The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says there is no such thing as a safe tan. Long-term overexposure to the sun can having damaging effects on your skin, including premature wrinkling, age spots and textural change that can make you look older than you really are. In fact the American Cancer Society (ACS) says tanning is a form of skin damage. There are a number of treatments that can help repair facial sun damage.
What Causes Facial Sun Damage?
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun breaks down the skin's connective fibers (collagen and elastin), which lie in the deepest layer of the skin. The loss of these supportive tissues causes the skin to lose elasticity and strength. The Mayo Clinic says this degenerative skin condition is called solar elastosis. It results in the formation of deep wrinkles, along with loose or droopy skin.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use acids (glycolic, salicylic) to clear away dry, dull skin and smooth out tone and minimize pore size. The Mayo Clinic says peels improve skin color inconsistencies and soften fine lines and wrinkles. Peels can have a smoothing effect on skin and give it a healthier glow.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy can effectively treat age spots, wrinkling and other sun damage. The smooth, crystalline surface of the IPL hand-piece delivers light to the skin surface in precise pulses, according to SkinandHealth.com.
Plasma Skin Resurfacing
Plasma skin resurfacing (PSR) uses high-energy ionized gas to heat up skin and improve the typical signs of aging. According to SkinCare.com, PSR is used to treat wrinkles, acne scarring, certain superficial skin lesions and sun damage.
Topical Retinoids
Prescription Retin-A (cream containing retinoic acid, a synthetic derivative of vitamin A) can diminish fine wrinkling, roughness and pigment changes. The Mayo Clinic says Retin-A works by lightening the skin, sloughing off old skin and replacing it with new skin.
Prevention
Applying sunscreen 30 minutes before heading outdoors can help prevent further sun damage to your skin. The AAD says that sunscreen creams, lotions, sprays, wax sticks and gels all work by absorbing, reflecting or dispersing the sun's harmful rays.The higher the SPF, the greater the protection. The Mayo Clinic recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
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