Most people only think about protecting their skin from the sun when planning a day at the beach or out by the pool. But the harsh ultraviolet rays of the sun can harm all skin types and colors any day of the year, regardless of cloud cover.

Sun exposure can cause premature signs of aging, such as wrinkles, volume loss, and unwanted pigmentation, as well as more serious concerns such as skin cancer. Fortunately, it is possible to prevent the harmful effects of the sun, but it takes applying a sunscreen with SPF every single day to areas of skin that are exposed, such as the face, neck, chest, and arms.

If you have suffered any of the damaging effects of sunlight or even sunless tanning products, Gold Skin Care Center has a number of laser and non-invasive treatment available to alleviate the signs and risks of sun damage.

Types of Sun Damage

The most common sign of sun damage are little freckle-like spots, known as sun spots. These speckled marks on the skin can not only age one\’s appearance or create unattractive pigmentation on the face, shoulders, chest, and arms, but they can indicate that your skin is at risk of developing cancer as the skin is not protected.

Another type of sun damage is known as melasma, which appears as a mask of dark pigmentation across the cheeks. This pigmentation can also occur as a result of hormones, and most often affects females. Sun spots and melasma occur when UV rays penetrate the skin and cause the cells to produce more melanin in an effort to protect itself. These dark spots can grow larger and darker over the years if the skin is not adequately protected. 

Actinic keratosis (also known as solar keratoses) is a condition that causes rough, scaly patches to form on areas of the skin that are exposed to sunlight. The condition can be uncomfortable and unsightly, but it can also progress into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

Treatments for Sun Damage

Reducing unwanted pigmentation is possible thanks to a variety of treatment options available at Gold Skin Care Center. It is important to have any sudden marks or changes in skin appearance or texture examined by an experienced dermatologist to not only determine the correct treatment, but to also determine whether the pigmentation is cancerous.

Microdermabrasion and Microneedling 

Both microdermabrasion and microneedling create microscopic injuries in the skin, which stimulate the healing process, collagen production, and cell turnover, as well as allowing topical ointments to reach deeper layers of the tissue.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels safely remove the superficial layers of skin that may show sun spots or other signs of aging and sun damage. The treatment causes the skin to heal stronger, smoother, and healthier. Gold Skin Care Center has a vast range of chemical peels that are designed to improve tone and texture, erase the signs of sun damage, and produce a suppler glow.

Laser Treatments

Laser skin resurfacing treatments, such as Clear & Brilliant, can significantly reduce the appearance of sun damage, unwanted pigmentation, and even wrinkles or acne scars. While lasers are used to cause tiny injuries to the skin, the procedure stimulates the body\’s healing process, resulting in faster cell turnover, increased collagen production, and stronger skin. Picoway and IPL treatments can also effectively correct unwanted pigmentation known as sun spots.

Schedule an Appointment at Gold Skin Care Center

Your skin deserves to be healthy and protected. Let us help you find the treatments you need to keep your skin radiant, glowing, and protected from sun exposure. Contact Gold Skin Care Center in Nashville today for a consultation!