Sun Damaged Skin
Continuous exposure to UV radiation on the skin leads to cumulative damage including aging and skin cancers. This prolonged exposure damages the fibers in the skin that provide its normal elasticity. As a result, the skin begins to sag and loses its ability to stretch back into position as quickly as before. The process also robs the skin of its natural lubricating moisturizer–collagen. Cellular damage can ensue and the damaged skin cells may begin to mutate and reproduce at an abnormal rate in the form of skin cancer.
Symptoms
Sun-damaged skin is caused by a process known as “photoaging” will appear exceedingly dry and rough in texture. This long-term process stimulates an increase in the production of melanin, a skin pigment, which can result in a mottled or irregular discoloration of the skin over the face and body. The skin may also appear much darker than normal as if a person has spent too much time in a tanning salon. Actinic keratosis is a form of skin damage that appears as a bump or patch of dry skin from cumulative, long-term exposure to the sun. As collagen production lessens as a result of continuous sun exposure, the skin will begin to look thinner and wrinkled, will bruise more easily, and take longer to heal.
What Causes It?
The primary culprit is solar heat and overexposure to the sun’s rays – a process that takes years for the damage to manifest and accelerate. People with lighter skin color are especially prone to skin damage, although people with darker complexions are also at risk for skin damage. The particular light source that contributes to premature skin aging and wrinkling and is the predominant light source found in tanning beds.
Treatment Options
Of course, protecting your skin is the most important factor in retaining beautiful healthy skin. When shopping for sunscreens, it is critical to apply a product that is Broad-Spectrum (covers for both UVA and UVB), containing a SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher. Sunscreens that contain chemical blockers such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide provide the best protection as they physically deflect the sun’s rays off of the skin. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes prior to exposure and reapplied every two hours during continued sun exposure and sweating.
Your Riverchase dermatologist can offer treatments for sun damaged skin including topical retinoids, antioxidants, growth factors, and peptides. You may also elect to incorporate chemical peels, photo facials and/or laser resurfacing to restore skin.