Tanned skin has its cosmetic advantages: it may fade certain imperfections (e.g., under-eye hollows, cellulite) and emphasize a radiant smile. However, it comes with a host of disadvantages, including aging signs from sun damage that become apparent after the tan fades.
This article explains what causes sun-damaged skin and how to recognize the symptoms. It also recommends effective treatments for sun-induced aging signs.
What Is Sun-Damaged Skin?
Sun-damaged or photodamaged skin exhibits premature aging signs due to exposure to UV radiation. The damaging UV rays can come from the sun or artificial sources, such as UV lamps and tanning beds.
Besides experiencing a breakdown of structural proteins, a weakening of its protective barrier, and changes in cell DNA, sun-damaged skin is also more at risk of developing skin cancer.
Signs of Sun-Damaged Skin
Sun damage from UV rays is the primary cause of premature aging signs. They include:
Sunburn
Sunburn is the most immediate sign of sun damage. It manifests as red, painful skin, sometimes leading to blistering and peeling. Too many blistering sunburns in youth increase the chance of melanoma (skin cancer) later in life.
Wrinkles and Fine lines
UV radiation degrades collagen and elastin, which give the skin support and elasticity and make it smooth, firm, and supple. Losing these skin-building proteins weakens the protective barrier, decreasing the skin’s resilience and elasticity and contributing to wrinkle formation.
Hyperpigmentation
Sun exposure causes our bodies to produce the skin pigment melanin, which absorbs UV rays to protect us from their harmful effects. Extended sun exposure causes an overproduction of melanin, leading to uneven patches of dark skin on the face and body. Hyperpigmentation can present as freckles, age spots, melasma, labial lentigo, and other conditions.
Loss of Skin Elasticity
UV rays degrade collagen and elastin, destroying the skin’s supportive structure and leading to loose skin.
Spider Veins (Telangiectasias)
Extended sun exposure can weaken blood vessels, causing blood pooling and increasing pressure on the vein walls. The damaged blood vessels (spider veins) become visible below the skin’s surface and look like spider webs. This condition is not threatening, but it can be uncomfortable and unappealing.
Precancerous Skin Growths
Actinic keratoses or precancerous skin growths are dry, rough, sun-damaged patches of skin. If left untreated, they can turn into squamous cell carcinoma – a type of skin cancer.
Who Is at Risk for Sun-Damaged Skin?
Everyone is at risk of sun damage. The more time people spend in the sun or in tanning beds, the higher the risk of damaging their skin.
Light skin is particularly sensitive to skin aging caused by UV exposure. Dark skin has more of the protective pigment melanin and burns less.
Some medical conditions and medications can also increase susceptibility to sun damage. They include autoimmune diseases, organ transplants, immunosuppressive medication, and products that increase sensitivity to the sun.
Sun damage accumulates over time. You may notice accelerating aging signs after years of sun exposure.
How to Prevent Sun-Damaged Skin?
Cosmetic professionals emphasize the importance of using all available aids to prevent sun damage as much as possible. They include the following:
- Sunscreen – Broad-spectrum, 30+ SPF sunscreen effectively protects the skin from UVA and UVB sunrays that penetrate the skin and cause damage on a cellular level. UV rays are present throughout the year, even in cloudy weather, making sunscreens a necessary everyday tool in fighting sun damage.
- Protective clothes – Long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, and pants protect larger skin areas. Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses add a level of protection to the face and the sensitive area around the eyes.
- Limiting sun exposure – UV rays are the most damaging between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Staying in the shade during this period helps prevent burns and premature aging.
When Should I Visit a Dermatologist?
People who notice an increased number of moles or suspicious new skin growths should visit their dermatologist. Any changes on the skin can be a sign of skin cancer. Early detection and monitoring by a healthcare professional are crucial for managing potential skin cancers.
People concerned about premature aging signs, such as wrinkles, age spots, or loose skin, can also consult a dermatologist about treatment options.
How Is Sun-Damaged Skin Diagnosed?
Dermatologists diagnose sun damage by thoroughly inspecting the skin. They look for signs such as wrinkles, age spots, uneven pigmentation, rough texture, and other indicators of sun damage. They may use a special tool called Wood’s lamp, which helps them analyze the skin more accurately. If they suspect a cancerous growth, they perform a biopsy – they take a small piece of affected skin and send it to a lab for analysis.
