“Endless summer” is always a perfect way to explain Florida’s beautiful climate and the reason why so many of us love living in the Sunshine State. But (there’s always a but), that gorgeous sun can take its toll – causing wrinkles, brown spots, and melasma – even when sunscreen is applied regularly. The good news is that advanced technology allows the skin experts at Skin NV to not only repair sun damage, but in some cases to even reverse the effects of sun exposure.
How Does the Sun Damage the Skin?
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 90% of wrinkles and other signs of aging can be blamed on the sun! So, before we get into fixing sun damage, let’s first address exactly how it happens. Radiation in the form of UVA and UVB rays produced by the sun penetrate the skin’s upper and deeper layers – the epidermis and dermis. Melanin (a type of pigment that darkens as it absorbs the sun’s UV rays) is produced by the skin and absorbs the UV radiation as a defense mechanism to the sun, a.k.a. getting a tan.
When we’re out in the sun for extended periods – especially without applying sunscreen – the UVB rays overwhelm the skin’s ability to protect itself and the sun begins burning the skin. Meanwhile, the UVA rays penetrate the skin’s deeper layer (the dermis) damaging the collagen and the skin’s elasticity. Sun damage to the dermis releases free radicals (nasty little things that speed up the skin’s aging process) and harms the skin cells’ DNA. So, basically that sun we all love so much is the main reason for saggy skin, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation (dark spots and melasma), and most seriously, the risk of skin cancer. It’s a process called extrinsic aging – the kind caused by the environment and lifestyle.
How Can Sun Damage Be Treated?
At our South Tampa med spa, we treat the effects of sun damage on a daily basis with our non-surgical and skin rejuvenation treatments, some of which include:
Peels: Medical peels use the body’s natural ability to renew and regenerate. A solution or combination of solutions is applied to remove top layer of dead skin – a process that stimulates your body to start the rejuvenation of fresh, young skin cells. At Skin NV, we offer several types of skin peels, all of which are designed for different skin types. Click here to read more about our chemical peel options.
Laser Treatments: Advanced laser technology allows the body’s ability to produce fresh collagen to improve skin tone, color, and firmness. There are several different types of laser treatments that can repair, and even reverse, the effects of sun damage – Fraxel and IPL Laser being some of the more popular options.
Medical Grade Products: The active ingredients found in medical grade products are much more potent and designed to penetrate deeper into the skin than over-the-counter products and often provide much better results. Click here to read more about our medical grade skin care products.
Are you ready to reverse the signs of aging caused by sun damage? We can help! For more information on our skin rejuvenation treatments and products or would like to schedule a free consultation, please call our South Tampa med spa today at (813) 839-4141.