Dermal Photodamage

Photodamage Treatment In Gainesville, FL

You may know that excessive exposure to sunlight can increase your risk of developing skin cancer, but you might not understand the extent to which the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin, both superficially and cosmetically. Changes in the skin that occur after prolonged exposure to solar irradiation, or photodamage, are a direct cause of photoaging. Help avoid the effects of photodamage and photoaging with the help of a dermatologist in Gainesville with Gainesville Dermatology & Skin Surgery. Contact us today to schedule a dermatologist appointment and for more information about our treatments for a wide range of skin conditions.

What Is Photoaging?

Photoaging, or alteration in the skin caused by repeated, unprotected sun exposure resembling the effects of the natural aging process, is just one of the results seen with photodamage. Along with the effects of color photodamage and epidermal photodamage, exposure to UV rays causes dermal photodamage. Dermal photodamage affects the outermost layers of the skin, such as the epidermis and dermis, primarily through changes to collagen structures naturally occurring in the body. Damage to collagen fibers in the skin results in a loss of skin firmness and elasticity as well as visible changes to the clarity, color, and texture of the skin, producing the early appearance of wrinkles and other age markers. Photodamage is a type of premature aging, sometimes referred to as extrinsic aging. Dermal photodamage and photoaging are typically found on the face or anywhere on the body where the skin is exposed to sunlight.

What Does Photodamaged Skin Look Like?

The effects of skin photodamage are typically cosmetic and are typically easy to identify. Normal, chronological aging is dictated by age, genetics, and a number of other factors. In contrast with the normal aging process, sun damaged skin on face and body due to photoaging occurs when UV light from the sun permanently damages the structure and surface of the skin. Signs of photoaging and photodamage can be seen by comparing an area of skin that receives a significant amount of exposure to sunlight (like your face) with skin not commonly exposed to UV light. Dermal photodamage to the skin may produce the following signs. Contact Gainesville dermatologists with our clinic today to discuss how you can best protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV light.

Can You Reverse Photoaging?

Unfortunately, no. While reverse photoaging is not possible, finding an effective sun damaged skin treatment that helps treat photodamaged skin is available. Coupled with a professionally recommended dermatologist skin care regimen, treatments targeted at minimizing the appearance and development of common signs of dermal photodamage can help you both look and feel your best. What's more, our dermatologists and skin care experts can help provide you with all the information you need to practice safe sun exposure and help you avoid developing additional signs of photodamage and premature aging. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

How Do You Treat Photodamaged Skin?

The latest technological developments in the field of dermatology offer a myriad of photoaging treatments that produce lasting, visible results. Laser treatment for sun damage, such as those using the Fraxel® laser, can rejuvenate the skin, minimize the appearance of skin damage from sun exposure, and even out the texture and tone of sun-damaged skin. Pulsed dye lasers can remove broken blood vessels and redness from UV exposure. Chemical peels can likewise produce significant effects, by removing brown spots and precancerous skin lesions and helping remove signs of extrinsic aging from just about anywhere on the body.

Sun damaged skin treatment creams and medications contain medical-grade formulations designed to help remove signs of dermal photodamage from the skin. Deep dermal exfoliation from these treatments likewise helps prevent the development of blemishes and a certain type of acne on rough skin. Professional microneedling with SkinPen® creates visible improvements to the skin by treating fine lines and acne scars, while likewise improving the skin's texture, color, and tone. Photodynamic therapy removes precancerous skin lesions that result from regular sun exposure while preserving normal cells.

How To Prevent Photoaging

In line with our approach to dermatology is our commitment to helping our patients effectively protect their skin from the harmful effects of unprotected sun exposure. It's never too late to start protecting your skin from the sun in order to prevent the development of photodamage in the future. Minor skin damage from the sun is inevitable, but the development of moderate-to-severe signs of dermal, cosmetic, and epidermal photodamage can be prevented by practicing the following tips. Contact Gainesville Dermatology & Skin Surgery today!

• Visit your dermatologist for regular skin checks.
• Use broad-spectrum sun protection with SPF 35 or more.
• Wear sun-protective clothing with labeled UPF ratings.
• Avoid outdoor and indoor tanning.
• Stay out of the sun, especially during peak hours.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and eye protection.