The skin is the biggest organ in the human body. It protects the entire body’s protective covering, in addition to being the largest organ. The average adult human’s body has more than 20 square feet of skin, which is about eight pounds. Our skin performs a myriad of vital tasks that keeps us alive. On top of that, it also protects our internal organs from outside influences.
How the Sun Damages Our Skin?
Anyone who has neglected to apply sunscreen and spent a little too much time outside is familiar with the signs of skin damage, which include tight, painful, and burned skin. Sunburns are uncomfortable and unattractive, but they are not the most harmful side effect of UV radiation. Severe UV radiation damage and/or prolonged sun exposure can change our DNA and lead to the development of skin cancer after the sunburn has healed.
The skin changes associated with early aging, such as wrinkles, are caused by UVA radiation because it penetrates the skin deeper than UVB radiation. Recent studies suggest that UVA radiation is more important than previously believed in the development of skin cancer.
The reddening and darkening of the skin that is associated with sunburns and suntans are caused by UVB radiation, which mostly affects the upper layers of the skin. The body also produces vitamin D when exposed to UVB rays, but extended exposure does more harm than good.
The DNA of skin cells is harmed by both types of UV radiation. The skin cell alterations that cause skin cancer can be brought on by this injury. UV radiation exposure can result in irreversible eye damage, immunological suppression, and accelerated aging, in addition to skin cancer.
Ways to Prevent Sun Damage to the Skin
UV rays cannot be totally avoided, although they can be greatly minimized. One of the best techniques for limiting UV radiation is sunscreen. It’s crucial to pick the correct sunscreen. A broad-spectrum, UVA, and UVB radiation-blocking sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher is what you need. Apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply it every two hours or as soon as you get wet or start to perspire a lot.
You should look for more methods of UV protection besides sunscreen. Your head, ears, and eyes will be protected if you wear a hat and sunglasses. Wearing sunscreen inside and on overcast days is still advised because UVA rays can pass through glass and clouds. Avoid spending a lot of time outside during the hottest parts of the day, especially in the summer.
Symptoms of Sun Damaged Skin
Photoaging occurs when UV light from the sun and/or tanning beds permanently harms the structure of the skin, as opposed to normal, chronological aging, which is governed by age and genetics. Compare the skin on your face with skin on a part of your body that is not exposed to the sun to see the difference between photoaging and chronological aging.
Photodamage starts to show symptoms in your teens or early twenties. Among the symptoms are the following:
- Wrinkling
- Age spots, liver spots (solar lentigines), and freckles are examples of variations in pigmentation.
- Reduction in skin tone (decreased elasticity)
- Uneven, rough skin tone
- Spider veins (broken capillaries), typically found around the nose and chest
- Blotchiness and redness
Skin Care / Procedures that Treat Skin Damage
Due to the fact that, on a topical level, our skin will slough away the dead layer around every 28 days, skincare treatments used topically to cure UV damage are a lot more beneficial. As a result, persistence and patience are crucial. It is recommended that patients follow the same schedule consistently for three to six months in order to achieve noticeable skin quality improvements from topical treatments.
Though it’s a good idea to be mindful of that time frame when treating cosmetic issues, be aware that the process may vary depending on the condition. One of the best ways to benefit is to create a regimen that you know you can follow.
Topical Products
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At Skin Secrets, our serums provide everyday antioxidant protection using award-winning science. Any skincare routine that lessens the effects of sun damage becomes more potent with a high-quality serum. It can be worn underneath sunscreen for optimal protection, and it can also help undo some of the harm that has already been done.
Strong antioxidants are included in this serum to protect your skin from the elements. It visibly minimizes wrinkles and sun damage tones the skin and tightens the skin.
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Chemical peels are some of the most popular aesthetic remedies suggested today because of the endless benefits they provide. They refresh the appearance of fine wrinkles, blemishes, uneven skin pigmentation, and acne on your face and chest. In order to address your concerns, such as acne, pigmentation, and fine lines, Skin Secrets provides a range of chemical peels.
Depending on your objectives and available downtime, your provider will decide which one is best for you. Peels combine particularly well with physical exfoliation techniques like microdermabrasion or dermaplaning.
Laser Treatment and Other Procedures
Microdermabrasion is safe and efficient for all skin types. The tiny exfoliating crystals won’t harm your skin because of their fineness. Scarring or infection risks are nonexistent with microdermabrasion because it doesn’t need anesthesia or incisions. Treatment takes an hour or less and is painless.
