We all need sunlight to maintain good health. Sunlight helps our body produce vitamin D, which is an essential nutrient that supports the absorption of calcium to keep bones strong. But, getting too much sun if your skin isn’t protected with sunscreen can lead to damage.
At Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics in Austin, Texas, we offer several solutions for sun-damaged skin. Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, can address discoloration, sunspots, skin cancer, and other sun damage complications with advanced, minimally invasive treatments.
Through customized treatment plans, Dr. Bushore focuses on improving your skin’s appearance and protecting its long-term health.
The ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun as well as artificial UV light can cause DNA changes in the cells of your skin. These changes can lead to the premature aging (photoaging) of your skin, which can result in wrinkles, lines, and creases.
Cellular changes from the sun’s UV rays can also increase your risk for precancerous lesions and several kinds of skin cancer, including aggressive melanomas.
Some people have a higher risk of developing various kinds of sun damage, including those with:
People who spend a lot of time outdoors also have an increased risk of developing sun-damaged skin, especially if they don’t apply sunscreen to all areas of skin exposed to the sun. A high-quality sunscreen can minimize damage from the sun’s UV rays when used properly and consistently.
The signs of sun-damaged skin can appear as early as your teens or early 20s. In addition to wrinkles and fine lines, other signs of sun-damaged skin can include:
You may also develop actinic keratosis, which is a condition that causes rough, red, scaly spots to develop on your skin. Furthermore, if you have existing skin problems, such as rosacea, sun exposure can make the condition worse.
When you notice these issues or any changes in your skin, it’s wise to schedule a skin evaluation at Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics.
During your evaluation, board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, assesses the health of your skin and can test for conditions like skin cancer. He customizes a care plan to treat the side effects of sun-damaged skin and protect it from additional sun-related damage.
While we may not be able to reverse all signs of sun damage, there are several treatments that can keep your skin looking healthy and youthful.
Depending on the extent of damage, Dr. Bushore may recommend:
Topical treatments, such as retinoids, can address early signs of photoaging. Retinoids can tighten your skin to minimize fine lines and wrinkles and make age spots less visible.
Chemical peels remove the surface layers of your skin to reveal the healthy skin below. Peels can restore the texture and tone of your skin and eliminate age spots, sun spots, and scaly skin patches.
DiamondGlow® is a treatment that uses an abrasive tip to exfoliate your skin, removing damaged and dead skin cells that dull your complexion. We also apply special serums to rehydrate and nourish your skin.
Laser treatments can break up discolored patches of skin to minimize the appearance of age spots and sunspots. The laser energy also stimulates your body’s natural healing response to boost collagen production to tighten and smooth your skin.
We also offer a range of popular dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm®, which can reduce wrinkles and other signs of premature aging around your nose, mouth, and cheeks.
If you have sun-damaged skin and want to learn more about your treatment options, call 512-459-4869 or book an appointment online with Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics today.
