Vysana Aesthetics, Skincare & Wellness Clinic

SUN DAMAGED SKIN

When the sun is shining, and the weather is warm, it’s difficult not to step outside. Exposing yourself to the sun does come with some health benefits. In addition to the synthesising Vitamin D, it can boost your mood, and make your bones stronger.

However, if you encounter too many UV rays, your skin is in trouble. Sometimes, those UV rays will confuse the skin’s cells, causing them to multiply faster and turn into a skin cancer. In other, less dangerous, instances, you’ll experience sun damaged skin and sunspots.

If you’ve ever experienced sunburn, the chances are you’ve damaged your skin. Sunburn places you at higher risk of sunspots, as well as uneven pigmentation. Over the years, too much sun will lead to wrinkles appearing. Such wrinkles occur because the same UV rays that cause your skin to tan also break down the proteins you need to prevent fine lines.

WHAT IS SUN DAMAGED SKIN AND SUN SPOTS?

When medics in the cosmetics industry refer to sun damaged skin and sunspots, they’re talking about the uneven skin tone that’ll leave you looking dull and tired before your time. While it might seem a little paradoxical that the same process that makes you glow will also cause you to look dull, it’s an accepted medical fact.Skin Damage from the SunAt the same time, exposing yourself to too many UV rays may permanently alter your blood vessels. As a result, some areas of your face will look redder or darker than others. In other words, you start experiencing pigmentation.As you get older, the damage the sun has got worse. Sunburned skin will eventually lead to sunspots, which are dark spots that appear on the skin’s surface. Some medics will also refer to them as ‘liver spots.’Close up of a SunspotDepending on how pale you are, sunburn may also cause you to experience more freckles. Although many people find them endearing, you might feel the urge to cover them up with makeup.If you want to prevent blemishes and sunspots altogether, it’s best to avoid sunburns and take some preventative measures that’ll maintain your skin’s even tone.

Can you reverse the effects of sun damaged skin?

The medical community is continually investigating ways to reverse the effects of sun damaged skin. One answer is to make sure wear sunscreen and apply it every ninety minutes, or after you go into the water. While doing this won’t turn back the clock on the sunburns you’ve already encountered, it will prevent further damage.If you do experience sunburn, applying a cooling agent such as Aloe Vera may reduce the damage. Aloe Vera has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, plus it contains plenty of enzymes that strengthen your cells. As such, if you do encounter sunburn, using Aloe Vera to soothe it may reduce the damage you experience as you get older.Finally, too much sun exposure will dry your skin out. If you work in an outdoor setting or you’re going on holiday, there’s a couple of ways you can combat this:Exfoliate twice a week to slough away dead skin cellsMake sure you stay well hydrated to stop your skin looking dullEat a diet packed with antioxidants to combat any free radicals that crop up

CAN YOU PREVENT SUN SPOTS?

There are plenty of ways to prevent sun spots, but we’ll explore the most obvious ones first so you can form a plan that meets your needs:

Wear a sunscreen with a high SPF

Make sure the SPF is 15, at least. If you have fair skin, seriously consider going even higher. To learn more, read here how sunscreen work.

Make sure you up, your hydration game during the summer

Drinking water is essential throughout the year. However, when it’s summertime and the sun is blazing, you need to hydrate on the inside and the outside. Carry a bottle of water around with you and use a moisturiser every morning and evening. By approaching your hydration from both angles, you’ll reduce the likelihood of sunspots forming.

Don’t forget the sunglasses

Sunglasses are about much more than looking amazing and keeping the glare from your eyes. They guard the area around your eyes too, reducing the risk of early wrinkles and sunspots.Finally, if you are going on holiday, you might want to limit your tanning time. Sure, there are few feelings that beat coming home with an enviable glow. But, if you overdo it, you can look forward to sun damaged skin and sunspots when you get older.

Possible Treatments

If you’re already showing the signs of sun damaged skin or sunspots, there are treatments you can try.

Such signs include:

Skin that’s looking increasingly tired and dull, forcing you to wear more makeup than usual.

Wrinkles that are settling in around your eyes and along your forehead.

Skin that’s redder in some areas than others.

Dark spots on your skin.

An increasing number of freckles.

BOOK A CONSULTATION

At Vysana, Dr Dhesi has a strong medical background and will approach each patient differently depending on the severity of the acne. Acne is extremely common in teenage boys and girls and can be embarrassing, but with Dr Dhesi medical background as a GP, this will enable him to assess your or your child's skin and provide a proven acne treatment program.

*Please note that a medical consultation is required before having the treatment. Book online or call for an appointment.

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