Sun protection is vital for long-term skin health and a youthful appearance. There are many simple changes you can make to your skin care routine, along with additional cosmetic treatments, to prevent and reverse sun damage.
Sun damage is caused by overexposure to the UV rays that damage DNA and break down collagen in the deep layers of the skin. Sun-damaged skin manifests in a variety of ways such as sun spots, freckles, redness, rough skin texture, and spider veins or broken capillaries. Sun damage is also a primary cause of premature skin aging which includes signs of wrinkling and loss of elasticity that causes loose skin. Sometimes it can take years for sun damage to show its effect, which is why preventative care is important.
The following skincare products can help protect your skin from the sun and minimize the effects of sun damage.
A cleanser with exfoliating ingredients like AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid) will thoroughly cleanse the skin and help unclog pores. By exfoliating dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and stimulating cell turnover, your skin will appear clearer, smoother, and brighter.
Antioxidants help boost the production of collagen, a protein in the skin that gives it elasticity and a firm texture. Vitamin C serums help stimulate collagen growth and strengthen the skin barrier to protect against free radicals like UV radiation. Vitamin C, retinoids, and other antioxidants also protect the skin to improve skin texture and tone.
Moisturizer should be applied every day, both in the morning and at night. Prolonged sun exposure depletes the water content of our skin. The skin barrier also becomes broken down so the natural water content is reduced. Moisturizers replenish the skin barrier for added protection and they help prevent early signs of skin aging.
Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects the skin against UVB rays that damage the surface of the skin and UVA rays that penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. Protection from both types of UV exposure helps prevent skin cancer and photoaging. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should be worn daily and reapplied every two to three hours as needed throughout the day.
Night serums with retinoids (tretinoin, Retin-A or retinol), lactic acid, L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), or glycolic acid will exfoliate and help repair the some of the damaged collagen, lighten dark spots and improve uneven skin tone. Night serums should be used after facial cleansing and before moisturizing.
Cosmetic laser treatments can be used in addition to your skincare routine for more intensive rejuvenation. We offer a variety of laser skin treatment options like IPL light therapy (intense pulsed light) to target hyperpigmentation, CO2 laser skin resurfacing to correct wrinkles, damaged collagen and sun induced hyperpigmentation, VBeam for treatment of tiny blood vessels , and more! Chemical peels and topical medications are also effective for treating sun-damaged skin. Our expert team of dermatologists can discuss all your treatment options in greater detail to customize your individual treatment plan.
To meet with a board-certified dermatologist and discuss your individualized treatment for sun damage, schedule a consultation today at Pinnacle Dermatology. We can recommend skincare for sun damage and other laser treatment options to fight the visible signs of sun damage and maintain your skin health.