How Harmful Is the Sun to Our Skin?
Posted June 01, 2021 in Sun Damage Treatments
3 Minute Read:
Sunlight triggers the synthesis of Vitamin D within the body for stronger and healthier bones. However, unprotected and prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage the skin, increasing the risk of sunburns, premature aging, skin cancers, and other harmful effects.
Over time, exposure to the sun’s rays depletes the skin’s supply of natural lubricating oils, making the skin appear dry and flaky.
The sun’s ultraviolet rays can also lead to long-term change in the skin’s collagen (photoaging), causing the skin to become less elastic. What follows is the formation of deep wrinkles, fine lines, and a thickened skin texture that makes you look older than you are.
How Can I Effectively Avoid Sun Exposure?
As we get into the warmer months, you may want to be extra careful. The best way to protect the skin against the harmful effects of sun exposure is to take the following measures:
Use Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen every day, even if it is cloudy. This can keep you from getting sunburned and help shield you from some of the damaging rays.
It is imperative to use broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect against UVA and UVB radiation with an SPF of 30 or more.
Plan Your Exposure
Avoid prolonged time in direct sunlight, especially between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m, as this is the period when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wear a wide-brimmed hat and proper, protective sunglasses that prevent damage to the sensitive skin around your eyes.
When choosing clothes, go for those with tightly woven fabric as they offer better protection.
The sun can penetrate through many types of fabric. Plan accordingly and apply sunscreen beneath your clothes if you know you will be exposed to sunlight for an extended period.
How Do I Reverse the Negative Effects of Sun Damage?
If your skin has begun to show signs of sun damage, such as dark spots, uneven pigmentation, or wrinkling, there are plenty of effective skin treatments to improve its appearance. Depending on your specific skin concerns, you can consider the following options:
- elōs® Plus Fotofacial Skin Rejuvenation – This rejuvenation treatment combines bi-polar radiofrequency and light energies to target sun damage, including sunspots and hyperpigmentation.
- Active/DeepFX™ – This fractional CO2 laser system addresses sun-damaged skin by stimulating tissue regeneration and new collagen formation.
- HydraFacial MD® Elite – A HydraFacial® is a multi-step hydradermabrasion procedure that improves skin hydration to reveal a bright and radiant complexion.
- Injectables with hyaluronic acid – While they cannot address surface skin concerns, injectables with hyaluronic acid hydrate the cells beneath the skin and plump their volume.
- Micro-needling with the Eclipse MicroPen® Elite – Micro-needling can be used on nearly all skin types to promote collagen production. This reduces the appearance of sun-damaged skin and improves skin tone and texture.
No matter how many years of sun damage your skin has endured, it is never too late to start restoring its vibrancy.
It is always a good idea to speak to a professional aesthetician when considering any treatment to reverse the effects of UV rays.
Interested in Learning More About Sun Damage?
To learn more about how you can maintain your skin’s health/appearance and reverse the effects of sun damage, schedule an appointment today with Aspire Medispa. Contact us at 559-435-8477 or fill our online form.