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.
Wear hats and avoid direct sunlight when possible.
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