Sun Damage
If you live on earth, you are at risk. We all accumulate the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, even in small amounts, which present themselves over time. This accumulation paired with natural intrinsic aging leads to volume loss, fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, broken capillaries, and lax skin. Increased sun exposure also increases one risk of developing precancerous and cancerous lesions.
Most of the damage is done in youth, but it also happens when walking outdoors, riding in your car, sitting near a window or participating in outdoor activities. Most people only think about protecting themselves when planning a day outdoors, at the beach or pool. UV rays are damaging any day of the year even when it is overcast.
If you have sun damage, you need to be examined by a board-certified dermatologist to ensure that you are free of pre-cancerous lesions and skin cancers. We often find worrisome lesions on patients during cosmetic consultations.
It is never too late to start protecting your skin. Effective sunscreens and skin care products make a big difference in preventing further damage and reversing signs of sun damage. Additionally, there are many options for treating sun-damaged skin. From products to peels to laser to injectables, like Botox and facial fillers, there are options for everyone. We offer one-on-one consultation to develop a plan that fits your budget and lifestyle. IPL, Active FX laser resurfacing, HALO and Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy are great options.
Myths about sun damage
- If it is overcast you can’t get burned.
- You need to get your vitamin D from the sun.
- Tanning beds are safer than outdoor sun exposure.
- I wear SPF 15 in my makeup every day, so I am adequately protected.
Facts about sun damage:
- On cloudy days damaged to the skin can still occur. UVA rays penetrate clouds and may lead to sun damage without any indication of a traditional “sunburn”.
- Most people get more than enough Vitamin D through diet by eating certain foods including fortified milk and cereals, eggs, fatty fish (salmon, tuna and mackerel), meat, mushrooms, and liver. Beyond diet, most get incidental sun exposure through everyday activities and it is not recommended that people spend large amounts of time outside as this will increase skin aging and risk of developing skin cancer.
- UV radiation is a proven human carcinogen. The radiation from tanning beds is at a much greater intensity than the dose one would get from outdoor exposure increasing one’s risk of skin cancer and chances of skin damage.
- Sunscreens are not created equally. Most people are not properly educated on sunscreen. Click here for Sunscreen 101.
Shop our secure online store for services or products that help treat Sun Damaged skin HERE
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