Sun Damage Ultraviolet Radiation

The term sun damage refers to skin areas damaged by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. When you go outside on a sunny day, your skin is immediately exposed to UV rays unless you have proper protective products. Coming into contact with UV ray is inevitable, but over time, excessive UV exposure results in uneven skin tone, sun spots, and cosmetic concerns with your skin, especially in more sensitive.

Several treatment options are available to help reverse UV damage to the skin. However, depending on the severity and extent of sun damage, you may or may not be able to completely reverse this damage. Speak with a trusted skin doctor about your skin concerns to determine which treatment would be the most beneficial for you.

The most important part of preventing sun damage to your skin happens before you are exposed to the sun, not after. Whenever possible, put on the correct protective gear, like hats, shoulder coverings, and of course, sunblock with an appropriate SPF level for your skin type. However, if you have already been exposed to the sun, there are several things you can do to help limit the extent of damage to your skin. These include:

• Cooling the skin off by taking a cool shower
• Moisturizing the skin as soon as possible
• Applying aloe cooling gel to the exposed area (even if no sunburn has shown yet)
• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding rubbing the skin (such as with exfoliants or rough clothing fabrics)

Here are some helpful tips for keeping your skin healthy and reversing the signs of sun damage:

• Use sunblock as much as possible (at least 35 SPF or higher)
• Apply topical antioxidant with proven stability and correct pH for optimal absorption
• Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day as recommended for your age and size
• Put moisturizers on daily
• Visit your skin doctor at Aspire Skin Health for routine exams and especially for concerning skin lesions

Age spots or sun spots are very common in people, especially those who spend a great deal of time outside in the sun. Many age spots do not require medical treatment unless a person is unhappy with the way the spot looks. However, some spots that change or grow larger over time may be cancerous. Always consult with your skin doctor if you notice any of these signs in your age spot:

• Rapid increase in the size of an age spot
• Unusual colors on an age spot
• Dark coloring on an age spot
• Irregular borders on an age spot
• Itchy, burning, or red sun spot