Sun-Damaged Skin
What is sun-damaged skin?
The vast majority of skin damage is caused by over-exposure to the sun. Sun-damaged skin is the kind that has aged prematurely from years of neglect. It's damage like this that brings about the visible signs of ageing such as wrinkling, scaling and irregular pigmentation, such as red or darker patches.
Who is affected?
Those with fair skin and light eyes are more susceptible to sun damage. Additionally, those with a history of long-term sun exposure are more prone to early ageing, irregular pigmentation and scaling.
What preventative measures are recommended?
The daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is a necessary preventative measure. The practice of over-exposing oneself to harmful radiation for the sake of a skin-tan - whether it is from the sun or from a tanning booth - should be avoided. Doing so is the best favour that you can do for your skin; assisting it to remain vital and free of potentially fatal skin cancer. Cease smoking as this has been shown to substantially increase your signs of sun damage.
What are the available treatments?
A wide array of dermatological techniques is currently available for rejuvenating sun-damaged skin.
Topical options
To ensure the retention of moisture in the skin, you should apply a non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) moisturiser.
Other recommended treatments include the transition to soap-free cleansers, gentle emollients and light foundations (those containing a broad-spectrum sunscreen are recommended). Use water-based make-up.
Certain recent products that incorporate polymer technology help your skin to absorb excess surface skin oils without causing dryness. Antioxidants and vitamin E fight free radical damage, contributing to skin rejuvenation.
Skin care products to avoid include astringents and toners.
Alpha-hydroxy acids, anti-oxidants and retinoids are among the most effective topical treatments for improving the skin's condition. These applications are often most effective when combined. Alpha-hydroxy acids are excellent at rejuvenating sun-damaged skin but probably require the use of daily sunscreen as, theoretically, they can thin the outer layers of your skin. This may let more sunlight in to the deeper layers. There remains considerable controversy regarding the importance of this aspect of their use but sun-screening would seem prudent when using these agents.
Products shouldn't be applied to the upper eyelids unless otherwise specified by your doctor. Retinoids and other vitamin A-based products should be avoided by pregnant and child-rearing women.
Laser and other light-based options (surgical and non-surgical)
Photorejuvenation is a light-based treatment. It delivers stronger pulses of light deep into the innermost layer of skin, injuring then repairing its collagen. Contrary to surgical methods, in photorejuvenation, the outer layer of skin is usually minimally injured and, as such, there are few visible signs of the procedure. This therapy reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles, freckles, sun damage, ageing, discoloured patches, redness and the dilated capillaries associated with rosacea. A course of several sessions, each a few weeks apart, is typically recommended for best results.
The above light-based treatments are remarkable in their ability to achieve positive results with little discomfort and risk.
Depending on your particular situation, your dermatologist may consider it beneficial to incorporate laser-assistance for improved results. Laser stands for 'Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation'. Functioning either surgically or non-surgically, a laser works similarly by directing an intense beam of light in one direction. The beam is controlled according to the intensity and colour (wavelength) required for the specific purpose. The newer lasers achieve the highest degree of safety due to their outstanding precision.
Laser resurfacing, also called laser peeling, is used to effectively treat skin damage and improve the skin's tone and texture. Unwanted facial wrinkles such as crow's feet around the eyes, smoker's lines and frown lines are softened or removed entirely using a wand-like laser handpiece. This treatment is also an effective means of smoothing and tightening eyelid skin. Favoured for its precision and safety in treating delicate areas, laser resurfacing also involves relatively little bleeding. It can be used as an alternative or to complement other skin rejuvenation procedures mentioned earlier. Additionally, acne scars and skin dicolourations can be treated in the same process or when applied to other areas of the body. Limitations do exist, however, when treating non-facial parts of the body. Because of the slow healing-time of those areas, treatment must commence more conservatively, bringing less dramatic results.
Fractional resurfacing is an alternative, relatively non-invasive laser procedure that partially resurfaces the skin by computer-aided technology. Thousands of microscopic holes are driven into the skin, removing these small zones completely but leaving most of the skin intact in any one treatment. This has the effect over a number of treatments of acting like a resurfacing procedure. It rejuvenates the skin in a similar manner to photorejuvenation and can also be used for pigment and texture irregularities.
Chemical peeling
Another alternative to laser resurfacing is chemical peeling. This has a similar effect to laser resurfacing but doesn't involve the use of lasers. Both techniques can benefit the appearance and texture of mild or severe sun-damaged skin both on the face and body.
Other new procedures
A new procedure termed plasma skin resurfacing has become available recently. This technology employs a cloud of electrons generated by sparking nitrogen atoms to implant rejuvenating energy into the skin. Its clinical effects can be classified as being somewhere between laser resurfacing and chemical peeling.
Photodynamic therapy is another procedure that has recently been added to the treatment regime for sun-damaged skin, especially when many sunspots are present. It is performed after a lotion or cream containing a chemical (present in all human cells) called aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is applied to the skin. The ALA is left for a while to be absorbed and then, coloured light or laser energy is applied. The light activates the cells that have absorbed the ALA. Fortunately, pre-cancerous and sun-damaged skin accumulates the ALA better than normal cells, and under the influence of the light, theselabelled cells are selectively destroyed.
As is the case with any surgical procedure thorough prior consultation and consideration is required with your qualified practitioner.
Links
National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, USA, www.skincancerprevention.org