sun damage 101: prevention and correction
For many of us – especially in Florida – most of our favorite memories are in the sunshine. While time outdoors is great for our mental health and essential for our body to process Vitamin D, regular unprotected exposure to UV rays causes damage to the skin that leads to premature skin aging, and sometimes even skin cancer. July is UV awareness month, and a perfect time to re-examine your sun and skincare habits.
UV rays are present year-round, even on cloudy days, and its intensity can multiply when reflected on sand, concrete, water, and even snow. UVA rays have longer wavelengths than UVB rays, which allow them to penetrate deeper into the skin, causing aging and damage. UVB rays can damage the DNA in skin cells directly, and are the main rays that cause sunburns and are thought to cause most skin cancer.
Prevention
Repeat after us: SPF every day, every 2 hours. Some people think that staying indoors means they don’t need sunscreen, but you still get incidental exposure in your office and on your commute. While glass can block UVB rays, it doesn’t block UVA rays effectively. So even in your car or by a window, UVA rays can reach and damage your skin. Luckily, there are elegant, non-greasy sunscreen formulations today that are actually enjoyable to wear and can even double as makeup. Some of our favorites include:
A few other sun-safe tips:
No tanning beds, ever (you already knew this)!
Wear protective clothing like hats and long sleeves when possible.
Limit time in the sun when the UV rays are strongest between 10 am and 2 pm.
Correction
If you are a former sun-worshipper and notice the signs of damage appearing, there are aesthetic treatments to address the pigment, laxity, and texture from years of sun damage.
BBL and MOXI laser combination treatment is like a magic eraser for your skin to turn back the clock. BBL (BroadBandLight) penetrates deep in the skin to build collagen and actually change the DNA in the skin to act younger, while removing unwanted brown pigment from sun damage. It also treats rosacea and redness, revealing brighter, glowing skin. MOXI laser is another modality that treats the texture of the skin and also helps the skin build more collagen. These two lasers together address both the tone and texture of the skin for incredible results!
Chemical Peels are also a great way to renew the skin and address pigmentation issues, texture, and even address laxity.
Combining medical grade skincare, facial treatments, lasers, and injectables can all work synergistically together to reverse the visible signs of aging and help refresh your overall appearance. At Elevate Medical Spa, we offer complimentary consultations to share our expert advice and create a custom treatment plan that suits your individual needs.