While it is good to spend some time in the sun, it can help boost our dopamine; long-term exposure can cause severe damage to our skin. Especially if you don’t wear proper protection or take precautionary measures, sun damage can build up, causing your skin to have dark spots, wrinkles, and splotchy patches. Once this damage has occurred, it is not possible to completely erase the damage that UV exposure has caused.
While treatments will claim to be able to erase years of sun damage, there are typically only ways to reverse some of the problems caused by the sun. Here are some factors that impact whether sun damage can be reversed and what treatments you should look into for healthier skin.
The Degree Of Sun Damage
Most of us have experienced at least one sunburn in our lifetime, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that your entire skin is damaged beyond repair. The sun can cause damage to the DNA in your skin cells, which will add up over time, especially if you aren’t wearing sunscreen. Sun exposure can also lead to dry skin, so it is important to stay hydrated and exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and keep the skin beneath soft and healthy. Letting damage build up over time, without proper aftercare or new techniques to prevent sun damage, is when sun damage will no longer be reversible.
Laser Treatments
Laser therapy is often a recommended service for sun-damaged skin. The laser targets pigmented areas, working to break down melanin that comes with sun spots and uneven patches. When you are seeking laser treatments, many people are drawn to them due to the minimal discomfort and no downtime after a procedure. It is important to seek these treatments from a professional so that the skin isn’t overtreated. If you suspect that you have skin cancer, you should not seek any treatment until you meet with a doctor.
Chemical Peels
Instead of targeting pigment, chemical peels will address underlying skin conditions by removing damaged layers of skin. Chemical peels are typically done on your face, but can be used on other parts of the body to improve skin texture and provide a more youthful complexion. Deep chemical peels will provide a dramatic rejuvenation for those who have multiple years of sun damage.
How Dermatologists Treat Sun Damage
Working with a board-certified dermatologist provides a number of benefits for those experiencing sun damage. Their in-depth medical knowledge allows them to choose the best skin treatment for your skin type and perform a treatment in a safe medical office. Dermatologists will also look for signs of skin cancer before performing any kind of treatment on the spot. Treating cancer as sun spots or aging spots can cause the cancer to spread.
If your spots are caused by the sun and can be treated with other methods, dermatologists may use laser treatment, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, cryosurgery, or prescribe topical treatments for better protection in the future. Prescription-strength skincare combined with other treatments is the most effective way to treat years of sun damage.
Prevent Further Skin Damage
While it is not possible to completely erase sun damage, preventing further issues is possible with proper protection and working closely with a dermatologist. If you have invested in expensive sun damage treatments, preventing further sun damage is crucial. Dermatologists recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen should be worn every day, even if you don’t plan to spend long hours in the sun.
Other ways you can protect your skin from further damage include:
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors or more often when swimming or sweating
- Wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses
- Stay in the shade or indoors during peak sun hours
- Avoid tanning beds, as they can further UV damage caused by the sun or other tanning bed usage
Services From Our Professional Dermatologists
Dermatology West offers skin treatments for cancer, eczema, psoriasis, moles, and more. We provide highly personalized skincare for all of our patients so they can look and feel their best. If you want a friendly and compassionate office that treats you like family, our office is the place for you. We know that skin issues can be difficult to deal with, especially if you feel you have to do it alone. Our team takes your needs and concerns into consideration before offering treatment. Reach out to us with questions or to learn more about a specific service.