this damage by stimulating new collagen, improving tone, and revealing fresher skin. But they work in very different ways.
Understanding Sun Damage
Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses ultra-fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These tiny punctures trigger your body’s natural healing process, which leads to increased collagen and elastin production.

Microneedling is great for:
- Mild sun damage
- Fine lines and enlarged pores
- Texture irregularities
- Skin tightening over time
Downtime: Minimal (1–3 days of redness)
Results Timeline: Gradual improvement over 4–6 weeks
Bonus: Safe for all skin tones and types
Many of our Hermosa Beach clients love microneedling as a maintenance treatment, especially after a long summer outdoors.
What Is Laser Resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing uses focused light energy to remove damaged outer layers of skin while stimulating deeper collagen production. At Pier Medical Aesthetics, we offer a range of laser treatments, including fractional resurfacing, which treats sun spots, wrinkles, and texture issues more aggressively than microneedling.
Laser resurfacing is ideal for:
- Moderate to severe sun damage
- Deep wrinkles and lines
- Brown spots and pigmentation
- Uneven skin tone
Downtime: Moderate (3–7 days depending on depth)
Results Timeline: Noticeable improvements in 1–2 weeks, with continued improvement over months
Best For: Light to medium skin tones (depending on the type of laser used)
Microneedling vs. Laser: Which Is Better for Beach-Living Skin?
Both treatments can dramatically improve sun-damaged skin, but the best choice depends on your specific skin concerns, downtime availability, and skin tone.
Concern: Best Option
- Mild to moderate texture + fine lines: Microneedling
- Deep sun spots or wrinkles: Laser Resurfacing
- Minimal downtime: Microneedling
- Faster, more dramatic results: Laser Resurfacing
- Safe for all skin tones: Microneedling
- Want long-term collagen boost: Both!
Can You Combine Microneedling and Laser?
Absolutely! Many of our clients at Pier Medical Aesthetics benefit from a customized treatment plan that includes both microneedling and laser resurfacing, either in alternating sessions or over time.

Our expert providers will assess your skin and recommend a plan that fits your lifestyle, skin type, and aesthetic goals. You don’t have to choose alone; we’ll help you make the most informed decision for your skin.
Treat Sun Damage Before It Deepens
The good news? Sun damage is treatable. And the sooner you start, the more effective your results can be. Whether you’re looking to reverse the signs of long-term exposure or simply refresh your complexion after a sun-soaked season, our team is here to help you glow safely and confidently.
