Sun exposure is the leading cause of photo-aging, the premature aging of the skin. Sunlight has a broad spectrum of light wavelengths, with the ultraviolet wavelength damages the skin the most. Colorados high altitude provides less protection against these harmful rays, and this leads to more intense sun exposure. The high altitude also is drying on the skin. This dryness increases the appearance of wrinkles and fullness of the skin.
Ultraviolet light exposure over longer periods can lead to sun spots (brown spots), texture irregularity, facial redness/vessels and thinning of the skin, which causes wrinkles.
The mainstay of treatment is daily or multiple daily applications of adequate sunscreen.
Many medical treatments are used to treat photo-aged skin. Retinoids (retin A micro) smoothes the skin and makes the skin more healthy overall. A regular regimen of microdermabrasion and chemical peels improves texture, tone and can reduce brown spots and fine wrinkles.
Photofacials are the most popular treatment for brown spots (also age spots or sun spots) and facial redness. After a series of treatments, a dramatic improvement can be seen in skin texture and brown spots and redness.
Adding Levulans photodynamic therapy to a Photofacial treatment has been a revolution for sun damaged skin, like so many have here in Colorado. Levulan will treat sun damaged skin by improving texture, minimizing oil glands and actually treating pre-cancerous skin lesions. Meaning, we can treat skin cancer before it appears to the naked eye. Anyone who has had skin cancer before can attest to the benefit of treating the skin cancer before it arises, thus preventing unsightly biopsy scars or excision scars.
For advanced cases of photo-aging, Rhytecs plasma skin regeneration is the treatment of choice. This treatment will take away the top layer of skin and allow new skin to regenerate, with better texture, fewer wrinkles and brown spots and some skin tightening as well.
Another option, Plasma regeneration, is commonly used for upper lip wrinkles, cheek wrinkles and advanced crows feet.
Though the types of skin problems associated with sun damage can vary, there are many exciting treatment options to greatly improve your skins look and texture. Check with your local medical spa to find out which of these treatment options are right for you.
