Sun damage occurs in response to long-term, frequent exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. In addition to increasing the risk of skin cancer, sun-damaged skin looks and feels damaged. Sun damage contributes significantly to the natural aging process, speeding up the development of wrinkles, broken capillaries, discoloration, roughness and dullness.
Topical Medications
Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to treat sun-damaged skin and reduce discoloration. Over-the-counter creams containing retinol speed up the production and shedding of skin cells to minimize fine lines, and products with alpha-hydroxy acids treat sun damage by clearing away dead skin cells so that the production of new cells increases.
Hydroquinone comes in both over-the-counter and prescription strengths and works by inhibiting melanin production to lighten age spots and improve the skin's tone. Tretinoin is a prescription vitamin A derivative that combats sun damage at the cellular level. This medication helps decrease wrinkles, fades discoloration, and may increase collagen production.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can effectively remove minor wrinkles and discoloration and improve the skin's overall appearance and texture. During a chemical peel, a dermatologist applies a solution of mild acid to the skin that causes the top layer of skin to peel away. Once the skin heals, which generally takes a few days or weeks, healthier skin grows in place of the sun-damaged skin.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion helps smooth the skin and improve its appearance by sanding away the sun-damaged surface layer. Dermabrasion is suitable for treating even substantial pigmentation problems and other signs of sun damage, according to the American Society for Dermatological Surgery.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy treats sun damage by directing special beams of light into the skin to vaporize it, layer by layer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, different types of lasers are used for different skin problems associated with sun damage. Erbium and carbon dioxide lasers are more useful for treating fine lines and wrinkles, while red and green light lasers are more effective at minimizing the appearance of pigmented lesions, such as age spots. Laser therapy may not be appropriate for darker skin, as the risk of scarring and injury is higher in skin with greater amounts of pigment.
Injections
Injections of botulinum toxin type A or collagen can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by sun damage. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital states the Botox is primarily used to prevent the formation of new wrinkles, but will also help soften and minimize existing wrinkles.
References
- Skin Cancer Foundation: Treating Sun-Damaged Hands
- American Society for Dermatological Surgery: Aging Skin
- Burn Survivors throughout the World: Sun Damage: Preventing and Treating
- American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: Aging and Sun Damage
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital: Treating Sun-damaged Skin