At Skin Secrets, our DiamondTome exfoliating wands, which are patented, are made to serve two purposes. They start by enhancing the overall health of the skin, giving the illusion of greater renewal. Second, they focus on particular skin issues, such as:
- Sun damage
- Age spots
- Fine lines
- Acne scarring
- Blackheads and Whiteheads
- Oily skin
- Hyperpigmentation
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According to studies, utilizing the Forever Young BBL™ regimen on a regular basis can have the double benefit of renewing the skin with each treatment and postponing further skin aging. Skin laxity, age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, an uneven skin tone, and rough texture are examples of such skin aging indicators. The therapy may assist to improve your body’s own natural rejuvenation processes, leading to dramatically younger-looking skin, year after year.
Broadband light, also known as BBL, is an IPL technique used in the Forever Young BBL™ procedure for skin rejuvenation. While similar to a laser, BBL has numerous wavelengths as opposed to just one, enabling the simultaneous treatment of various illnesses. The IPL or BBL gadget is used in this procedure, which is also known as a FotoFacial.
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A Lumecca treatment session lasts an average of 30 minutes, while bigger treatment areas can need more time. The skin on any part of the body can be treated with a Lumecca procedure, especially areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, and legs.
Within a few days of treatment, Lumecca has been demonstrated to successfully eliminate skin imperfections, with the best benefits appearing two weeks later. Additionally, there is no downtime with Lumecca therapy, so you may resume your normal daily activities right after your session.
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For best results, FotoFacial treatments are administered in a series of 3 to 6, spaced out over a maximum of 18 weeks. When the FotoFacial’s pulsed light waves are absorbed into the skin, they eliminate UV-damaged skin and draw out the blood that causes irritation and redness.
Damaged skin’s outermost layers then begin to dry out, become black, and flake off, revealing fresh, healthy skin. In addition, the radiofrequency waves tighten tissues and promote supporting collagen beneath the skin’s surface for a smoother, younger-looking appearance.
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Dermatologists and other medical professionals utilize fractional CO2 lasers as a sort of skin treatment to lessen the visibility of deep wrinkles, acne scars, and other skin imperfections. The outer layers of damaged skin are removed using a laser that is specially made of carbon dioxide during this non-invasive technique.
Even though the aging process cannot be stopped, with the right care, you may keep your skin looking young for a very long time! In just under an hour for the majority of sessions, the Dot CO2 Laser provides the highest level of skin rejuvenation. Sun damage, brown spots, fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, texture, and acne scars can all be effectively treated with the Dot Laser. The Dot not only delivers outstanding results, but does it swiftly, safely, and with little downtime.
CoolPeel is a type of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment that can be used to treat various skin conditions, including sun damage. Sun damage can manifest in various ways, including sunspots, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and loss of elasticity. Here’s how CoolPeel might work to treat sun damage:
- Skin Resurfacing: CoolPeel works by removing the upper layers of the skin where sun damage is often most visible. This includes skin discoloration like sunspots or freckles. By removing this damaged layer, CoolPeel allows for the growth of new, healthier skin cells, potentially reducing the appearance of sunspots and other forms of discoloration caused by sun damage.
- Stimulating Collagen Production: Sun damage can degrade collagen in the skin, leading to wrinkles and loss of elasticity. CoolPeel stimulates the production of collagen, which can help to restore skin firmness, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and improve skin’s overall texture and tone.
- Enhancing Skin Renewal: The laser treatment promotes skin cell turnover, meaning it helps to remove damaged skin cells and replace them with healthier ones. This can lead to an overall improved appearance of the skin, potentially reducing the visible effects of sun damage.
Cape Coral, Florida's Top Medical Spa, and Anti-Aging Clinic
For a first-rate, opulent Medical Spa treatment, Skin Secrets is the way to go in Cape Coral, Florida. Dr. Greta McLaren and her knowledgeable staff are experts in customizing non-surgical, minimally invasive procedures and treatments to meet your unique needs and objectives. She is a respected specialist in aesthetic medicine and laser treatment who has been asked to share her aesthetic skills with other medical professionals across the nation. She is a member of both the American Society for Photodynamic Therapy and the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery.
To arrange your free consultation with Dr. Greta McLaren to explore the best treatment for your sun-damaged skin, call Skin Secrets at 239-800-SKIN(7546) or message us online.
