Reversing Sun Damage: Can it Be Done?
- Posted on: Jun 28 2017
Summertime is finally here and that means a ton of time in the sun. But, did you know that no matter how long you spend in the sun you are damaging your skin? It’s true! For every minute you spend basking in the sun’s golden rays, UV rays are penetrating the surface layer of your skin causing changes to your DNA. These changes while minute often result in the appearance of freckles, fine lines, and wrinkles. And in some more serious cases, skin cancer.
So does that mean that we are doomed by every single trip to the beach or the park over the course of a lifetime? Is there anything that can be done to reverse the effects of sun damage and UV exposure?
What You Can Do About Sun Damage
The first step is to understand how vulnerable your skin is to sun damage. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it can take as little as 15 minutes after sun exposure to develop a sunburn. However, you may not notice or feel the effects for hours. The best course of action to avoid such a scenario is to practice prevention with a target skin care regiment to protect and improve the quality of your skin.
Protect yourself from UV Rays
Always wear sunscreen and protective clothing and avoid direct exposure to the sun during the peak hours of 10 am-2 pm to prevent new sun damage to your skin.
Keep your skin hydrated
In addition to a sunburn and freckles, sun damage can also cause dry, patchy skin. Once your skin has safely healed, gently exfoliate the dry surface skin and apply moisturizer to rehydrate and smooth the skin. And don’t forget to drink enough water! Topical products can only do so much if your body is dehydrated. Like your overall health, beautiful healthy skin begins on the inside.
See a dermatologist
Self-care can go a long way, but a dermatologist can detect early signs of skin cancer and recommend products and treatments that can significantly improve your skin’s health and appearance. Schedule regular skin cancer screenings, and discuss your options with a dermatologist. Common anti-aging treatments that can help to manage sun damage include:
- Sublative Treatment
- Intense Pulsed Light
- Skin Resurfacing (Fractional Laser)
- DermaFrac
For information on how to reverse sun damage and signs of aging like dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, contact Asarch Dermatology today.
Posted in: Blog Post