What You Can Do About Sun Damage
We’ve all been warned about the dangers of UVA and UVB rays and their link to skin damage and cancer. Not only can overexposure be harmful to your health, it can also cause the signs of premature aging – like wrinkling, discoloration and “sun spots” – to set up camp on your face and body. Because these damaging rays actually harm the DNA in your skin’s cells, the most effective key to combating sun damage is prevention.
You can protect yourself from the effects of future, cumulative sun damage. Here are a few ways you can keep your skin safe:
- Use sunscreen religiously
- Moisturize with protective creams
- Wear protective clothing and hats
- Limit sun exposure
- Avoid tanning beds
- Perform self-skin checks
- See a dermatologist annually
Can you undo sun damage?
You can’t reverse the signs of aging caused by skin damage, but you can encourage healthy skin cell growth with state-of-the-art cosmetic products and treatments. An experienced cosmetic surgeon can help you evaluate the options to find out which could benefit you most. Here are a few of the ways you can fight back against sun damage:
- TCA peels - These “medium chemical peels” can be used to minimize the appearance of wrinkling and discoloration, improve skin tone and texture, and may inhibit cancerous cell growth.
- Laser skin resurfacing – Resurfacing uses laser technology to remove superficial layers of damaged skin, refine skin’s appearance, and improve overall skin condition.
- Photofacials/photorejuvenation – Photo therapy can treat all types of skin abnormalities, from sun spots to wrinkling, using Intense Pulse Light technology.
- Antioxidants - Supplements such as green tea may inhibit cancerous cell growth and provide nourishment to skin cells.
- Retin-A® cream – Rich with vitamin A, Retin-A can stimulate collagen growth to improve the health and appearance of skin.
To learn more about the benefits of sun damage skin treatments, contact Dr. Nirav Savalia at Finesse Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery in Orange County.
-Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant
May 01 2008 10:36 pm | cosmetic surgery and sun damage treatments
