Basking in the summer sun is wonderful, but it’s true that too much sun can cause skin damage. This happens because the sun emits ultraviolet rays, which are high-energy forms of radiation that can break the chemical bonds between molecules and even within atoms. UV rays can cause atoms to spit out their own electrons, which is called ionization. Consequently, they can seriously damage living cells, including skin cells. Here are some skin conditions treated at PSS MediSpa.
Uneven Pigmentation
The sun can cause areas of skin to be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. This is because the ultraviolet rays stimulate the body to produce more melanin, a pigment that protects the skin by making it darker. This sort of skin damage can occur to people with light or dark skin. UV rays also stretch the capillaries in the skin and give it a mottled look.
Age Spots
Age spots are little spots of hyperpigmentation found on areas of the body that experience the most exposure to the sun. These include hands, the arms, the upper back and the face. Despite their name, age spots aren’t restricted to older people. Younger sun-worshippers who don’t use sunscreen are also susceptible to age spots.
Solar Elastosis
Collagen and elastin are proteins found under the top layers of the skin and keep the skin supple. UV rays can cause them to break down, which leads to skin that sags, creases and wrinkles.
Actinic Keratosis
This type of skin damage appears as rough spots that can be white, brown, tan or pink. They’re found mostly on light-skinned people on areas of the body that get the most sun exposure. Actinic keratoses are considered precancerous and need to be removed.
Lentigo Maligna
This is found on the legs, hands and face and presents as a flat, dark spot that grows larger and darker over time. Like actinic keratosis, lentigo maligna is considered precancerous and can develop into a dangerous form of skin cancer called melanoma.
PSS MediSpa Treatments for Sun Damaged Skin
Our skin care team are experts at treating these and other types of skin damage. Our MediSpa treatments use a variety of methods to reverse or reduce the appearance of this damage. One of which is Hydroquinone & Retin-A which is a medicated cream applied to damaged areas which will aid in the healing process and prevent the skin from hyperpigmentation or darkening. The time span of use varies on the amount of damage done by the sun. Our skin care experts also use a combination of Retinol & medicated suncreen to combat sun damage. Retinol is another name for vitamin A and can help restore a more youthful look and feel to skin. Retinol also helps promote a firmer look and naturally addresses concerns like dullness and rough texture caused by over exposure.
Skin damage from the sun isn’t something to take lightly. Call PSS MediSpa at 410-841-5355 to schedule a complimentary skin care consultation if too much fun in the sun has led to skin damage.
PSS MediSpa’s Latest Treatment for Sun Damaged Skin
The Sciton Broadband Light Laser treats sun damage to skin resulting in such conditions as sun spots, redness and age spots.