4 Best Tips for Erasing Sun Damage This Summer
Ridding sun damage can be a difficult process. It is tough to know the level of severity and what action should take place in order to reverse the effects of sun damage. Here at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute, we are dedicated to providing you with the best skin care tips and tricks.
What to Know About Erasing Sun Damage
What is Sun Damage?
Normally, sunlight is used to help the skin produce Vitamin D, a nutrient important in bone formation. Melanin is found on the outer layer of skin cells and protects the skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. UV rays are energized waves that have the ability to damage cells. Overtime, repeated exposure to these waves causes damage to melanin which reduces the skin’s elasticity, causing wrinkles.
In addition, it causes the pigmented skin cells to multiply and creates brown spots on the skin. Sun damage is most common in people older than 40 and those with fair skin tones. Signs of sun damage may appear anywhere on the body ranging from the face and neck to forearms, shoulders and backs of hands.
Vitamin C
An easy at-home remedy for reducing signs of sun damage is Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a naturally occurring antioxidant in the skin. Over time, excessive sun exposure and exposure to pollutants depletes levels of Vitamin C. Using a topical Vitamin C can help replenish the natural supply, which will even skin tone. It can also brighten skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and protect from UVA and UVB rays.
Look for products with strengths of Vitamin C of 10% and higher to get the most effective results. You can incorporate this into your skin care by using both morning and night after cleansing your face.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing expels concentrated beams of light at sun damaged skin, which removes skin one layer at a time. There are two types of laser skin resurfacing: CO2 Laser Resurfacing and Erbium Laser Resurfacing. CO2 Laser Resurfacing includes an ultrapulse that is directed to the skin in a specific pattern to remove small layers. Erbium Laser Resurfacing is better for those with darker skin tones as well as those who have deeper marks and lines. This type of resurfacing damages less of the surrounding skin and has a quicker recovery time than CO2 resurfacing.
Cryotherapy
In this procedure, liquid nitrogen is used to freeze off sunspots. This quick procedure is completely safe and will allow the darkened skin to easily peel away from the body. There are only a few minor side effects to this therapy. Side effects include pain, swelling, redness, and crusting. Overall, this procedure is fairly low risk.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is made up of a chemical treatment, which is applied to the skin by a professional. The solution causes the skin to blister and then peel off, leaving you with a fresh layer of skin. This skin is less wrinkled, brighter, and smoother than the old skin. However, you must be careful after using this product, because your skin will be even more sensitive to sun damage. After doing this treatment, you must use SPF and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Otherwise, you could be susceptable to more sun damage than before.
Contact Us
Taking good care of your skin is so important to keeping a youthful and glowing appearance. These treatments will help you find confidence in your skin and inspire you to take better preventative care. If you have more questions or concerns regarding sun damage, the dermatologists at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute can help. If you are in or around Bloomington, Illinois fill book an appointment, and a dermatologist will help you take the proper steps in caring for your skin.