Summer is fast approaching, and what better way to enjoy the heat than swimming and having fun at the beach? With the borders around the world easing up to welcome tourists, it’s not a question of whether you’ll be traveling soon, but when.
Before you book your next vacation, though, there’s something important you need to know about how the sun can damage your skin. Of course, we’re all wearing as little clothing as possible when we take advantage of the sunny summer weather, which means we will be exposed for much longer under the sun.
This could lead to serious consequences, the most important of which is skin cancer. You can get sunburn or pain or sun damage at the very least, and neither of them is good for you.
This article will talk about sun-damaged skin, its causes, symptoms, and the treatments you need to get to alleviate the pain and other concerns from this medical condition.
Of course, the main cause of sun-damaged skin is overexposure to the sun. This could be in the form of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun’s rays or tanning beds and sunlamps.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), UV radiation is a known human carcinogen that can cause cancer.
We receive two major types of UV radiation from the sun: UVA and UVB. UVA rays make up 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the earth’s surface. These harmful rays can penetrate deep into the skin and damage the collagen fibers that keep the skin elastic and firm. They are the main cause of photoaging or premature skin aging.
On the other hand, UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn. These rays damage the outer layer of the skin called the epidermis.
Either way, too much exposure to the sun can lead to skin damage. This is why it’s important to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when exposed to the sun for a long time.
The most common symptom of sun-damaged skin is a change in the skin’s appearance. The skin may become rough, dry, and leathery. Brown spots, wrinkles, and spider veins may also appear.
The skin may develop actinic keratoses or precancerous growths in more severe cases. These growths are usually rough, scaly patches that can be red, brown, or black. If left untreated, these can develop into squamous cell skin cancer.
Another symptom of sun-damaged skin is a change in how the skin feels. The skin may become thinner and more sensitive to touch. It may also be more prone to bruising.
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s best to see a dermatologist for treatment.
If you have sun-damaged skin, you’re at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, people who have had five or more sunburns in their lifetime are at an increased risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Sun-damaged skin is also more likely to develop skin problems like actinic keratoses, solar elastosis, and photoaging.
The good news is that there are treatments available for sun-damaged skin. The goal of treatment is to improve the appearance of the skin and prevent further damage.
One of the most common treatments is topical medication. This includes creams, ointments, or lotions applied to the skin. These medications can help improve the appearance of the skin and reduce actinic keratoses.
Other treatments include photodynamic therapy, chemical peel, microdermabrasion, and laser resurfacing. These procedures can help improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin by making it smoother and more evenly toned.
If you have sun-damaged skin, it’s important to see a dermatologist for treatment. With the right treatment, you can improve the appearance of your skin and prevent further damage.
As mentioned earlier, treatments for sun-damaged skin can help improve its appearance. If you’re looking for a more drastic change, you can also opt for cosmetic procedures.
Botox injections, dermal fillers, and laser resurfacing are among the most popular cosmetic procedures for sun-damaged skin. These procedures can help reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and brown spots.
Botox, in particular, can help improve the appearance of crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and furrows between the eyebrows. On the other hand, dermal fillers can help plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Laser resurfacing is another popular cosmetic procedure for sun-damaged skin. This procedure uses a laser to remove the top layer of the skin. This can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, brown spots, and spider veins.
If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure, it’s best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist first. They can help you choose the right procedure for your needs and goals.
If you have any of the symptoms of sun-damaged skin, it’s best to see a doctor right away. A board-certified dermatologist can diagnose sun-damaged skin and recommend the best treatment for you.
They can also perform a full-body exam to check for actinic keratoses or precancerous growths. If you have any of these growths, it’s important to start treatment to prevent skin cancer.
It is important that this would be prevented earlier because if not, this would eventually lead to skin cancer which is very difficult to treat. In addition, it could also cause more complications, such as metastasis.
For people who already have sun-damaged skin, it’s important to see a dermatologist for regular checkups. This is because you’re at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.
Dermatologists can also help you prevent further damage to your skin. They can recommend the best sunscreen for you and teach you how to apply it properly. They can also provide tips on protecting your skin from the sun.
The bottom line is that sun-damaged skin is a serious problem that a board-certified dermatologist should treat. With the right treatment, you can improve the appearance of your skin and prevent further damage. If you have any of the symptoms of sun-damaged skin, don’t hesitate to see a doctor right away.
Botiki Medspa knows how annoying sun-damaged skin can be. With pain and sun damage not being an exception, they offer treatments to help. They have a team of experts who can help pick the best cosmetic procedure for you, such as Botox. They also offer other services that you might want to give a try.
