SUN DAMAGE

A little sun bathing never hurt anyone, right? And besides, what does SPF 45 UVA&UVB mean anyway? Don’t you need sun exposure to produce Vitamin D? And isn’t a great tan worth the risk of a little sunburn here and there?

You may think so now... but more than likely, what you don’t know about the damage sun can do to your skin could really change your mind. There’s no need to put your health at risk in order to achieve a golden glow worthy of St. Tropez. By being informed about the sun and the long term effects it can have on your skin, you can get the look you want without the risks associated with being a devout sun worshiper.

The sun’s rays give off three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

UVC radiation is absorbed by the Earth’s ozone layer (yet another reason to take care of our environment!), and is rarely found in other sources, so you won’t see it mentioned on any sunscreen bottles, because it poses no threat to your skin.

UVB radiation affects the epidermis, which is the outermost layers of your skin, making it the main cause of sunburn. You can avoid the effects of UVB radiation by staying out of direct sunlight (UVB rays cannot penetrate glass), especially during peak hours, between 10:00am and 2:00pm.

UVA radiation penetrates the surface of the skin, going beyond the epidermis and causing increased damage to the underlying tissue. Unlike UVB rays, UVA radiation is constant throughout the day, and isn’t blocked by glass.

Not only can UVA and UVB radiation be hazardous to your health, causing problems ranging from painful sun burns all the way to cancer, but sun damage is also one of the main causes of premature signs of aging. Your body will pay now and in the future for the suntans you’ve enjoyed in the past. Tanning, burning, and peeling are actually some of your body’s ways of trying to rid itself of sun damaged cells before they can become cancerous. Continued exposure to UV radiation breaks down collagen found naturally within the dermis. In younger people, the body can repair itself. As we age, however, your skin will not be able to regenerate lost collagen. Moreover, UV rays can cause the skin to attack its own collagen, resulting in a loss of firmness, elasticity, and the development of wrinkles.

So, how can you protect your skin and avoid premature signs of aging?

You don’t have to hide from the sun! Sunlight can be beneficial, providing Vitamin D and working as a mood elevator, especially in people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, which affects over 18 million Americans annually. The best defense against the negative effects of UVA and UVB radiation is a good sunblock and smart sun exposure. There are many products available today that don’t feel reminiscent of the greasy sunblock of childhood summers at the beach.

In addition to skin care to prevent sun damage, you may look into other procedures to achieve desired results, including non surgical injectables such as Botox Cosmetic, Juvederm, peels, and laser skin resurfacing. Schedule an appointment with our office for a personal consultation to discuss your options and whether you are a candidate for facial enhancement or rejuvenation procedures.

SUN DAMAGE and AGING Treatment Options

Active FX:

Active FX is a non-surgical skin rejuvenation and resurfacing treatment offered in a physician’s office. Instead of radio frequency waves, Active FX uses fractional lasers to stimulate skin regeneration and collagen production. Active FX is also different because it is a “bridge” system, targeting specific areas of the face, neck, and chest instead of treating the whole area. This targeted treatment creates less area for healing and minimizes overall recovery time. In addition to treating wrinkles and skin laxity, Active FX can be used to treat hyperpigmentation from sun damage, aging, and a variety of other causes. Active FX treatment causes accelerated regeneration of the surface skin, and stimulates collagen production in the deep tissue of the skin, with full results after several weeks that may last up to 2 years.

Botox® Cosmetic:

Botox® Cosmetic is an incredibly quick non-surgical procedure that takes place in your physician’s office, generally in under 10 minutes. Our physicians are highly trained to administer the Botox® injections, which target the muscles responsible for wrinkles in the face and neck. The injections help to relax the targeted muscles, providing immediate results that typically last several months with little or no recovery time. Patients are typically able to resume work and other daily activities immediately following the procedure, which may be combined with other procedures, such as injectable fillers, to achieve desired results.

Injectable Fillers:

Juvederm, Radiesse, and collagen are all injectable fillers that treat the effects of sun damage by restoring lost fullness and elasticity in the skin. Both aging and the sun can diminish the natural production of collagen in the skin, causing skin to become loose and less resilient. Injectable fillers work by filling in wrinkles, under eye hollows, and the skin on the lips, restoring a natural and youthful appearance. Injectable fillers are often used in addition to Botox® treatment and also require minimal down time. Each injectable filler is different, so talk to a trained physician to discuss your treatment options and decide which is right for you.

For questions about these, or any other procedures, schedule a consultation with our physicians. Our doctors can work with you to achieve your desired results with minimally invasive procedures that fit your lifestyle. During your consultation, CFI physicians will help you understand your options, discuss alternatives to traditional cosmetic procedures, and formulate a personal preventative plan to guard your skin against future sun damage and signs of aging.

 

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