Is Sun Exposure Really Bad for the Skin?
By Donna Burns | Published on January 24, 2011 | 0 Comments
For decades, tanned skin has been considered a symbol of health and beauty. In recent years, however, self-tanners, spray booths and other “faux glow” techniques have largely taken the place of sunbathing and tanning beds. But is sun exposure really all that bad for your skin? Absolutely, says Donna Burns of Lifetime Laser in New York. Burns, whose clinic offers anti-aging treatments like microdermabrasion in Smithtown and Miller Place, says that she sees the damaging effects of the sun every day. She works closely with her clients not only to reverse those effects, but also to help them protect their skin from further sun damage.
“But I never get a sunburn…”
The sun, Burns says, doesn’t discriminate. Too many people assume that if they’re dark-skinned or tend to tan easily, they’re immune from the harmful effects of UV rays. This simply isn’t true. Regardless of your skin tone or type, exposure to the sun breaks down collagen and destroys the skin’s elasticity. This loss of elasticity, when combined with gravity, leads to wrinkles and sagging skin.
The sun can also affect your skin tone, and not just by giving you a tan. Light-complexioned individuals often experience discoloration and brown spots along with broken capillaries and other imperfections. Additionally, sun exposure dehydrates the skin, which causes flaking and peeling, and can also contribute to fine lines and wrinkles.
“The elements that you’re battling once you start exposing the skin on your face to the sun are so hard to compete with,” Burns says. “Your skin care can only do so much. Sun protection is really key to keeping your skin looking its best.”
“How do I protect my skin?”
The best way to protect your skin from sun damage is to use a high-quality sunscreen product daily. At Lifetime Laser, Burns offers the popular PCA skin care line. PCA offers products for both professional and home use, including highly effective moisturizers with SPFs as high as 45.
Lifetime also offers a complete line of mineral makeup, which can also help to protect the face from sun damage. Because mineral makeup contains zinc and titanium, it acts as a natural sunscreen. When worn in combination with an SPF moisturizer, Burns says, your makeup becomes an integral part of a powerful barrier against sun damage.
“So what can I do if I already have sun damage?”
While an ounce of prevention is certainly worth a pound of cure, there are skin care products and procedures available to help reverse the effects of sun damage. Lifetime Laser’s PCA chemical peel, Burns says, is one option, as is microdermabrasion. Both can help to smooth fine lines and wrinkles as well as improve skin tone.
Laser treatments can also be very effective at counteracting the effects of the sun. Lifetime offers a procedure called a photo facial (which uses IPL, or intense pulsed light) for color correction. ReFirme skin tightening, Burns says, can be used to help improve skin’s elasticity and lift sagging skin. The best way to determine which procedures are right for you is to consult with a skin care professional. Lifetime Laser, says Burns, offers free consultations designed to help you identify which treatments are best suited for your skin care concerns.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.