SUN DAMAGE: HOW TO PREVENT IT AND HOW TO REVERSE IT

Boating, swimming, golf, gardening and other outdoor activities are highlights of summer. The Canadian summer can seem too short and we feel we must enjoy it to the fullest before it ends. However, unprotected UV exposure causes many skin problems that are best avoided.

Sunburn is an immediate and painful reminder that too much sun is harmful.
Age spots, broken capillaries, large pores, wrinkled, sagging skin and scaly red patches are skin problems that result when we don’t protect ourselves from UV rays over the years. Skin cancers are also more likely to develop on areas of the body that have been exposed to the sun such as the face, neck and chest.

Most of us know that it is wise to apply sunscreen before heading out to the beach or swimming pool. What kind of sunscreen should we use? How often does it need to be applied? Does everyone need sunscreen? The issue of sun protection can seem unnecessarily confusing. In reality it is very simple.

Everyone who is outdoors, even briefly, should wear at least SPF 15 every day of the year. We are exposed to UV (ultra violet) rays any time we are exposed to daylight. Even in the winter or on an overcast day, UVA and AVB radiation is taking its toll on our skin. Clouds only filter out about 20 per cent of UV radiation. Even when driving, we are getting UV radiation (the windows in our cars don’t normally protect us). In fact, many people have more age spots on the left side of the face and neck as well as the left hand and arm as a result of sun exposure while driving. It is also possible to get a sun burn on the face while skiing if unprotected.

The best way to protect you and your family is to wear a sun screen (SPF 15 minimum) everyday, rain or shine, year round. Your sunscreen protection should provide UVA as well as UVB protection. Titanium dioxide, avobenzone and zinc oxide are three of the best sunscreen ingredients since they block both UVA and UVB rays. Sun protection needs to be reapplied when outdoors for 2 hours or more, as well as after swimming as no sunscreen is truly waterproof. Clothing will protect from UV rays, but remember that a dark T shirt gives better protection than a white T shirt (which provides only the equivalent of SPF 8 protection). Wearing a hat is a good idea too, but it doesn’t replace sunscreen use.

If your skin is showing the effects of too much sun, effective treatments are readily available. Autumn is a good time to start a program of skin rejuvenation. Laser treatments and Intense Pulsed Light treatments quickly remove age spots and broken capillaries on the face. The hands, arms, neck and chest can also be treated. These treatments are safe, quick and can often be done over a lunch hour. Clearer, smoother skin and smaller pore size are also noticed after these treatments. This is because the heat from the laser treatment actually causes new collagen to be formed in the deeper layer of the skin. It is important to remember that it can require more than one laser session to remove a lifetime of sun damage. Treatments are affordable and start at around $150.00.

For more severely damaged skin, the Carbon Dioxide laser can actually resurface the skin to remove wrinkles and tighten facial skin. This procedure can be done over the entire face or certain areas of the face (such as around the mouth or the eye area) to treat wrinkles. This procedure results in dramatic improvement to the look of the skin and must be performed by a physician.

Chemical peels and Microdermabrasion are also effective for treating sun damage on the face, hands or chest. Certain topical creams also effectively treat brown age spots and are useful if used consistently. Look for creams that contain 4% Hydroquinone. Prescription strength Vitamin A creams help to exfoliate the skin surface, resulting in smoother, clearer skin.

Protecting from sun damage during outdoor activities is the best way to safely enjoy all the fun that summer has to offer. If sun damaged skin makes you look older than you feel, there are many reasonably priced options for reversing that damage.

Kathy de Langley R.N.
Laser and Esthetic Nurse
The Best You Inc.
Centre for Personal Enhancement
Owen Sound