As the days are getting shorter, and shorts and swimming suits are being replaced with scarves and sweaters, it is the perfect time to think about the best treatment for sun-damaged skin. Has four months of intense sun and city heat coupled with weekends spent at the beach left your skin looking aged and tired rather than refreshed? And now, as you look in the mirror, you see dark spots, new wrinkles, and sagging skin? No need to worry! The good news is that there are actually numerous options for damaged skin repair and many effective ways to minimize the negative long term effects of sun-damaged on your skin. With the latest technology at IGBeauty Studio, even the worst sun damage can be treated.
For the Best Treatment for Sun-Damaged Skin, You Need to Understand the Underlying Causes
Even though many people enjoy the light and warmth of the sun, excessive sun exposure can cause serious damage to human skin. The heat depletes the supply of natural lubricating oils in the skin and dries out unprotected skin areas. Furthermore, ultraviolet radiation can cause not only immediate burns, but also long-term changes in the structure of human skin. For instance, while UVB rays produced by the sun can cause simple sunburns, UVA rays can penetrate all the way into the deep layer of your skin, the dermis, and damage the skin’s collagen and elasticity. With time, repeated episodes of unprotected sun exposure can even increase the risk of skin cancer. In general, if you have light-coloured eyes and fair skin, you are at an increased risk of sun damage. This is because lighter skin contains less melanin – the dark pigment responsible for UV protection.
The Most Common Symptoms of Sun Damage
It is difficult to find a person who has never experienced dry skin or sunburn after a few hours on the beach. However, there are potentially more serious issues associated with prolonged sun exposure. You may find yourself searching for the best treatment for sun-damaged skin if you experience some of the most common symptoms associated with it such as:
- Dry skin: When exposed to the sun, your skin gradually loses moisture and essential oils, and eventually becomes dry, flakey, and wrinkled – even with younger people!
- Sunburn: Sunburn is a common skin injury that appears right after the UV exposure. While mild sunburn may only cause some painful reddening of the skin, more severe cases may produce large blisters.
- Actinic keratosis: This is referred to a small bump, which may feel like sandpaper, or a scaly patch of skin that is red, pink, yellow, or brownish in colour. It develops after repeated or long-term exposure to the sun, but unlike tan or sunburns, an actinic keratosis does not go away with time. It needs to be chemically treated, frozen, lasered or removed by a doctor. An actinic keratosis is a serious warning sign of an increased risk of skin cancer.
- Long-term changes in collagen: Such changes in the deep layer of the skin may cause premature aging, also known as photoaging. Photoaging signs include wrinkles and fine lines – even on young skin. In older people, UV radiation may damage the collagen that supports the walls of tiny blood vessels, making them more fragile and likely to rupture. This condition is known as actinic purpura.
- Sun spots: Healthy skin cells produce a chemical called melanin in order to protect themselves from the negative effects of the sun. However, too much sun exposure can cause melanin to “stick” together, resulting in brown or black spots on the skin.
- Melasma: Melasma looks like splotchy grey or brown patches on the skin. Although the specific reason for it is not known, it is proven that UV radiation can cause melanin to create the spot on the skin, just like with sun spots.\
With Sun Damage, Prevention is the Key
First and foremost, prevention is the best way to avoid issues associated with sun-damage. As attractive as tanned skin may look, it is better to avoid sunbathing in the direct sun altogether. UV rays are the strongest between 10 am and 4pm – during these hours, it is best to stay in the shade. Make sure to ALWAYS wear sunscreen with SPF 25 or higher and keep wide-brimmed hats, summer scarves, and sunglasses in your beach bag. And, of course, drink, drink, and drink again (water)! Staying well-hydrated is the best treatment for sun-damaged skin.
It is important to remember that some drugs can make your skin extremely sensitive to the sun. As such, if you are taking any medications, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist about this possibility.
With facial and body skin, it is all about the daily routine. Investing in an exfoliating loofah and a quality moisturizing lotion is a good idea to always keep your skin smooth and glowing.
What Can I Do if My Skin is Already Damaged?
Unfortunately, after the hot summer day spent outdoors, even the most cautious of us may experience sun damage. Luckily, at IGBeauty, we offer a full range of services, and our specialists will help you to find the best treatment for sun-damaged skin to suit your needs.
- Chemical peels: Chemical peels are a popular non-invasive treatment to reverse the signs of premature aging. With this treatment, chemicals of different strengths are used to remove the damaged skin layer and reveal a new, healthier-looking skin beneath. The acid-based solution can be customized to address your skin concerns and can be applied to the face, neck, and hands. Chemical peels can improve a variety of skin complexion concerns, such as uneven tone and texture, wrinkles, or sun spots. There are usually several treatments required, and, depending on the scope of the treatment, some recovery time is needed.
- Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a quick, painless, and effective skin rejuvenation treatment. A handheld device is used to gently exfoliate your skin. With a series of treatments, you will notice a significantly smoother skin and a youthful glow.
- Intense pulsed light: IPL uses light waves to treat sun-damaged skin and wrinkles. The treatment causes old skin cells to shed away, allowing the skin to regenerate. It is important to remember that, like with many other procedures, it may take numerous treatments to see noticeable results.
- Collagen induction therapy: Collagen treatments use collagen to restore the natural protein in your skin and thus, tighten your skin
.This procedure causes minor bleeding, and should be done by a skilled professional at IGBeauty. On the positive side, the results are immediate and may last up to 6 months! If you are looking for the best treatment for sun-damaged skin that will noticeably reduce wrinkles and fine lines, collagen treatment is right for you. - Gentle LED waves: Light emitting diodes are utilized to stimulate collagen production in your skin. The treatment suits any skin type, is completely painless, requires no aftercare, and produces long-lasting results. However, it may take 4-8 treatments to see noticeable results.
- Laser treatment: Lasers are among the most popular cosmetics procedures for one reason alone – because they work. The laser device turns light waves into heat, which penetrates the skin and stimulates collagen production, thus reducing the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles. With the latest technology used at IGBeauty studio, the laser device can also be effectively used to selectively destroy dark spots. For most skin types, this procedure produces great results over a few short sessions, and requires no downtime after the treatment. Best of all, you will quickly notice a more radiant appearance and an overall improvement in skin texture.
- Facials: You may opt for the popular Anti-Aging Facial at IGBeauty to eliminate wrinkles or fine lines and restore the skin’s radiance. Another option is the Multi-Vitamin Facial treatment to refresh the tired skin and give it a healthy youthful glow. A blend of vitamins and alpha and beta hydroxy acids remove dead skin cells, while stimulating cell renewal and improving skin tone, elasticity, and texture. With facials, you may need up to 4 sessions to see the best results.
Contact IGBeauty to Treat Sun Damage Signs
Overall, there is no right or wrong answer as to what is the best treatment for sun-damaged skin. It all depends on the amount of time and resources you are willing to invest and the results you are trying to achieve. At IGBeauty, we offer a complete range of services to meet every client’s needs - whether you decide to opt for a cheaper and faster facial treatment or a more invasive collagen induction therapy, our highly experience professionals will create a personalized treatment plan specifically for your skin type and condition.
Contact IGBeauty today, and you won’t have to worry about sun damage ever again!
Visit our website at www.igbeauty.com or call 416-484-4884 directly to book a consultation.
