We all know that exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays has harmful effects. The damage ranges from skin cancer to premature aging.
Do you know what to do to help your skin recover from sun damage?
Choosing the best form of sun damage treatment depends on the type of damage you’re dealing with. Read on to learn about the different ways the sun can damage your skin and the type of treatment that will help you in each scenario.
Sunburn
Sunburn is the quickest and usually most noticeable form of sun damage. As the UV rays interact with your skin cells, they cause micro-injuries. If you have a high enough level of melanin, this will materialize as a tan. If not, your skin turns pink or red.
Unfortunately, neither are good signs! When your skin changes color after sun exposure, it means that the cells are damaged. Over time, this can lead to skin cancer and premature aging.
If you can’t get out of the sun, apply a strong SPF to protect your skin from further damage. Apply aftersun lotion or aloe vera to your skin to soothe the burn. Avoid using petroleum-based products, as these trap heat and can increase your discomfort. Resist the urge to scratch your sunburn, as this only damages your skin further.
Sun Spots
Sun spots, also called liver spots or solar lentigines, are patches of excess melanin. Your body produces melanin to protect the skin from UV rays. Sometimes, the melanin clumps together to form a flat black or brown spot.
Many brands offer ranges of skincare for sun damage. Useful products include skin-lightening creams with active ingredients such as hydroquinone or glycolic acid, and they include retinoids that speed up cell turnover and shed pigmented cells.
Other treatments options include cryotherapy, which involves freezing the sun spots with liquid nitrogen until they peel off, and physical removal. Sun spots can be removed along with the outer layers of your skin using chemical peels, laser therapy, or microdermabrasion.
Wrinkles
Although you naturally gain wrinkles as you age, sun damage can accelerate their formation. The sun’s UV rays break down collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin youthful, firm, and smooth.
Treatment options for wrinkles include:
Retinoids
Retinoids boost the collagen levels of your skin. This results in a firmer skin tone and the reduction of wrinkles.
Keep in mind that retinoids are inactive after exposure to sunlight, so you should only apply retinoids at night.
Light Therapy
If you’re looking for a nonsurgical skin rejuvenation option, why not try laser therapy at Hamilton Aesthetics?
Pulsing light removes specific layers of your skin, helping to reverse signs of sun damage. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) preserves and protects your healthy skin cells while breaking down the damaged areas.
Beta-carotene
Found in carrots, spinach, and cantaloupes, beta-carotene is an antioxidant that helps your skin stay supple and flexible. This helps to reduce the appearance of sun-related wrinkles.
Sun Damage Treatment Made Easy
By now, you should know exactly what to do to treat signs of sun damage. Whether you’ve recently gotten sunburnt or want to reverse the effects of a childhood spent outdoors – these sun damage treatment options will give you the relief you’re after.
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