Sunworshippers beware: the sun has been blamed for the development and advancement of the signs of aging! Don’t damage your skin by the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure. It could cause the following 5 problems, the first of which can be extremely serious:
Cancer
Over time, sun exposure damages the skin’s healthy structure. UV rays make the skin weaker, inhibiting the processes of repair and healing. UV has been classified as being carcinogenic.There are three types of skin cancer that have been linked to sun exposure: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. 5% of acintic keratoses have been found to develop into skin cancer.
The safest way to diagnosis a blemish you may think is of concern is to see a physician. They will help you figure out the best course of action, which may include surgery or a laser skin treatment.
Acintic Keratoses
Acintic Keratosis is a blemish that is characterized by being small, rough and slightly raised. It is a direct result of long term sun exposure, appearing only after several years or even decades.Individuals who are most vulnerable to developing acintic keratosis include those who are fair in complexion and/or are older. As proof of the accumulative effects of sun exposure, it also includes those who have had many sunburns in their life. The condition develops most often where the skin is frequently exposed to the elements, such as the backs of the hands, the face and upper chest (décolletage). They range in colour, from pale to dark red. It can even be the same colour as the individual’s normal skin, distinguishable only by a difference in texture. Left ignored, acintic keratoses can worsen in appearance and texture.
Effective treatment option available at Skin Vitality Medical Clinic: Toronto chemical peels
Hyperpigmentation
Melanin is produced by the skin to give us our tone. However, melanin is also produced as a reaction to sun exposure, in the form of a tan. Excessive exposure can cause the skin to develop pigmentation irregularities, known as solar lentigines (more commonly known as sunspots, agespots and liver spots). These blemishes are permanent. They can range in size from very small and freckle-like, to large in diameter. For example, melasma is a common pigmentation problem that may be related to hormonal changes during pregnancy, but is worsened by sun exposure. The extent of hyperpigmentation caused by the sun on your skin depends on your genetic makeup, as some people may only get freckles while others may get larger sunspots.
Effective treatment options available at Skin Vitality Medical Clinic: Chemical peels, photofacial rejuvenation, laser skin resurfacing with Fraxel Toronto.
Wrinkles and Loose Skin
Elastin and collagen are two of the building blocks of skin, giving it the form, firmness and elasticity it requires. Both proteins, elastin is responsible for the skin’s ability to stretch while collagen is a major structural component. With sun exposure, however, collagen levels decrease and elastin production becomes abnormal, all because of the damaging effects of UV rays (which contribute to the formation of free radicals). With less healthy collagen and elastin fibres in the skin, the result is that skin begins to become loose, forming wrinkles, creases and sags.
Effective treatment option available at Skin Vitality Medical Clinic: Fraxel, skin tightening Toronto
All of these treatments for photodamaged skin require patients to attend regularly scheduled sessions to achieve the best results. Make sure you protect your skin from sun exposure before and after each session for your safety. It is essential for the health of your skin, which will most likely be extremely photosensitive with treatment. Wear sunscreen, cover up and stay in the shade!