As we start to grow older, we will experience changes both physically and mentally. The first signs of aging on our face and body will be fine lines, small wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Most of these issues will be caused by the reduction of collagen levels, which leads to loss of skin elasticity.

Ageing can be affected by a number of issues and sun damage is one of them. The effect of the sun on our skin will depend on our lifestyle, the precautions we take to avoid it and other external factors like smoking. 

However, sun damage still remains the number one factor of ageing and it is also known as photoaging. Sun exposure for a long time will also be a cause of skin cancer. Furthermore, we will explain 5 of the most common signs of sun damage and how to address them. 

At Medical Tourism in Albania, we pay a lot of attention to our patient’s safety, and we work hard to find the right treatments to make them feel more confident.  We would also like to mention some proactive steps to protect and rejuvenate the skin that will help them maintain a healthier and more youthful appearance for longer.

What Is Photoaging?

The premature aging of your skin as a result of continuous exposure to UVA and UVB radiation is known as photoaging. Both artificial UV light sources, such as tanning beds and sunlamps, and natural UV radiation exposure from the sun can cause photodamage. 

In addition to making your skin age faster than it would normally, UV exposure can raise your chance of developing skin cancer. Sun damage, solar damage, dermatoheliosis, and photodamage are other names used for photoaging.

What Are The Signs Of Sun Damage?

It doesn’t matter how old you are; the sun can start to damage your skin as early as your 20s. Usually, some of the most common signs for people who don’t use sun protection can be:

• Loss of skin elasticity in the areas most exposed to the sun.
• Visible lines and wrinkles around your mouth and eyes.
• Prominent lines in the forehead that do not go away even after you relax the skin. 
• Spider veins in your face.
• Uneven skin tone around the face.
• Pigmented areas around your face and more prominent freckles.
• Your skin may start to feel thinner than usual.

What Causes Sun Damage?

Although sun exposure is important for our general health, it is important to understand that overdoing it can cause a lot of damage to the skin. The UV rays that it produce can be very harmful and can even lead to premature aging or, worse, cancer. UV light can be divided into two types, which are:

UVA Light

This kind of UV radiation reaches the outermost layer (epidermis) and the deepest layer (dermis) of your skin. The epidermal layer is what makes your skin look smooth and young. Collagen and elastin, found in the dermis layer, are what give your skin its tightness and smoothness. 

Long-term skin damage, such as wrinkles, is mostly connected to UVA light, which may also contribute to some skin tumours. UVA increases the synthesis of melanin, which shields your skin from UV rays by absorbing them into the epidermis.

UVB Light

This kind of UV radiation causes photoaging and the development of actinic keratosis, which is which leads to cancer, by penetrating the epidermal layer. The majority of skin cancer cases are brought on by UVB rays, which are also the primary cause of sunburn.

How Can I Prevent Ultraviolet Skin Damage?

Completely preventing sun damage is usually difficult, especially during the summertime when people enjoy sunbathing or swimming. Sun damage that accumulates over a lifetime of exposure is called photoaging.

Even though it’s not a good idea to spend your entire life in the sun, the times when you are exposed to it should be done carefully. It is important to take precautions to minimize the amount of UV radiation you are exposed to in order to prevent premature skin ageing. Remember that reducing your exposure to the sun also reduces your chance of developing skin cancer.

Furthermore, we will explain some ways that will help you minimize the damage that sun rays can cause to your skin during the times when you are exposed to it:

We cannot stress enough how important sunscreens are for your skin. Find a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher (preferably 50) and apply it every day. If you are on the beach or exposed to the sun, reapply it every 2 hours for maximum protection. Also, do not forget that you are still exposed to the sun while driving and on cloudy days. It is a good idea to check the UV index every day. 

Another good idea that will help you protect your skin from sun damage is to avoid the sun during its peak hours, which are between 12:00 am and 4:00 pm. During these hours, the UV index will be higher, meaning there is a higher chance of skin damage. 

Five Common Signs That Indicate Sun Damage

Wrinkles

If you notice that your wrinkles have become more prominent, they most likely will be a result of sun exposure.  The proteins called collagen and elastin give your skin its firmness, suppleness, and resilience; nevertheless, prolonged sun exposure can degrade these proteins. Wrinkles are a natural result of prolonged sun damage, which dermatologists refer to as “photoaging.” 

On skin that is not exposed to the sun, such as the breasts, buttocks, or other regions, we don’t see as many wrinkles. The sun is a major factor in the tendency for exposed skin to get more wrinkled.

Broken Blood Vessels

It is common for UV light to cause broken blood vessels, which look red and spidery. Usually, they are noticeable around the nose and your cheek area. 

This is because when blood vessels are broken, they bleed within the skin and form visible bruises. After some time, they will enlarge since they are not functioning properly. Their main purpose is to pump blood from one area to another, and if this process is disrupted, the vessels will become more visible. 

Blood vessels are generally kept tight by elastin fibers. However, those fibers lose their ability to keep the vessels in place and sustain them when they are broken down by sun exposure. As a result, the blood vessels grow (or sag) and become noticeable.

