Erase Summer Sun Damage

We’ve all been cooped up in our homes for months, but it’s almost time for us to get back out there and just in time for summer! They say absence makes the heart grow fonder and we are all yearning for some summer sun. But before we head out, we’ll want to look our absolute best and those weeks in isolation didn’t exactly get rid of the years of continuous sun damage. So how about we give you the best ways to erase that summer sun damage and give you perfect skin to show off as you step back out into the world?

Wrinkles

It’s no secret that prolonged sun exposure causes wrinkles. Our skin contains collagen and elastin, substances that keep our skin firm and smooth. Over time, the UV rays emitted from the sun break down these proteins causing our skin to lose its elasticity and become wrinkled. However, there are few proven ways to smooth out those wrinkles.

Chemical peels

During this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the face causing the top layer of skin to blister. As it blisters, it begins to peel away. Once the skin is peeled off, it leaves behind a new, wrinkle-free layer of smooth skin.

Microneedling

This procedure requires the skin to be pricked by a tiny needle multiple times. This action causes micro-injury to the skin causing collagen to flood the face. As the army of collagen comes to heal the tiny wounds, they force the face plump up and smooth out, thus making wrinkles disappear.

Laser Therapy

Lasers can be used to send pulses of light to the face sending heat just below the surface. This heat causes skin cells to rupture, and like microneedling, promotes an overdrive of collagen production.

Dry Skin

The sun is known for frying away any and all moisture, including the moisture in our skin. So we are often left with patches of dry itchy skin. Nonetheless, this can be easily fixed.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating your skin with scrubbing gels or exfoliating brushes can help you get rid of the dead skin cells causing the patchy skin. Be sure to moisturize afterward with lotions or creams.

Sun Spots

The sun has a special relationship with the melanin in our skin. Melanin is responsible for giving our skin its complexion. The more we have, the darker we are. Melanin acts as natural protection from the sun’s harmful rays, but for those of us with less melanin, too much sun can cause it to seize up and stick together, creating those annoying sunspots.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy can be used to help correct dark spots on our faces. It does this by emitting light at a particular wavelength that interacts with the pigmentation cells in the skin. These cells are flooded with heat and will eventually rupture. As the pigmentation cells die off, the area will begin to lighten up and blend with the rest of the skin.

Creams

There are certain creams available over-the-counter that can be applied to your face in order to lighten up the dark spots. Be sure to talk to a dermatologist before buying and using any skin lightening cream as many of them have serious side effects.

Retinoids

Retinoids are medicated creams that can affect the pigmentation cells in the same manner as lightening creams. These creams force pigmentation cells to die at a faster rate, thus causing the skin to gradually return to its original color.

With these treatments, you’ll be able to erase years of sun damage.

If you are in the Cincinnati, Ohio area and want more information on choosing the right treatment option for you, our experts at The Dermatology Group are ready to give you the advice and resources you need. Give us a call today!