A sunburn is actually an injury to the skin. The redness is your body's reaction to that injury. Repeated overexposure can have lasting effects, especially on areas of the body that are generally uncovered, such as the face, neck and hands. Sun damage on the cheeks is commonly found on aging skin, but it can affect young people as well.
Exposure
Sun most directly affects the outer layers of the skin, or dermis. Up to 90 percent of the cells in the dermis are called keratinocytes. They are tough-walled cells that protect the deeper, more sensitive layers of the skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Keratinocytes in highly exposed areas such as the cheeks begin to change in size and shape, which manifests as visible sun damage ranging from lesions to blotches to white patches.
Process
Ultraviolet light penetrates the dermis and causes oxidation in the cells. Oxidation happens when the sun's energy knocks an electron loose from an oxygen atom in the skin. This loose electron is called a "free radical," and its path through the neighboring cells can cause damage and even mutation if the damaged cell passes the abnormality on when it replicates. Concentrations of abnormal cells form tumors, which can be cancerous.
Causes
In addition to oxidation, the sun's UV rays also cause vitamin A deficiency in the dermis, which can lead to thinning and a loss of elasticity. Sun damage can also manifest as freckles across the bridge of the nose and cheek bones. Overactive tanning cells, or melanocytes, are responsible for the pockets of discoloration.
Prevention
Cover up when you are in the sun, and use sunscreen on exposed areas. Lotions designed for the face are different from body lotions, and many of them contain sunscreen so you are moisturizing and protecting. Use lotions with a mild tinting effect for a tanned look instead of risking exposure to the sun. Tanning beds are not a safe alternative to sun tanning, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Treatment
Topical retinoids are products that are derived from vitamin A, and they are the only prescription products approved for treating photoaging, or sun damage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Products using a natural form of vitamin A called "retinol" are available over-the-counter and may be as effective, and adding antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E is also beneficial. Exfoliation can diminish the appearance of sun damage on the cheeks by removing the rough, dry skin at the surface, but expensive laser therapy may be needed to eliminate the discoloration.
