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Photodamage (Wrinkles)

Photodamage (Wrinkles)

Photodamage Treatment In Gainesville, FL

Regular, unprotected exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, but it can also cause a wide range of damage to the skin which can degrade the health of skin and increase the rate of apparent aging. The sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays can damage the skin, even without developing cancer — this damage is identified as photodamage. For solutions to help reverse the effects of photodamage, contact us to schedule a dermatology appointment with a Gainesville dermatologist at Gainesville Dermatology & Skin Surgery.

What Is Photodamage?

Photodamage, or extrinsic aging, is defined as damage to the skin, which results from prolonged exposure to solar irradiation. Photodamage causes photoaging — an alteration of the skin caused by prolonged sun exposure. UV radiation damages the skin’s fibers and results in the loss of collagen and elasticity as well as the formation of wrinkles, sun spots, and uneven skin texture, among other forms of premature skin aging and skin damage. Aging of the skin is a normal part of growing older, but photodamage may exacerbate and increase the rate of the visible skin-aging process.

Three Categories Of Photodamage

Photodamage can manifest in a manner which ranges from person-to-person, but the visible signs of photodamage generally apply to one of the three categories of photodamage.

Color Photodamage

Photodamage can result in discoloration of the skin which is visible to the naked eye. Color photodamage may affect a small section of the skin or it may affect large portions of the skin.

Dermal Photodamage

Dermal photodamage affects the top layers of the skin, primarily through changes to collagen. The effects of dermal photodamage are typically cosmetic and may easily be identified.

Epidermal Photodamage

Epidermal photodamage impacts the innermost layers of the skin. Without professional treatment, this form of photodamage may potentially develop into skin cancer.

What Are The Signs Of Photodamage?

Photodamage generally develops in a manner unique to each person. While most commonly visible on the face, photodamage can affect all parts of the body. The following comprises the most common signs of photodamage to the skin.

  • Long-term skin darkening
  • Visible blood vessels
  • Leathery skin
  • Liver spots
  • Sagging skin
  • Lack of elasticity
  • Changes to skin texture
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Development of wrinkles
  • Discolored skin spots
  • Deep wrinkles
  • Skin pebbling
  • Sunspots
  • Overall fragility of the skin

Where Does Photodamage Occur?

Photodamage and sun damage may occur anywhere on the body, but the most common areas in which damage of the skin occurs includes the face, neck, upper chest, arms, hands, and legs, due to a high degree of ultraviolet (UV) exposure. The areas least affected by photodamage include the buttocks, the genitals, and the inside portion of the upper arms. The Gainesville dermatology experts with our clinic can provide patients with information about protecting every part of the skin, including the portions of skin most prone to photodamage of all types.

Who Is At Risk For Photodamage?

Every individual is at risk for photodamage. The most prevalent risk factor associated with the development of photodamage is prolonged UV sunlight exposure. As such, those who are most prone to developing photodamage include individuals who spend a significant portion of time outdoors during the day time over a prolonged period. Individuals who fail to apply and to reapply adequate sun protection with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 35 or more are also at high risk for developing photodamage. Contact us to learn about your risk for photodamage.

Can Photodamage Be Prevented?

Photodamage of some degree is unavoidable, even with minimal sun exposure. However, the development of moderate to severe photodamage can be prevented with the following Gainesville dermatologist tips. Without treatment from dermatologists in Gainesville, reversing photodamage may be unachievable. Contact us today.

Use Sunscreen Daily

Most people don’t know that wearing sunscreen on a daily basis, regardless of minimal exposure to the sun, is crucial to youth preservation, avoiding damage to the skin, and ensuring protection from harmful rays. Applying sunscreen with an SPF of 35 or more, to exposed areas of skin every day can serve to prevent photodamage from developing.

Wear Protective Clothing

Wear clothing that will cover the entirety of exposed skin, such as the arms and the legs, while out in the sun. In addition, opt to wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep your neck, your ears, and your face protected.  Sun-protective clothing encompasses a range of options to meet your stylistic preferences and needs while ensuring your skin is protected.

Avoid Tanning Beds

The cost of sporting a bronze glow from the use of tanning beds can be extreme. Tanning beds and tanning bed lamps emit concentrated levels of both UVA and UVB rays, which cause significant damage to the skin. What’s more, the use of tanning beds has been found to drastically increase the risk of developing melanoma as well as photodamage.

Is It Possible To Reverse Photoaging?

The most effective method of avoiding photodamage is active prevention over time. However, once photodamage can develop, the visible effects may be reduced and the condition of the skin may be improved through a number of professional, non-invasive cosmetic treatments offered by your Gainesville dermatologist, which include the following. Contact us to schedule an appointment for aesthetic facial procedures.

Fraxel® Treatments

The Fraxel laser is the only FDA-approved procedure for treating acne scarring and melasma and provides skin rejuvenation, pigmentation correction, laxity, and removes fine lines and wrinkles. This photodamage treatment is commonly used for the face, neck, chest, and hands.

VI Peel® Chemical Peel

The VI Peel Chemical Peel is designed to improve the tone, the texture, and the clarity of skin damaged due to photodamage and other causes. This chemical peeling system reduces the appearance of age spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation for firmer skin.

SilkPeel Dermalinfusion®

SilkPeel Dermalinfusion is a professional-strength skin treatment that addresses fine lines, wrinkles, sallow skin, hyperpigmentation, dryness, and dehydration. Through deep dermal exfoliation and rejuvenation, this treatment also helps prevent blemishes rough skin.

Eclipse MicroPen®

Eclipse MicroPen is used for the treatment of fine lines, acne scars, and improvement of the skin’s texture, tone, and color. Micro-Needling produces controlled microscopic injuries to the skin resulting in a breakdown of abnormal pigment and stimulation of collagen and elastin.