Preventing and Repairing Sun Damage to Skin
08/10/2021
Many of us are doing our best to make this summer one to remember. After an agonizing year of stress, lockdowns, and isolation, it’s natural that we’d seek out get-togethers, fun, and sun. We definitely encourage those first two, since they do mind and body good. But the third? Well, you’ll want to be careful, because the sun can damage your skin even if its rays leave you feeling good, and even if that tan looks marvelous. What can you do if you’re worried about preventing sun-damaged skin, or finding skincare treatments to reverse the damage that’s already done?
How the Sun Damages Skin
Skin aging is inevitable, dictated by time and genetics. But photodamage, the scientific term for skin damage caused by exposure to sunlight, isn’t inevitable. The ultraviolet light emitted by the sun can change your skin at the cellular level, even altering your DNA. As a result, being careless about sun exposure can result in a wide range of ill effects, some unsightly and some decidedly dangerous.
- Premature wrinkling
- Age spots
- Freckles
- Rough skin texture
- Discoloration (redness, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation)
- Broken capillaries and spider veins, especially around the chest, cheeks, and nose
- And, in extreme cases, skin cancer brought on by prolonged exposure
Mind you, a single bad sunburn won’t condemn you to a lifetime of your skin looking like a knockoff Louis Vuitton. But the effects of sun damage are cumulative, meaning that even the small bits of exposure add up over the years. Skin with a lower melanin content—pale, fair, or medium-light skin—is most susceptible to damage, but those with olive or even Black skin can still suffer skin damage. None of us can afford to be complacent!
Preventing Sun Damage to Skin
So what can you do to ensure your time outdoors is safe and healthy? Wear a hat with a wide brim that shields your face. Wear shirts and even capris or long pants made of a breathable, moisture-wicking material when the temperature allows. If the weather dictates shorts and a sleeveless shirt, wear a waterproof sunscreen that offers UVA and UVB protection, with an SPF of 30 or higher. Make sure you reapply every couple of hours if you’re exercising or swimming. Hydrate, since it’s good for your entire body. And if you notice anything wrong with your skin, get to a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Skin Care for Sun-Damaged Skin
Your skin wasn’t damaged in a day and won’t be restored that way either. But with time and patience, the skincare treatments offered by Revive Aesthetics can put you back on the right track. Each treatment we offer is tailored to your needs and skin type alike:
- VI Peel treatments that help even skin tone and other visible signs of aging
- HydraFacial, a gentle exfoliation that unclogs pores, removes dead skin cells and finishes with a custom serum
- Injectable skin and hair treatments (Botox®, Dysport®, and Jeuvau®) that address fine lines and wrinkles stemming from a number of causes
- Innovative treatments like FDA-cleared Celluma light therapy that leave you looking and feeling your best
Enjoy Your Skin Year-Round
