Our understanding and knowledge of the part the sun plays in skin aging is still in its infancy. It was only a few years ago that findings from an Australian study showed that the daily application of sunscreen can slow the aging process. Considering that protecting our skin from the sun as an age prevention measure is a relatively new concept, many people find themselves grappling with sun damage from years of unprotected exposure. The fact that this damage was accrued during a time in which the long term effects were not appreciated is little consolation given the negative impact of sun damage on the health and beauty of the skin. Fortunately advances in cosmetic medicine have led to innovative treatments for sun damage along with therapeutic at-home treatments to correct and prevent sun damage. In this article we share on the sun damage treatments available at Oakville Plastic Surgery and Advanced Skincare, as well as the day-to-day preventative measures that can be taken to protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet light.
To begin, let’s explain what sun damage is.
Sun damage occurs when ultraviolet radiation damages the DNA of our cells. This damage accumulates over many years and manifests in several ways:
- brown spots
- dilated vessels
- static wrinkles
- skin laxity
- enlarged pores
- skin cancer
It is said that up to 90 per cent of the visible signs of aging can be attributed to sun damage.
How can sun damage be prevented?
The best way to prevent sun damage is to limit your sun exposure. Barring leading a nocturnal lifestyle, sun exposure is inevitable, and for many people, enjoyable. Sunlight helps our body to synthesize vitamin D, an essential vitamin for bone density and a healthy immune system. With the pros and cons of sun exposure in mind, it is important to enjoy the sun responsibly. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Avoid exposing yourself to sunlight when the intensity of the UV index is high.
- Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 on areas of exposed skin everyday.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours when exposed to sunlight.
- Don’t be fooled into thinking you don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days. Damaging UVA rays can penetrate through glass, clouds and smoke.
- Wear protective clothing such as hats, sunglasses and long sleeves to minimize sun damage.
What can be done to correct sun damage?
To begin, it’s important to consult a skin expert to ascertain the signs of sun damage that require correction. A variety of professional treatments can be combined to address concerns such as uneven skin tone, wrinkles, skin laxity, enlarged pores and rough skin texture. Here are some examples of sun-related concerns and their potential solutions:
In order to achieve long term results, a daily skincare regimen with medical-grade skincare is crucial. This is especially true when treating skin tone concerns to prevent the reoccurrence of troubling brown spots. Professional skincare products contain active ingredients in therapeutic doses which support and enhance the results of your professional treatments. After spending time and money on these procedures, following a recommended at-home regimen will ensure the investment in your skin is protected. Oakville Plastic Surgery and Advanced Skincare has a wide range of professional skincare products to choose from to suit every skin type and condition.
Working closely with Bethany, our medical aesthetician, a personalized treatment plan with home-care recommendations will be established to treat existing sun damage and provide you with the tools to prevent further sun damage from occurring. Oakville Plastic Surgery and Advanced Skincare invites you to book a complimentary consultation to learn how you can reverse these sun-related signs of aging for a rejuvenated complexion. Call 905.901.9545 or email [email protected] to request an appointment.
