The sun can cause extensive damage to the skin, hence why doctors and dermatologists recommend the regular use of sunscreens. UVA, UVB and UVC can all attack the collagen fibres in the skin. Collagen is the tissue that creates a firm and plump appearance to the skin and fends of aging.
What does sun damage look like?
Sun damage causes deeper and more accelerated wrinkles, due to damaged collagen, and dark spots or ‘liver spots’, and free-radical damage. Aside from cosmetic and surface level damage, sun exposure may cause illnesses such as skin cancers, like squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
How can you prevent it?
There are many ways to protect your skin from sun exposure, all year round:
- If you wear make-up, choose a base with a minimum SPF-30.
- On holiday, or in particularly sunny seasons, wear a hat to shade your face.
- Carry a light sunscreen with you and top up your protection throughout the day.
- Don’t forget your lips! An SPF lip balm is a handbag essential.
- Keep your skin moisturized to help it recover from exposure more efficiently.
- Visit your doctor if you have any concerns about skin damage due to sun exposure.
How can you combat/reverse sun damage?
Luckily, there are many effective ways to reverse the effects of sun damage and premature aging:
- Peels: Chemical peel treatments are effective in the fading and gradual removal of dark spots, as well as promoting more youthful, healthy and plump looking skin. Our medical-grade peels remove the top layers of the skin to reveal even, fresh skin underneath.
- Microdermabrasion: Using tiny biodegradable crystals, microdermabrasion effectively exfoliates the dead and dry layer of the skin away. The appearance of the skin is immediately improved, sun damage is depleted and wrinkles are smoothed. As with many non-surgical procedures, repetition intensifies the results.
- PRP and Stem Cells: Stimulate your body to produce more collagen and elastic tissue, to naturally reduce sagging and wrinkles.
- DermaSurfacing: Medical grade lasers can wind back the clock on your skin, including reversing sun damage and dark spots. All wrinkles and scars are reduced by DermaSurfacing, but those caused by sun exposure respond most noticeably.
- IPL: This treatment works on multiple wavelengths, whereas laser works with just one. This 30-minute treatment diminishes the symptoms of sun exposure, especially dark spots and uneven skin tones.
To explore the best possible sun damage treatments for your skin type and severity, it’s always best to consult an experienced doctor for a consultation. Depending on your concerns, there may be several highly effective treatments available to you.
To prolong the effects of any skin renewal treatment, ongoing skincare and wearing regular sunscreen is advised.
If you have any questions about the procedures we offer, or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us by scheduling an Online Appointment or calling toll free 1-88-88-West LA (310-473-1734).