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.

Locations with this service

Zephyrhills 
38162 Medical Center Ave
Zephyrhills, FL 33540
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Weston 
2625 Executive Park Dr, Suite 7
Weston, FL 33331
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Venice Health Park 
1295 Jacaranda Blvd.
Venice, FL 34292
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Tampa Palms 
15310 Amberly Dr, Suite 150
Tampa, FL 33647
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Sun City Center 
1007 E Del Webb Blvd, Suite 101
Sun City Center, FL 33573
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Pembroke Pines 
603 N Flamingo Rd, Suite 350
Pembroke Pines, FL 33028
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Parrish 
9015 US Highway 301 N
Parrish, FL 34219
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North Port – Commons 
14840 Tamiami Trail
North Port, FL 34287
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North Port – Bobcat Village 
2481 Bobcat Village Center Rd, Suite 101
North Port, FL 34288
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Naples – North 
1015 Crosspointe Dr.
Naples, FL 34110
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Naples – Downtown 
261 9th St S
Naples, FL 34102
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Naples – Colonial Square 
1108 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N.
Naples, FL 34102
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Naples – Central 
9125 Corsea Del Fontana Way, Suite 100
Naples, FL 34109
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Miami
Formerly Bowes Dermatology
Mercy Professional Building Suite 6008
 
3659 S Miami Ave, Suite 6008
Miami, FL 33133
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Lakewood Ranch 
8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Suite 260
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
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Fort Myers – West 
9400 Gladiolus Dr, Suite 320
Fort Myers, FL 33908
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Fort Myers – South 
7331 Gladiolus Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33908
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Fort Myers – The Forum 
3268 Forum Blvd, Suite 201
Fort Myers, FL 33905
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Estero 
19527 Highland Oaks Dr, Suite 201
Estero, FL 33928
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Englewood 
406 N Indiana Ave
Englewood, FL 34223
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Deerfield Beach 
1880 W Hillsboro Blvd, Suite A
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
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Clearwater 
1122 Druid Rd E
Clearwater, FL 33756
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Cape Coral – Surfside 
2366 Surfside Blvd, Suite C111
Cape Coral, FL 33991
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Cape Coral 
413 Del Prado Blvd S, Suite 101
Cape Coral, FL 33990
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Bonita Springs 
25987 S Tamiami Trail, Unit 90
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
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Boca Raton – East 
200 Glades Road, Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33432
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Bay Harbor Islands 
1111 Kane Concourse, Suite 100
Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154
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