Sun and skin damage go together. Perhaps it’s more accurate to say that EXCESSIVE sun and skin damage are inevitable partners. In the past people have been slaves to the sun. They would slather themselves in oil and bake their skin in the sun. Some people have even resorted to using foil reflectors to reflect as much sun as possible to their face. Only relatively recently have people learned the danger of baking in the sun. In fact sunscreen is actually fairly new. The result of all the sun worship is severely sun damaged skin.
Sun skin damage is characterized by how the sun changes the look and feel of our skin. This results in a faster aging process; especially when the sun damage is due to repeated unprotected sun exposure.
Sun damage is the result of countless exposure to UV rays. UV rays are a form of radiation that comes from the sun. The two main types of sun rays are UVA and UVB. UVB rays are the culprit of the sunburn you receive. UVA rays however go deeper to damage the middle layer of skin. These rays are dangerous as they cause much more damage. UVA rays are the reason that you age quicker after years in the sun. They also cause skin cancer.
The results of sun damage are much easier to see in the face. People who have spent their youth baking in the sun will usually notice:
Premature wrinkles …
Discoloration …
Texture changes …
In severe cases, skin cancer …
Unfortunately for these people their skin will also become noticeably thinner due to sun damage; making it easier to tear, blister, and graze. Many people affected by sun damage have also noticed severe skin dryness.
There is no miracle cure for sun damage but there are some things that a person can do to improve the damages done. There are a variety of treatments that can improve the appearance of sun damage skin. Some of these treatments include visiting a plastic surgeon. One such treatment is Botox. Botox is not a permanent solution but it will temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
There are also treatments that you can do yourself in the comfort of your own home. One treatment that can help to reduce fine lines and age spots is Alpha-Hydroxy acids. When used regularly in a cream or lotion this method of treatment has proven to help with sun damage.
You can also find procedures that are done by facial experts or dermatologists. Resurfacing procedures help to remove the top layer of skin. This removes damaged skin allowing new, healthier skin to grow in its place. Some good resurfacing treatments include; dermabrasion, chemical peels, and fractional laser treatment.
Although skin damage that affects our appearance is always a concern it is important to realize it may not be the biggest problem caused by sun damage. Many people develop skin cancer due to sun damage. It is important to see a dermatologist if you notice any changes in your skin.
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