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Sun Damage & Your Skin | ||
| (509) 332-3548 | After Hours: (208) 883-5036 | 915 NE Valley Rd. (Near WSU) Contact Us | ||
Monday through Thursday 7:00 am to 9:00 pm Friday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday 8:00 to 12:00
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Sun Damage and Your Skin – Can you turn back the hands of time? Time takes its toll on all of us, and nowhere is this more apparent than on our skin. Like everything else in our bodies, skin cells change – and age – over time. Skin loses elasticity, becomes thinner and more wrinkled, and is more susceptible to trauma. Our skin also takes the brunt of abuse from the most damaging presence in our environment -- the sun. Sun damage causes many pathological changes in our skin, including roughness of texture, discoloration (sun spots), wrinkling, loss of elasticity, and of course, skin cancer. Unfortunately, we can’t turn back time to alter what we did, or didn’t do, to our skin as teenagers and young adults. Most of us begin to care for our skin after the damage is done. However, there are some effective ways to improve the appearance of sun-damaged and aging skin. Skin Protection: The first and most important thing we can do is to protect our skin. Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 25 or higher every day, even in the winter, and reduce sun exposure as much as possible. Wear a hat, protective clothing, and try to stay in the shade. Keep a close eye on the condition of your skin and have it checked regularly by your doctor. Alpha hydroxy acids: These are a group of organic acids, also called “fruit acids” because many of them are derived from fruits such as citrus, apple, grape, and sugar cane. These acids break the bonds between older, dead cells at the surface of the skin, which causes them to slough and allow newer, healthier cells to shine through. Another effect is increased collagen deposition in the epidermal layer of the skin, which improves skin tone and texture, and can decrease the appearance of wrinkles. Many over-the-counter products contain low dosages of alpha hydroxy acids. Retinoic acid is another product that works quite well to improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin, and is available in over-the-counter and prescription forms. Microdermabrasion: Another way to remove the superficial, dead and damaged cells from the surface of the skin is with microdermabrasion. This technique uses the abrasive action of tiny crystals delivered under pressure to remove the superficial layer of the epidermis. The vacuum in this system increases blood flow to the skin and stimulates collagen production. Microdermabrasion treatments are effective for pigment disorders such as sunspots or pregnancy-related skin darkening called melasma. It is also helpful to control acne, minimize acne scarring, decrease fine wrinkles, and improve skin texture and tone. The most effective microdermabrasion machines are found in doctors’ offices, but “salon-grade” treatments are available at some spas. Chemical Peels: Alpha hydroxy acids and other acids also can be used in higher concentrations on the skin to perform a chemical peel. This method involves the application of chemicals to the skin, which causes exfoliation and skin regeneration. This provides many of the same benefits of microdermabrasion, with a corresponding decrease in hyperpigmentation, increased collagen deposition, and minimized fine lines and wrinkles. Older, rough, and damaged skin cells are exfoliated, allowing regeneration of new, healthier cells from the layers underneath. Superficial chemical peels are not painful and do not cause significant “down time”. They can be used in conjunction with microdermabrasion for an enhanced effect. Botulinum toxin: This is an increasingly popular treatment to decrease facial wrinkling, especially for “crows feet” and frown lines on the brow. Small amounts of Botox are injected in specific locations on the face, causing the underlying muscles to relax and decrease wrinkles in the overlying skin. The effects last for 3-4 months. These are some of the most common strategies you can use to improve the appearance of your skin. And remember, there is no such thing as a “healthy tan.” Protection of your skin from UV light exposure is the most important life-long commitment you can make to healthier skin and a healthier you! |
(509) 332-3548 | After Hours: (208) 883-5036 | Fax: (509) 332-5253 | 915 NE Valley Road (Near WSU) | Pullman, WA 99163