While the sun may be perfect for long days at the beach or a pool party, it is not so great for your skin. Long term and repeated exposure to sunlight, especially ultraviolet light, can cause a variety of cosmetic and medical problems related to the skin, commonly referred to as sun damage.
What Happens to My Skin in the Sun?
Because of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, excess exposure to your skin can be a cause for concern. When your skin is exposed to the sun, you may experience sunburn. While sunburns are known for being uncomfortable, they also damage your DNA.
Where Can Sun Damage Occur?
Sun damage can affect any area of the skin as a result of excessive exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Sun damage most commonly occurs on the face, hands and arms.
What Can Sun Damage Cause?
Sun damage may lead to many different skin conditions, some being just cosmetic and others being very serious. These causes include:
- Sun spots
- Tough skin
- Wrinkles
- Premature aging
- Skin cancer, such as Melanoma
- Precancerous skin lesions
How to Prevent Sun Damage?
There are many ways you can successfully prevent sun damage like wearing sunscreen on a daily basis and avoiding excessive exposure to the sun, especially during mid-day hours when the sun is strongest. Additional ways to prevent sun damage include:
- Always wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15
- Wear a hat in the sun
- Wear long sleeves and long pants
- Avoid tanning beds and salons
Sun Damage FAQs:
What are the Best Treatments for Sun Damage?
Once sun damage has occurred, options are available to improve the damage that has already been caused cosmetically. Injectable fillers such as collagen helps to fill out lines and wrinkles to give the skin a fuller, smoother look. Phototherapy can reduce the appearance of uneven pigmentation, and laser treatments may also be effective for these conditions. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion soften and rejuvenate the skin by removing old and dead layers of skin cells. This helps to promote new growth and enhance the skin's texture, resulting in a noticeable renewal of the skin.
What Should I Do if I Notice a Suspicious Mole?
Individuals who notice suspicious growths or skin patches should immediately consult our experienced team at Serenity Facial Aesthetics and Spa. This is because early detection is critical in treating skin cancer that may have developed as a result of sun damage.
Why Should I Choose Serenity Facial Aesthetics and Spa?
Our compassionate team of experts at Serenity Facial Aesthetics and Spa are dedicated to helping you look and feel your very best by providing you with the best services available. We customize each treatment plan to your specific needs to help you reach your desired goals.
Schedule an Appointment for Your Sun Damage
If you are ready to learn more about how you can reduce the look of sun damage on your skin, or if you’re concerned about a specific area on your body, call Serenity Facial Aesthetics and Spa in Burlington, MA, at 781-221-7140 to schedule an appointment.