Sun-Damaged Skin Treatment
UV exposure creates permanent damage to skin cells that builds up over time. However, the resulting skin aging signs can be reversed or mitigated with adequate cosmetic treatments and skin care. Depending on the concern, skin experts usually recommend a combination of treatments and products.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing involves using a laser device, which heats the surface skin layer and underlying tissue, inducing collagen production. Some laser devices also remove the epidermis and stimulate the growth of new, smooth, even skin. Depending on the type of laser, they help reduce or eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation issues, spider veins, loose skin, and other signs of sun damage.
Note: Intense pulsed light (IPL) and BroadBand light (BBL) are popular laser treatments helping to treat photodamage. Learn how IPL and BBL differ to determine which treatment is suitable for your skin concern.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
PDT is a type of laser therapy that involves the use of photosensitizing drugs, which are activated by red or blue laser light. Red light is typically used for wrinkles, inflammation, and redness. Blue light is more effective for hyperpigmentation and non-cancerous skin growths, including actinic keratoses.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use chemical solutions to dissolve the damaged surface layer and help resurface new, smoother skin. There are various types of chemical peel – light, medium, or deep – and each one can help alleviate the signs of sun damage.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a mechanical exfoliation treatment involving the use of a device that sloughs off dead skin cells to helps improve skin texture and appearance. Microdermabrasion done regularly will assist with topical product penetration and allow ingredients to work more effectively in the skin.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a popular treatment that involves the use of a device with tiny needles that make superficial punctures on the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the healing process and collagen production and rejuvenate the skin. It helps improve skin texture, reducing wrinkles, dark spots, and other imperfections. Microneedling is more invasive than microdermabrasion but can treat more prominent aging signs caused by photodamage. Read our article on the differences between microdermabrasion and microneedling to determine which treatment is better for you.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are among the most popular cosmetic treatments for wrinkles and loose skin caused by environmental factors. A filler is injected in an area with sagging skin or deep wrinkles, helping to tighten and smooth it. The treatment delivers long-lasting results that make the patient appear years younger.
Facials
Facials are less invasive than other cosmetic treatments for sun damage, but they provide impressive results with consistent use. They are tailored for each patient to help address their specific skin concerns.
A pumpkin facial effectively targets hyperpigmentation thanks to the pumpkin’s high concentration of beta-carotene (vitamin A derivative), known for increasing the skin’s resilience to UV damage. Holistic facials are also popular for various skin conditions, including photodamage. They employ clean, natural ingredients that hydrate and strengthen the skin, improving its tone and texture.
Note: The Vibrant Skin Bar team has vast experience healing sun-damaged skin and provides various skin-enhancing treatments. Schedule a consultation to find the best solution for your skin issue. Book Now!
Prescription Retinoids
Dermatologists sometimes prescribe potent retinoids, such as tretinoin, for sun-damaged skin. It is a powerful version of vitamin A that promotes cell turnover, helping to shed damaged skin cells and encouraging the formation of new, rejuvenated skin.
OTC Serums and Creams
Patients can choose from a wide range of over-the-counter skincare products to treat milder cases of sun damage. From exfoliating cleansers to antioxidant-rich serums and creams, these products can fade dark spots, soothe inflammation, and slow down wrinkle progression. Some of the most potent and effective skincare ingredients for sun damage include vitamin C, retinol, vitamin A, beta-carotene, niacinamide, alpha-hydroxy acids, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
Our skin experts at Vibrant Skin Bar recommend Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ by iS Clinical. This product contains high concentrations of vitamins A, C, and E, and is a powerful aid in fighting photodamage and improving the appearance of aging skin.
How Long Does It Take for Sun-Damaged Skin to Heal?
Sunburns typically fade within several days, depending on how well you care for your skin.
The time it takes cosmetic treatments and skincare products to decrease or eliminate fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, blemishes, spider veins, and loose skin depends on the type of damage and treatment. Dermal fillers instantly volumize and tighten the skin. Collagen-inducing treatments, such as microdermabrasion and microneedling, work gradually, delivering results after several treatments and within three to six months.
Skincare products may be less potent than other treatments, but they are essential for skin health and require consistent, long-term use. They also help maintain the results from more invasive treatments.
What Happens If You Don’t Treat Sun-Damaged Skin?
If sun-damaged skin is not treated, the damage accumulates, leading to more pronounced signs of aging, such as deepening wrinkles and increased skin laxity.
If sun-induced skin growths are left untreated, they may develop into skin cancer.
Conclusion
Most premature aging signs, such as wrinkles and blemishes, are caused by sun exposure. Aesthetically displeasing and potentially health-threatening (in the case of skin tumors), photodamage can be treated and reversed. Consult a trusted skin professional to closely inspect your skin and determine the best strategy for your sun-damaged skin.
