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Unprotected sun exposure can have as many damaging effects on the skin. Some signs of sun damaged skin can include melasma, dark spots, freckles, skin laxity, fine lines, broken capillaries, and hyperpigmentation. Luckily, there are several treatments at Steele Creek Dermatology in Charlotte, NC that can reverse sun damage and promote a healthier complexion.
Can Sun-Damaged Skin Be Repaired?
Repairing sun damage is all about removing damaged skin cells from the surface of the skin. Typically, treatments that can repair sun damaged skin focus on exfoliating the skin and promoting new collagen growth, which can also improve skin tone. Your dermatologist will examine your skin closely to identify the types of sun damage you have. Most people have multiple types of sun damage, which may require a nuanced treatment approach that involves multiple treatments.
IPL Photofacials
IPL photofacials are a gentle type of light-based treatment that directly affects the behavior of your skin cells. Using specific light wavelengths, IPL photofacials can rejuvenate your skin by accelerating the cellular turnover process and correcting sun damage. Generally, you will need several treatments to correct sun damage, including dark spots and broken capillaries.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are ideal treatments for superficial sun damage, such as melasma and freckles. Chemical peels remove the surface layer of damaged skin cells to reveal fresh, unblemished skin cells underneath. Both light and medium chemical peels can be used to rejuvenate skin damaged by the sun.
Topical Medications
Your dermatologist may also recommend topical medications for certain types of sun damage. For example, dark spots and hyperpigmentation respond very well to hydroquinone, a topical medication that can gradually lighten dark spots to erase sun damage.
Other Aesthetic Sun Damaged Skin Treatments
Depending on the condition of your skin, a dermatologist may also recommend other aesthetic treatments to redress sun damage. For example, Botox, dermal fillers, and microneedling may all be effective for increasing skin volume and correcting skin laxity.
FAQs About Sun Damaged Skin
1. Do You Need Sunscreen Every Day?
It's important to wear sunscreen every day to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Sunscreen is necessary throughout the year, rain or shine. Some people have the misconception that sunscreen can be skipped on cloudy days. However, UV rays pass through cloud coverage and can still harm your skin.
2. Do Windows Protect You From UV Rays?
While modern windows are designed to provide protection from certain types of UV rays, windows will not provide complete protection from the sunlight that causes visible skin aging. This is another reason why it's important to wear sunscreen every day, even if you're only inside sitting near a window.
3. Why Is Sunscreen Important for Skin Care Products?
When you're using certain types of skin care products, including AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids, your skin can develop a sensitivity to light that can cause hyperpigmentation. This is why you must incorporate sunscreen into your everyday skin care to protect your skin and enhance the results of your skin care products.
4. Which Type of Sunscreen Is Right for You?
Modern sun care has more choices to accommodate different skin types and tones. The two main types of sunscreen are mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen. Mineral sunscreen works as a layer on your skin that bounces UV rays away from your skin cells, while chemical sunscreens melt into your upper dermal layers to provide protection. Selecting the right type of sunscreen for you will depend on your skin type, skin sensitivity, and skin tone. For example, people who have sensitive skin usually respond best to mineral sunscreens that will not clog pores. Likewise, people with medium to dark complexions may favor chemical sunscreens because these products do not create a white cast on the skin.
5. When Does Sun Damage Show Up?
Some people believe that sun damage will only show up in later life. However, sun damage can show up earlier in life if you have particularly sensitive skin or you spend a lot of time outside. Early signs of sun damage can include broken capillaries and freckles, while advanced sun damage can include larger patches of discoloration, skin dryness, and skin laxity.
6. How Can You Maintain Your Desired Results?
To maintain your desired results, the best thing you can do is consistently wear sunscreen every day to prevent sun damage in the future. By adopting healthier skincare habits, you can ensure that you will enjoy an even-looking skin complexion long into the future.
7. Are You a Good Candidate?
Good candidates for aesthetic treatments to reverse the appearance of sun damage include those who have moderate, mild, and severe sun damage. Your treatment plan can be customized to meet the precise needs of your sun-damaged skin. Candidates for treatments to reverse sun damage can be of any age.
Reverse Sun Damage With Aesthetic Treatments
If you want to effectively reverse the appearance of sun damage, you will need to explore aesthetic treatments that can deeply exfoliate your skin and promote a more even complexion. Get in touch with dermatologists at Steele Creek Dermatology in Charlotte, NC to create a treatment plan for your skin today.