Unlimited Tanning today, equals brown spots, uneven pigmentation, skin laxity and leathery, older looking skin in 5 to 10 years. By the time you see these signs of the consequences of your sun-bathing or tanning bed spree, you have long forgotten that you did it.
Ultraviolet exposure (UVa and UVb) whether from the sun or tanning bed is responsible for skin damage associated with early aging or photoaging. While much of this damage is cosmetic, some of the effects, such as skin cancer are more serious. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation breaks down the skin’s supportive collagen and elastin fibers. Without this support in the deeper layer of the skin or dermis, the skin loses its strength and flexibility. This loss of dermal collagen and elastin leads to the appearance of vertical lines, deep wrinkles, and loose, sagging skin.
The good news is that if you have had a lot of sun damage in the distant or recent past, there are several treatment options available to you to significantly improve and minimize the effects of photoaging.
Your options include the following:
a). Botox, to soften wrinkles that have already formed.
b). Microdermabrasion, to improve texture, brown spots and stimulate some collagen production.
c). Chemical Peels, to improve uneven pigmentation, brown spots and superficial scars, as well as improving skin’s texture.
d). Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or Photofacial treatments, to improve brown spots, uneven pigmentation as well as the skin’s tone and texture. IPL also improves the underlying redness and prominent blood vessels that appear in photoaging skin.
e). LaserFacials, to improve tone and texture, fine lines and stimulate collagen.
f). Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing, to improve pigmentation, tone, texture, fine lines and wrinkles as well as stimulate collagen production.
The above treatment options are combined with optimal skin care regimen for home use. Recommended products include tretinoin and retinol preparations, Vitamin C, and glycolic or polyhydroxy acid formulations.
It goes without saying that PREVENTION is the key to maintaining a youthful appearance. Safe sun exposure practices such as diligent and proper use of sunscreen of SPF30 or greater, staying out of the sun as much as possible and wearing wide brim hats and protective clothing are critical to keeping your skin healthy, youthful and most importantly, minimizing the risk of skin cancer.
SkinMD
“keeping you youthful for years to come”
T: (206) 525-0903
W: www.skinmdseattle.com
E-mail: skinmd@skinmdseattle.com