Large blood vessels frequently form on the chest, which frequently receives a lot of sun exposure, however many patients also show with enlarged vessels on the cheekbones or sides of their nose. 

Brown Spots

Freckles and brown spots are signs of sun exposure. Even though you are not born with freckles, they usually form during your childhood or teenage years, and they become more prominent during summer. This is due to the fact that you are more exposed to UV light than at other times of the year. 

In the medical field, freckles are known as ephelides, and larger tan spots are known as solar lentigines. These spots are not related to age, and they develop early in age. They are a result of sun exposure and damage. 

If you do not take the right measures to protect your face, they will become big brown spots. They are not the same as birthmarks, and different treatments can improve their appearance. 

Dull, Dry, Dehydrated Skin

UV rays can interfere with the barrier function of your skin, making it less able to hold onto moisture. Additionally, this may result in more water being lost from the surface of your skin, which can dehydrate it and make it feel tight, dry, and rough. Furthermore, the sun’s rays can lower your skin’s natural moisturising factors (NMF), which further impairs your skin’s capacity to retain water.

Hyperpigmentation

If we spend a lot of time in the sun, our skin will become mottled or discoloured. This indicates that there will be clear signs of dark and light patches. It is also very common to notice signs of red discoloration as well.

This condition is usually not related to any medical issues and is only an aesthetic concern. As time passes, sun exposure causes this inflamed skin to become hyperpigmented. This will not be a pleasurable look for a lot of people, and they will constantly be looking for ways to reduce hyperpigmentation signs. 

The best way to prevent hyperpigmentation is to protect your skin from the sun. It is recommended that you use sunscreen every day and reapply it every two hours, especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun. However, if you want to reduce the appearance of the signs that are already there, you should consider cosmetic treatments. 

Best Treatments For Sun-Damaged Skin

During summertime, many people like to tan. To achieve this, they should be exposed to the sun for several hours and for long periods of time. Although this will make your skin look better and radiant, tanning is not healthy at all. This skin change will result in UV ray absorption, and it is a sign of melanin overproduction.

While our skin changes as time passes, still the effects of sun exposure will result in unhealthy skin spots. Furthermore, we will discuss some of the most common treatments that are recommended for individuals with sun-damaged skin.

Chemical Peels 

As we mentioned by now, sun exposure causes wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and brown spots. The best treatment in this case would be a chemical peel. This treatment removes the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, and it improves the skin texture.

The level and frequency of the treatment will depend on the patient’s needs and desired results. While some may need a light peel performed every two to five weeks, others may need a stronger one.

Chemical peels work great if you want to revitalize and boost your skin. Also, this treatment is the best course of action if you have visible signs of sun damage, such as fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and brown spots. 

The treatment is rather easy, and it doesn’t involve anaesthesia or the use of needles. Your dermatologist will mix chemicals depending on your skin’s needs and apply them on top. The solution will be left to do its work, and after some days, you will notice the skin falling off. 

Chemical peels work great on the face, neck, and decolletage. After the recovery period is over, you will notice that your skin looks better, smoother, and radiant. So if you are bothered by the signs of sun damage in your face, you should consider this treatment.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a form of exfoliation in which the outermost layer of skin is removed with a machine. This removes dead skin cells and encourages new, healthy skin cells to grow. The microdermabrasion machine functions as a vacuum, which helps to remove material from pores and promotes circulation gently.

Because microdermabrasion removes the outermost layers of damaged skin, it can help improve the look of sun damage. Additionally, it can aid in promoting the creation of collagen, which is necessary to keep skin appearing young and healthy.

Conclusion

Sun damage is very common, and the best way to prevent it from happening is to take the right measurements. This includes using sunscreen with a level of protection over 30 and to apply it every day.

If the damage is already done and you want to improve their look, there are several treatments that will do the job. Avoiding sun damage is crucial for preventing skin cancer as well as improving the appearance of aging signs. Make sure to keep an eye out for any variations in the hue and size of lesions and spots, and schedule routine examinations with your dermatologist.  

If you are interested in improving the look of sun-damaged skin, feel free to contact Medical Tourism in Albania. Our professional doctors will build a personalized treatment to help you improve the look of your skin. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Sun-Damaged Skin Be Repaired?

Although photodamage cannot entirely be repaired, there are treatments that can make your skin seem younger. Consult with one of our doctors here at Medical Tourism in Albania if you want to find the best way to make your skin look better. Also, some dermatologists will recommend the use of creams such as retinoids and retinol.

How To Prevent Sun Damage?

The best way to prevent sun damage is to try to avoid sun exposure as much as you can. During the times when it is necessary, you should use SPF with at least 30-factor protection. Also, when you are in the pool or at sea, wear sunglasses and hats that can block the sun’s rays from direct contact with your face. You should also try to avoid exposure to the sun during the peak hours, which are 12:00 am to 4:00 am.

Do Clothes Protect From UV Rays?

Understand that not all UV rays can be blocked by clothing. UV rays can pass through a cloth if light can pass through it. The longest sleeves, the longest pants, and the longest skirts are the most protective and cover the most flesh. That is why the skin is more protected during the winter.