Treatments for Sun Damaged Skin Help Your Skin Look Healthy Again
Sun damage is how the sun changes the look and feel of the skin due to frequent exposure to damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV is radiation emitted by the sun and there are two types of UV light, UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and are the major source of early aging and skin cancer whilst UVB rays affect the surface of the skin and are generally responsible for sunburns.
Our exposure to UV rays happens all the time from walking to your car, sitting near a window and even on cloudy days. We are all vulnerable to the sun but some people are more at risk than others. If you live closer to the equator or higher in the mountains are more exposed to UV radiation. If you live outdoors then sun damage will accumulate over time , the more the exposure the more the damage. Certain medications, such as antibiotics, may give you photosensitivity, that is a heightened sensitivity to the sun. Genetics also plays a part in that fair skinned people with light hair and freckles are more at risk of developing sun damage and skin cancer. Sun damage can be dangerous as not only is it aging but you are at more risk of skin cancer. Of these cancers melanoma is the most dangerous.
Some simple tips to prevent sun damage include:
- use daylight protection ( sunscreen) of at least SPF 25 and above , and broad spectrum UVA and UVB. Best protection is to use a moisturizer with sunscreen daily. Cover all your exposed areas such as neck, ears as well as face with sunscreen
- Look for shade, wear hats and loose clothing and sunglasses
- Avoid the midday sun ( 10am to 4pm)
- Avoid indoor or outdoor tanning. A tan is proof that UV rays have penetrated the inner layers of skin.
However hard we try it is not always easy to avoid the sun or its harmful effects. There are a range of treatment options for sun damage. These include prescription , non prescription medications as well as a range of cosmetic treatments.
Sun damage treatments in our Surrey, BC office start with a Visia Skin Analysis to determine the level of damage before a plan is formulated to help you tackle your sun damaged skin. To book your assessment with Dr Shah call our office on 604 580 2464 and start your path to beautiful skin.
Non Prescription medications
Some non prescription cosmeceuticals that can be helpful for tackling sun damage include creams with higher concentrations of retinol, Copper/copper peptides, Alpha Hydroxy Acids ( AHA’s), antioxidants vitamin C and E and soy to name a few. Many of our skin care products contain these ingredients to help combat sun damage.
Prescription Medications
The main prescriptive medications used to tackle sun damage are Tretinoin and Hydroquinones. Tretinoin is derived from Vitamin A ( similar to retinol but way more powerful) and increases collagen production as well as decreases fine lines and wrinkles and fades brown spots as well as improve overall skin texture. Tretinoin is often used as part of a skin care routine and must be monitored as in its initial stages it can cause dryness and irritation. Hydroquinones are topical treatments used in cosmeceuticals that inhibit melanin production and help to remove over pigmented cells and improve skin tone and clarity. An alternative to hydroquinone is also arbutin as well as a number of other substances.
Microdermabrasion lightly scrapes away the surface cells and leaves behind newer skin cells that reduce the look of fine lines and improving texture and keep the skin sparkly. Multiple treatments are needed. We recommend a Microdermabrasion treatment once a month or every two months.
Chemical Peels and Skin Peels
Our signature Vegas Peel is the equivalent of 30 microdermabrasions and serves to remove the top layers of skin leaving you with soft, plump skin that is radiant. Chemical peels use a solution to remove the outer layers of the skin and as the skin regenerates it is smoother, softer and less wrinkled. Our range of peels also treat sun spots, brown spots and sun damage.
A range of laser and LED treatments are available to treat sun damaged skin.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing treatments such as Fraxel and Fractionated CO2 Resurfacing treatments all help to reduce sun damage. At BC laser we have over 20 different medical and esthetic devices to help you reduce sun damage. We customize treatments for the individual.
A wide range of pigmentation treatments are available to treat the visible and invisible sun damage to your skin.
