Ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes sunburn and premature skin aging, and it is a leading risk factor for skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) calls sunscreen a vital tool in the fight against skin cancer.
At Bay Area Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Tom Liu and Dr. Jerome Liu are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, fellowship-trained in aesthetic surgery, and members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Patients in San Francisco, San Mateo, and San Jose can enjoy abundant California sunshine while reducing their risk of skin damage through sun protection, skin care, and treatment of existing damage.
In this blog, we cover five consequences of sun exposure, everyday protection habits, and how our practice treats sun-damaged skin.
What Are the Main Consequences of Sun Exposure on Your Skin?
Sun exposure has five main consequences for your skin. A review of topical vitamin C in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology explains that UV light generates free radicals, which damage collagen and lead to pigmentation, telangiectasias, coarse texture, and deep wrinkles.
Here’s what you might experience:
- Sun spots, brown spots, and liver spots: Darkened patches of pigment that develop after repeated exposure.
- Wrinkles and fine lines: UV exposure breaks down collagen, which deepens lines over time.
- Increased skin cancer risk: UV-A and UV-B rays cause DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer.
- Blotchiness and discoloration: Uneven skin tone across areas that see the most sun.
- Telangiectasias: Dilated blood vessels that become visible near the skin's surface.
How Should You Choose and Use Sunscreen?
The AAD recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum protection covers UVB rays, which burn the skin, and UVA rays, which causepremature aging, including wrinkles and age spots. According to the same source, an SPF 30 sunscreen blocks 97 percent of UVB rays.
Application matters as much as the label. The AAD advises covering all skin not protected by clothing about 15 minutes before going outdoors, then reapplying every two hours or after swimming or sweating, even on cloudy days. Creams and foundations with SPF ratings can protect facial skin, and mineral formulas with zinc oxide are another option.
What Else Protects Your Skin From the Sun?
Sunscreen works best when paired with shade and protective clothing, which the AAD lists as core parts of sun safety.
Fashionable options make the habit easy to keep:
- A wide-brimmed hat to shade the face, ears, and neck
- UV-blocking sunglasses to protect the eyes and the delicate skin around them
- UV-blocking clothing designed for specific activities
- A loose, long-sleeved top in place of a tank top
Why Should You Avoid Tanning Beds and Sunbathing?
Tanning beds and lying out expose skin to the same UV radiation that causes damage. The International Agency for Research on Cancer moved tanning devices into its highest cancer risk category,"carcinogenic to humans," according to an archived FDA consumer update. The same page notes that both UV-A and UV-B rays cause DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer. Spray tans and airbrush tans provide a glow without UV exposure.
Which Skin Care Products Help Protect Against Sun Damage?
Topical vitamin C and well-chosen eye creams support skin that sun exposure has stressed, but neither replaces sunscreen. The vitamin C review notes that sunscreens are only partially effective at blocking free radicals, which is why antioxidants make a useful companion.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Topical vitamin C: The review describes it as one of the most potent antioxidants in skin, with evidence of protection against photoaging.
- Eye cream: Moisturizing the eye area can help reduce the look of wrinkles. Eye creams are cosmetics, which the FDA does not approve before sale, so read ingredient lists for retinoids, peptides, vitamin C, niacinamide, and other antioxidants.
How Can You Treat Existing Sun Damage and Early Lines?
Skin repairs itself from sun damage as much as it can, and other damage may respond to laser skin resurfacing and other treatments at our cosmetic surgery practice in the Bay Area. Dr. Tom Liu and Dr. Jerome Liu evaluate your skin and recommend a plan matched to your concerns.
BOTOX is an FDA-approved injectable that smooths wrinkles around the eyes, brow, and frown lines. It works best when started as soon as lines first appear, and treatments are typically repeated every three to six months to maintain results.
Questions About Sun Protection or Sun-Damaged Skin? Bay Area Aesthetic Surgery Is Here to Answer Them All
Protecting your skin starts with daily habits, and our team can help with the rest. To learn more about the advanced skin care products we offer and about laser resurfacing to refresh your skin, contact Bay Area Aesthetic Surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tom Liu or Dr. Jerome Liu. We serve patients throughout San Francisco, San Mateo, and San Jose.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.
