Sun exposure can result in permanent damage to our skin. Wrinkles, blotches, and sunspots often appear after frequent exposure to sunlight. Our team at Gidon Aesthetics & MediSpa provides dermatology in Toronto and can advise patients on treatments that can give them a healthier, clearer, and smoother complexion. The following are some typical signs of sun damage.
Sunburns
Skin becomes red, painful, blistered, and hot to the touch when it’s sunburned. It then peels and is more sensitive to additional sun exposure. Each sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer. You can avoid sunburn by practicing safe sun protection with the use of sunscreen, protective clothing and minimized sun exposure during the peak hours of 10 am to 3 pm.
Freckling, Sunspots and Skin Cancer
Contrary to popular belief, an individual is not born with freckles. They develop after sun exposure and are a sign of damage. Sunspots, also referred to as lentigines, are flat, brown marks on the skin that look like large freckles and appear on areas that are exposed to sunlight. With repeated sun exposure, especially if skin is fair-coloured, rough precancerous spots can develop, as well as skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Sun protection can prevent these changes.
Actinic Cheilitis
Individuals often forget to protect their lips during outdoor activities. This sun damage is called actinic cheilitis and is associated with dryness, flaking, and thinning of the lips. It can lead to lip skin cancer and is accelerated by smoking. Lip balms containing sunscreen and avoidance of smoking are preventative measures.
Spider Veins
Sun exposure can induce the formation of spider veins which are thin, dilated veins that lie just beneath the skin’s surface. They are more likely to develop in fair-skinned individuals and do not clear without IPL or laser treatment.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Ultraviolet rays enter the skin and break down collagen and elastin which give skin its structure and support. The resultant thinning of the skin causes fine lines. Add volume loss and aging and wrinkles develop. Early sun protection is the best treatment to prevent lines and wrinkles.
Interested in reducing sun damaged skin and finding out which treatments would be best for you? Receive advice about treatments from Toronto-based Gidon Aesthetics & MediSpa. Call us at 416-483-4541 or fill out a contact form to schedule a consultation.
