Signs of sun damage

Maintaining youthful, beautiful skin unaffected by sun damage can be difficult when patients are not protecting their skin properly. Sun damage, or “photodamage,” can impact the health of one’s skin. In addition, it can also significantly increase a patient’s risk of developing skin cancer. Dallas, TX doctors at the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center work directly with patients to help them learn about the signs of sun damage and find ways to keep their skin healthy and protected from further changes.

What are the signs of sun damage?

Photodamage can become incredibly visible on the skin in a variety of ways. Sun damaged skin may exhibit:

• Actinic keratoses
• Sunburns
• Actinic cheilitis
• Age/sun spots (pigmentation)
• Atypical moles that may indicate cancer
• Increase in rosacea
• Fine lines and wrinkles

The presence of these above conditions will often signify that sun damage has occurred. Certain procedures available at the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center can be used to reduce the appearance of these problems and improve the skin’s overall health. This includes IPL, laser, and other treatments designed for sun damaged skin.

How can I protect my skin from further sun damage?

There are many ways in which patients can reduce their exposure to photodamage. Below are a few tips from the doctors at our practice in Dallas, Texas:

• Avoid being outside between 10am and 4pm when the sun’s rays are at their strongest
• Apply sunscreen every day, even if it is cloudy outside
• If planning outdoor activities, use a high SPF broad spectrum sunblock to avoid sunburns
• Reapply sunscreen as needed, typically every two hours, or one hour if swimming/sweating
• Wear clothing that covers the skin when spending extensive time outdoors, and consider wearing hats and sunglasses
• Consider medications that you take that may make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure
• Remember that sand, snow, and water reflect the sun’s rays and can increase sun exposure

Learn more about the ways you can care for your skin and protect it from sun damage

Educate yourself with the team at the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center in Dallas, Texas to take the steps in protecting the skin and reducing the appearance of photodamage. The practice is located at 5310 Harvest Hill Road, Suite 160 and the front office can be reached by phone at (972) 661-2729.