What Everybody Ought to Know About Sun Damage
The heat from the sun dries out your skin and depletes the natural lubricating oils in the skin. In addition, UV radiation can cause sun burns and change the skins structure in addition to causing skin cancer.
Those who have been exposed to the suns damaging rays for a long time may experience extrinsic aging which is an early aging which is caused by repeated exposure to the sun. The skin can also get lines, wrinkles and can lose its elasticity. Furthermore, other discolorations and marks may appear.
There are ways to protect your skin from sun damage. Some individuals are more likely to get sun damage then others. These people need to be extra careful in protecting themselves form the suns rays. The people that are at a high risk fro sun damage are fair skinned people, individuals taking certain medications such as antibiotics which can cause a heightened sensitivity to the suns rays, people with a family history of skin cancer and those people who are constantly in the sun such as construction workers.
However everyone should protect their skin from sun damage you can take these measures to protect your self form sun damage,
1) Cover up – Keep your skin covered with light clothing as much as you can without over heating, wear sun glasses that block 95 to 100% of UV rays to protect your eyes.
2) Sun Block – Sun Block should be applied 20 minutes before leaving your house. A SPF of 15 or higher with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection is what is recommended by dermatologists. For extended exposure to the sun reapply every few hours. When swimming reapply often.
If you have already been affected by sun damage there are steps you take to reverse the damage. These steps include prescriptive and cosmetic options.
1) Prescriptive – These treatments are prescribed by a dermatologist.
a) Tretinoin – This is a gel or cream and it has been shown to reverse sun damage and can smooth in a number of weeks.
b) Hydroquinone – These topical treatments reduce the production of Melanin, the substance which colors the skin and is responsible for tanning. This treatment helps remove over pigmentation cells while enhancing skin tone and clarity.
2) Cosmetic – The cosmetic treatments involve a trip to the dermatologist or perhaps
a plastic surgeon.
a) Laser Resurfacing – A laser essentially removes the outer layer of the skin
improve appearance.
b) Chemical Peels – A chemical peel solution is applied to the skin to
remove the outer layer. Usually redness and irritation may occur, but as the
skin regenerates the results may be smooth and softer skin.
Although there are treatments available that may reverse sun damage it is not a guarantee. Your best bet to good skin is to protect it from sun damage before it occurs.
