Understanding The Damaging Effects Of Sun On Your Skin

Most of us are aware of the dangers of sun exposure and the importance of using sunscreen to avoid getting a sunburn. However, we may not be as familiar with the other damaging effects that sunlight can have on our skin. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause a host of issues, including wrinkles, age spots, and melasma. In extreme cases, exposure can even cause skin cancer.

Fortunately, with proper care, it is possible to minimize the effects and prevent premature skin aging. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the damaging impact of the sun on your skin and what you can do in terms of treatment options. 

Sun Damage

Wrinkles, Age Spots, and Melasma

Sun damage is cumulative, meaning that it builds up over time. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin, which are responsible for its plumpness and elasticity. This breakdown leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots. Even if you use sunscreen regularly, you are not immune to sun damage as up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds.

Melasma is a common skin condition that is characterized by brown or gray patches on the face. It is often triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause, but it can also be caused by taking certain medications or spending too much time in the sun. People with darker skin tones are more likely to develop melasma than those with lighter skin tones! 

Treatment Options

Mesotherapy for Wrinkles

There are a number of different treatment options available for wrinkles, but one that is becoming increasingly popular is mesotherapy. Mesotherapy is a minimally-invasive procedure in which a series of injections are used to deliver vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to the skin cells. This helps to stimulate collagen production and encourages the growth of new skin cells. As a result, it can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by making the skin appear firmer and more toned.

Laser Treatment for Age Spot Removal

Age spots are another common problem caused by sun damage. They are small patches of dark pigmentation that usually occur on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun over a long period of time, such as the face, hands, or chest. Age spots can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter and tend to develop as we get older.

Although they're harmless, many people choose to have age spots removed for cosmetic reasons. One effective treatment option is laser therapy. Laser therapy uses focused beams of light to break down the pigment in age spots. The treated area will gradually become lighter over the course of a few weeks until the spot has disappeared completely.

Hollywood Spectra Laser Peel for Melasma Removal

Like age spots, melasma is not harmful but can be cosmetically displeasing. The Hollywood Spectra Laser Peel is a specialized laser treatment that is specifically designed for melasma removal. This peel uses a combination of two different types of lasers—an ablative laser and a nonablative laser—to target both the surface and deeper layers of skin affected by melasma. After just one treatment session, patients usually see a significant improvement in their pigmentation levels. 

Let Our Experts Help

There's no doubt about it—sun damage is a major problem when it comes to maintaining healthy skin. Although by knowing what treatments are available, you can help keep your skin looking its best at any age! 

If you're concerned about your skin, we have a number of different facial options available. To find out which one is right for you, call our office today at (416) 546 4664 and schedule an appointment with one of our skilled dermatologists!