How to Identify and Repair Sun-Damaged Skin
This blog covers the signs of sun damage on our skin and the most effective ways to treat it. Included are details about staying safe this summer and how to get back to glowing skin without the sun.
Did you know that up to 80 percent of visible signs of aging are caused by the sun’s UV rays? This makes the sun pretty risky for the longevity of youthful glowing skin.
But will a simple sunscreen do the trick?
We can protect our skin with the highest levels of SPF, however, sunscreen won’t reverse past sun damage.
Here we provide more skin-rejuvenating tips we all need during the risky sunny season.
Recognizing the Signs of Sun Damage
As the sun’s rays penetrate the surface of your skin, they trigger a chain of events that protect your body from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
The first visible sign of UV damage affects the color of your skin; you’ll tan (or burn). While a light to moderate tan was once considered sun protection, we now know that the increased melanin production responsible for that “golden glow” is an external sign of an internal struggle.
Below the surface, ultraviolet rays damage the collagen and elastin fibers that help keep your skin firm and resilient. The abnormal fibers then trigger the release of enzymes that cause further irregularities in your skin’s repair processes.
The effects of sun damage are cumulative. As time passes, your risk of developing the following signs will increase:
• Dark patches or brown spots
• Enlarged pores
• Dryness and flaking
• A blotchy or ruddy complexion
• Fine lines
• Creases and wrinkles
• Loose, saggy skin
• Spider veins
Many skin experts believe that a considerable amount of sun damage occurs before the age of 18, long before you might have given UV protection a second thought.
By the time you reach your 30s or 40s, you’ll likely begin to notice considerable changes in your collagen and skin. The dreaded signs of premature skin aging all thanks to the sun.
As time passes, skin cell turnover slows, oil production decreases, and moisture retention declines. At this point, the effects of sun damage can be even more problematic.
Revitalizing Sun-Damaged Skin
Protecting your skin from the sun today will help keep it healthy and resilient for the future. But even the best vital nutrients and highest SPF levels can’t undo the effects of previous damage.
There’s no shortage of anti-aging skincare products promising to minimize the visible impact of sun damage. While it is possible to counter the effects of UV damage using advanced skincare products, many of today’s most popular creams, lotions, and serums can take months to deliver minimal results.
Far too many skin products can cause more skin issues than they resolve such as dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity.
But there’s no reason to give up just yet. If your best at-home skin-rejuvenating efforts haven’t delivered the results you’ve been hoping for, it may be time for an alternative.
Instead, consider the benefits of following safe, effective treatment options:
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels improve sun-damaged skin by removing dead surface cells. They are able to reveal smoother, healthier skin below the surface.
This non-surgical treatment option is most often used to target fine lines and wrinkles, improve uneven pigmentation, and minimize acne scars.
A chemical peel can also improve skin cell turnover, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, and boost collagen production.
Skin peels are categorized by the strength of the solution used and how deeply they penetrate. Most procedures take between 15 and 45 minutes.
Although superficial and deep chemical peels can cause temporary irritation and skin sensitivity, you’ll soon be rewarded with a smoother, brighter, more radiant complexion.
Vibradermabrasion
A crystal-free dermabrasion treatment uses extensive exfoliating to polish and resurface the top layer of skin. It leaves the area supple and vibrant.
Our non-invasive technology provides a painless and highly effective result for even the most troublesome skin problems. It has been proven to improve the appearance of sun-damaged and aging skin and is an excellent treatment for refining pores, acne scarring, and pigmentation problems.
To begin the procedure your skin will be cleaned thoroughly. Then a personal Vibraderm paddle will be gently applied to the desired treatment area. The paddle emits sonic, high-frequency vibration that won’t harm your skin.
After treatment, a product chosen for your skin type will be applied and infused deep into your skin for optimal results.
Derma-Peel
For the more advanced sun damage, Derma-Peels combine the power of Vibradermabrasion with a customized chemical peel.
The combination of these two treatments provides much deeper exfoliation and full removal of debris in pores.
Derma-Peels improve the overall look and feel of skin, even the tone and texture, and improve fine lines and wrinkles.
Light Therapy Treatment
Light therapy is often used as a treatment for a wide range of skin concerns. Red LED light treatments are used for fine lines, rosacea, and sun-damaged skin. They also help minimize the appearance of scars and broken capillaries.
The red LED light offers the benefit of rejuvenating skin, making it appear more even in tone.
Britenol Boost Treatment with Hydrofacial
Britenol minimizes the appearance of dark spots and sun-damaged areas for a more even skin tone. The combination of Vitamin C and alpha-arbutin provides antioxidants, brightens dark spots, and leaves your skin glowing.
However, you may require more than one of these treatments on darker sunspots. Enjoy this treatment with your next hydrofacial this summer.
Are You Ready to Repair the Visible Signs of Sun Damage?
Sunlight is essential to your overall health and wellbeing. Yet, the same golden rays that help brighten your mood and regulate your sleep cycles can also damage your skin.
Don’t let the effects of the sun keep adding up. Get help battling the visible signs of aging and damage now.
At Vibrance MedSpa, we want you to feel confident in the services you choose. Rest assured that each treatment option will be discussed with you and administered by one of our licensed physicians.
We offer safe, effective treatments for sun-damaged skin and a selection of skincare solutions formulated to help nurture, protect, and revitalize your complexion. For more on our skin services, please contact us today.
