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Sun Damage and Signs of Aging

Causes and Treatments

By Andrea Atkinson

We've all been there--the age when building sand castles and eating ice cream at the beach meant summer. But what about the part where your parents pleaded with you to stand still for two seconds so you could be slathered in sunscreen? You would probably be in the water or covered in sand before the sunscreen was even put away.

The sun is healthy in moderation and when we know how to protect ourselves from its harmful rays, it provides us with our main source of vitamin D, touts mood boosting effects and encourages us to be active. However, too much sun exposure can be the worst thing for our skin. Sun damaged skin is unhealthy, dull and often appears lifeless.

Founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp, dermatologist Dr. Kenneth R. Beer says, "Sun damage means skin gets thinner so it's not as radiant as when we're young." He also says, "The pigment becomes uneven, and the ability to rebound decreases...even without a tan or burn--the damage done to the skin will accumulate over time and cause problems." Sun damage occurs from repeated or prolonged exposure to UV light--tanning beds use UV rays, meaning you don't really need the sun for sun damage!

Plus, there are factors that could make you more susceptible to harm than others. Your age, family history, medications or treatments, some foods and fragrances, smoking and your skin type are all variables that can affect your skin's reaction to sunlight.

UV rays will not only age the skin on your face, but your chest, hands and legs too. Beyond aesthetic concerns, sun exposure also causes the destruction of the skin's immune system and can lead to cancer. Moderation and sunscreen--applied early and often--is the key to prevention.

Five Most Noticeable Signs of Sun Damaged Skin:
1. Dryness
2. Age spots
3. Lines and Wrinkles
4. Texture Changes
5. Broken Capillaries

While treatment for sun damage should never replace prevention, procedures are definitely an alternative when years of over-exposure have built up.

Treatment Options for Damaged Skin:
1. Topicals
2. Chemical Peels
3. Microdermabrasion
4. Laser
5. Light Treatments

Skin Benefits for Minimizing Sun Exposure:
1. Soft and Smooth Skin
2. Even-colored or even pigment
3. Less Wrinkles and Fine Lines
4. Well-defined Contours
5. Smaller Follicles
6. Decreased Risk of Skin Cancer
7. Decreased Risk of Sun Damage
8. Happy, Healthy Skin!

Infolink: In With Skin

Andrea Atkinson is the editor-in-chief of InWithSkin.com, a fashion/beauty expert and is often a featured contributor for magazines and local television shows.