Your Guide to Dealing With Existing Sun Damage

 While there's nothing better than being outdoor in the summer, prolonged sun exposure cause significant changes in the skin, including "sun spots", wrinkles, and other issues.  These changes happen when UV light hits skin unprotected by sunscreen and causes DNA changes at the cellular level.  What's more, as we age, the visible signs of this process only become more prominent and more difficult to treat.  Dealing with existing sun damage, however, can be tricky to navigate, and that's especially true when it comes to identifying which signs and sympotoms are causes for concern.  

What does sun damge look like?

Obviously, the earliest sign is sunburn.  Even though that may only last a few days, a mild sunburn can lay the foundation for years of problems at the cell level - brown spots (I have one), freckles(check that too), and broken capillaries (I have this around my nose now....where I sustained years of sunburn).

How Can You Treat Sun Damaged Skin?

At home remedies like topical retinoids (Clinical Solutions $120) and chemical peels (Radiance Facial Peel $65) have proven successful in resurfacing and rejuvenating the skin.  Certain LED treatments have also helped to fade existing brown spots.

Clinical Solutions: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/products/skincare/mary-kay-clinical-solutions-retinol-05-set-990280260

Radiance Facial Peel: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/products/skincare/collection/timewise-repair/timewise-repair-revealing-radiance-facial-peel-300524

As for in-office procedures, laser treatment can target most issues.  However, if you are dealing with more severe sun damage, like precancerous lesions, go directly to your dermatologist.

When do you need to be concerned about sun damage?

If you sustanied a lot of burns as a child (including blistering sunburns) a dermatologist can evaluate the extent of the issue.  Most importantly, make an appointment if you see a mole or spot that is brown, black, red or white change.  If you notice red scaly patches that come and go in the same location or non-healing lesions that persist longer than three weeks, visit your doctor.

How can you prevent Sun Damage?

To prevent further UV damage from occuring: PROPER SUN PROTECTION!  Use a SPF of 30 or higher daily.

Day Cream: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/products/skincare/collection/timewise-repair/timewise-repair-volufirm-day-cream-sunscreen-broad-spectrum-spf-30-100903

Wear hats and avoid direct sunlight when possible.

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Why Do Hands Age First?

We put a lot of effort into the skin care routines dedicated to our faces, necks, and chests, but we often forget about our hands, which are actually the first body parts to show the signs of time. Luckily, tending to them—and keeping them soft, supple, and free of dark spots for longer—is simple with a few preventative tips and tricks. 

Hands First

Like the skin under our eyes, the dermis on our hands is thin and fragile. However, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman notes that (unlike our eyes) we tend to pay less attention to hand care and divert all of our efforts to our face. Due to this, our hands age "faster." "They are often just as exposed to the sun and environmental aggressors as our faces, but we don't protect them as diligently with SPF, makeup, and other blockers," Dr. Engelman explains. What's more, we use (and move) our hands even more than our faces. Think about it: We touch, grip, and wash our hands constantly. It's this constant motion that drives the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, and exacerbates other signs of aging, like dryness, dullness, and uneven texture.

Moisture Matters

A committed hand-care routine is key to keeping this area smooth and line-free long term. The first step? Your hands should be adequately hydrated at all times—which is easier said than done. According to cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, hands lack sebaceous follicles, which means they do not naturally produce oil. To remedy this issue, Dr. Engelman recommends layering products for optimal hydration. "First apply oil, then a moisturizer or cream," she says. "Oils will penetrate deep into the skin, delivering active ingredients that can reduce the effects of aging. Moisturizer creates a barrier for the skin, locking in the moisture and any products that were used before it." Looking for a lotion to try at home? I like Satin Hands $12, which boasts nourishing shea butter.

SPF, Always

Sun protection is equally, if not more, important. While you might not think that your hands are in direct contact with the sun, if you drive, bike, regularly go on walks, or have an office with bright windows, they do. That's why Dr. Green says to remember to use and reapply SPF to this area regularly. Doing so will help prevent the formation of sunspots, while also protecting the hands against other signs of premature aging, as well as skin cancer. Dr. Green also recommends being mindful of just how much sun your hands get over time. Even when layered with moisturizer and SPF, prolonged exposure adds up, she says; with that in mind, she suggests wearing gloves while gardening or certain chores (like washing dishes) that may expose your hands to drying chemicals.

Reverse Damage

If your hands have started to show any tell-tale signs of aging or sun damage, consider using your facial masks on your hands. I've seen great results from women using the glycolic acid facial peel on their face and rubbing on the tops of their hands at the same time.  I've also seen results from the Clinical Solutions Retinol 0.5 on the back of the hands, pictured below.

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