Undoubtedly, the warming rays of the sun feel fabulous on your skin, and the light even helps elevate your mood. However, the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun are harsh. They can cause widespread skin damage and lead to some forms of cancer. Excessive exposure leads to premature aging, in fact, researchers at the Department of Applied Research and Development at the L’Oréal Research and Innovation in Paris, France have found that 80 percent of aging is related to the sun’s rays. It is imperative that you wear sun protection to prevent premature aging and skin changes that can lead to skin cancer.

Sun Protection for Your Skin

Any time you are out in the sun, you should wear some form of facial sun protection to reduce skin damage. Ideally, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is ideal for your face. Many sunscreens can be worn under makeup, and others have tint built into the sunscreen. Ideally, you should apply the sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun to let the formula soak into the skin’s surface. Also, you might want to consider wearing a hat to shade your skin and sunglasses with UV protective lenses to protect the delicate surface around your eyes.

Cosmetic Treatments to Reduce the Signs of Sun Damage

Even with sun protection, your skin may still start to show signs of aging. To combat the changes, you might want to explore cosmetic options such as the following:

• Hydra Facial: For a low-level skincare option why not undergo a hydra facial? A hydra facial is a non-laser skin resurfacing method that involves cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration, and antioxidant protection. The process reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Enlarged pores also become noticeably smaller. Hyperpigmentation and brown spots lighten or disappear. A hydra facial renews your skin for a younger, more rejuvenated appearance.
• Radio Frequency Skin Tightening (RF): Radio Frequency Skin Tightening (RF) is an option to lighten sun spots on your skin that occurs because of excessive sun exposure and aging. The skin’s tissue is heated by using RF energy to spur the skin’s collagen production effectively. Fine lines and loose skin are treated to create a younger appearance.
• Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers are injectable fillers that help restore the face’s contours and create the appearance of plumper skin which reduces the appearance of facial scarring damage from acne. It also smooths out wrinkles in the cheeks, nasolabial folds, under the eyes, and frown lines. The lips can be given an increased pouty, more youthful appearance. Also, the presence of marionette lines is significantly reduced.
• Sculptra: Sculptra is also an injectable dermal filler that quickly restores facial volume to create a younger appearance. The filler also encourages the body to create poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible synthetic substance which promotes collagen and elastin creation. Sun damage and aging have direct impacts on the skin’s ability to renew collagen. Promoting renewed collagen production gives your skin a more youthful appearance. Sculptra also reduces the appearance of facial scarring caused by acne.

If you would like to learn more about sun protection for your skin or explore the various cosmetic procedures that can rejuvenate your appearance, please schedule a free consultation with the medical professionals at the Laser Skin & Vein Clinic.