Too much unprotected exposure to the sun is the main reason behind premature skin aging. This is one common truth we’ve all been taught since childhood. In the last 10 years, technological innovations in healthcare have made it possible to support this claim with numerous researches.
Skin pigmentation, melasma, lentigo, seborrheic keratosis—some of these notions might be new to you, but they’re all damaging consequences of exposure to the sun.
Down below, we describe these conditions for you along with how you can reduce your sun exposure as well as what to do in cases of skin pigmentation due to prolonged sun exposure.
Read on to learn!
Skin Pigmentation
Skin pigmentation is one of the most common negative effects of prolonged and unprotected sun exposure.
Normally, skin pigmentation only affects the visual appearance causing irregular coloring of the skin such as brown patches or uneven skin tone. Deep penetration of the sun’s UV rays into the skin causes melanocytes (the pigment-producing cells) to produce melanin (the skin pigment) excessively and unevenly.
Melasma
Melasma is usually seen as a skin pigmentation issue. Its cause is primarily a hormonal imbalance in the body but sun exposure can activate it and only make it worse.
Melasma is most commonly found in women, and it is characterized by irregular brown or grey-brown skin patches that most often affect the face. A sunscreen regimen is the recommended first-line melasma treatment at home. Together with regular Laser Treatment and Masks, the melasma can be controlled.
Lentigo
Lentigo, also known as solar lentigo, is another skin pigmentation issue that occurs mostly in people over the age of 40.
Lentigo is a direct result of exposure to UV radiation from the sun and it is harmless. It is characterized by a small dark spot in the form of lentil with a clearly defined edge. These spots appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin and are normally harmless. However, if it is not treated it will get darker with age. Unlike Melasma, it is a structural issue and thus it will not come back once it is treated. New lentigo may appear elsewhere in the face if not enough care and maintenance is undertaken.
Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic keratosis is a harmless skin growth. It appears mostly in adulthood. Although there’s no direct relation between it and sun exposure, there is evidence that these growths tend to appear on the sun-exposed spots.
Ways to Reduce Sun Exposure
Now, as never before, we have all the knowledge it takes to prevent and even reverse sun damage to enjoy a happy and fulfilling life.
Here are the useful ways through which you can reduce unhealthy sun exposure:
- Use a sunscreen regimen: Applying sunscreen regularly and consistently is the first-line prevention strategy for pigmentation issues related to unhealthy sun exposure. Sunscreen has proved to be especially useful in melasma treatment.
- Avoid the sun during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm): The sun is usually the strongest during those hours.
- Wear protective clothing: To avoid sun-damaged skin, always wear a hat that shades your face as well as tightly woven/knitted clothes that don’t let unhealthy UV lights permeate through the fabric
- Wear sunglasses: Sunglasses can protect your eyes from ocular problems like cataracts. Choose sunglasses that block UVB and UVA lights.
Treatment Option
If skin pigmentation has occurred as a direct or indirect result of prolonged sun exposure, then laser treatment is recommended. Laser pigmentation removal is a very effective non-invasive laser treatment.
For any laser treatments, we recommend our professional team at Quiklaser. With over 30 years of clinical experience, we are revolutionizing skincare with exclusive non-invasive laser facials.
Want to Consult a Professional?
Are you suffering from any of the above-mentioned conditions and want to consult a professional for the treatment? Look no further as we are here for you!
We, at Quiklaser, offer an innovative Quick Cleaning System (QCS) which breaks down melanin pigments in the skin. This procedure uses a safe and scientific approach, allowing your body to naturally remove these broken-down particles from the system and thereby, lightening and reducing the pigmentation.
Call us today at (604) 428-7845 or book an appointment with us by filling out our online form.
Let us heal you!