23 Oct What Does Sun Damage Look Like?
If you’re like most people, your parents probably didn’t slather you with medical-grade sunscreen and reapply it every 75 minutes from the day you were born. That’s okay, because at RefinedMD we offer a variety of treatments for sun damage—even sun damage that happened decades ago. Experts are still discovering what the full spectrum of sun damage looks like. However, we know a lot more today than in past decades and also have the latest technology to un-do sun damage.
The Basics of Sun Damage
But what exactly does sun damage look like? It can look like sunburns and sun tans. Your skin tanning or getting burned is the most immediate sign of sun damage. Darkening of the skin is your body’s way of protecting you from further sun damage. However, the most dangerous signs of sun damage can take years to appear.
Brown spots and freckles are signs of sun damage that can appear days after sun exposure, or even years later. If you were a sun worshipper years ago, you’ve probably noticed patches of brown spots on the thinner parts of your skin (such as the collarbone). This is your body’s way of telling you that it suffered a lot of UV exposure in years past.
Melasma is another type of sun damage, and most often appears on the face. It can be grayish in color, and pregnancy can bring on or worsen melasma. It’s kind of similar to brown spots, but is much more stubborn. Since melasma appears on the face, it can also affect your self-esteem. It’s challenging to cover up, which makes it even more important to treat in a safe and effective manner.
Of course, skin cancer is the most dangerous result of sun damage. Melanoma is the deadliest of all skin cancers, but bear in mind that all skin cancer is relatively easy to treat when caught early. This requires annual skin checks so your dermatologist can spot any signs of skin cancer before it becomes too dangerous.
Schedule Your Appointment
Treating non-dangerous signs of skin cancer, from wrinkles to brown spots and melasma, is a priority for many people who want to look and feel their best. Laser treatments are one of the most effective ways to vanquish signs of sun damage. To learn more and schedule your annual skin check or laser treatment, contact RefinedMD today.