All summer you've been lying out in the sun, enjoying its warm rays and getting a tan. Now autumn has arrived and the sun-tanning season is over. But just because the tan eventually fades doesn't mean other effects caused by tanning necessarily do. This type of sun damage is something you should be paying more attention to.
The sun projects harmful UVA and UVB rays that can cause aging, melanoma, wrinkles and fine lines, brown spots and, in many cases, skin cancer to develop.
"The sun projects harmful UVA and UVB rays."
Skin cancer and melanoma are common ailments in people who don't protect themselves from the sun. In fact, each year millions of cases of skin cancer are recorded, according to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association of Dermatology. And, according to Cancer Facts Figures 2016, published by the American Cancer Society, just over 76,000 people will be diagnosed with invasive melanoma this year alone.
The chance of developing cancer and melanoma is a health problem that should not be taken lightly. If a person gets sunburned five times, reported skincancer.org, the chance they're diagnosed with melanoma doubles.
The damage that skin cancer causes, even after it's medically removed, can do further psychological damage to the person.
What can you do about skin damage?
There are many types of skin resurfacing procedures including laser, chemical peel, hetters peel, medium – jessner 35 % TCA, deep – bakers phenol, and dermabrasion. If you're not sure which procedure is right for you, that's not a problem! A professional, such as board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Marotta of Marotta Plastic Surgery Specialists, will analyze your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment.
If your skin has been damaged by the sun, you may be a candidate for laser and skin resurfacing. This process may be able to remove sun-damaged skin cells and encourage the growth of new collagen – the main protein in our bodies that gives our skin elasticity and replaces dead skin cells. In a way, laser skin resurfacing can turn back the clock.
How to prevent sun damage
To prevent major irreversible damage, it's critical you take care of your skin daily. That means exfoliating when necessary and using moisturizer and sunscreen every day, even during autumn and winter.
We also suggest wearing clothing that fully covers your body but doesn't make you overheat.
If you'd like more information about skin resurfacing procedures, don't hesitate to contact us today. We'd be happy to discuss the procedure and set up a free consultation where we'll discuss treatments that fit you.
