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How do I know if I have sun damage?

The ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun can damage unprotected skin and cause changes at a cellular level. These changes occur in the deepest levels of your skin, so you can have sun damage for years before they show up on your face.

Sun damage, also known as photoaging, increases your risk for complexion issues that result from the premature aging of your skin. Skin cell damage can also increase your risk for skin cancer.

You might have sun damage if you don’t wear a high-quality sunscreen every time you go outside. Exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds can cause:

  • Wrinkles
  • Fine lines
  • Age spots
  • Sunspots
  • Spider veins
  • Blotchy skin tone

California Dermatology Physicians offers effective treatments to reverse the effects of sun damage and improve the overall health of your skin.

When should I seek medical care for sun damage?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at California Dermatology Physicians if you have visibly aged skin issues like wrinkles, lines, and creases that make you look older than your years.

You should also book an appointment if you have abnormal skin changes like irregular moles, discoloration, or scaly patches. These issues can be a warning sign of precancerous or cancerous skin conditions.

Your dermatologist carefully examines your skin to identify areas of sun damage, which can affect how you feel about your appearance. They customize a treatment plan to address visible signs of this damage and prevent additional sun-related skin issues.

How is sun damage treated?

While you may not be able to reverse all of the effects of sun damage, California Dermatology Physicians offers a range of treatments that can minimize the damage. These treatments include:

Chemical peels

Chemical peels use a chemical agent to remove layers of your skin to expose the healthy, fresh skin below. Treatment can eliminate sunspots and brown spots from sun damage and also enhance your skin’s tone and texture.

Photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy treats precancerous skin spots without damaging healthy skin nearby. Your provider applies medications to your skin and activates them with a specialized light to destroy unhealthy, sun-damaged cells.

Laser therapy

Laser energy can remove the surface layers of your skin to treat brown spots, fine lines, and mild wrinkles. The providers can also use laser technology to treat spider veins and improve your skin’s tone, texture, and firmness.

Call California Dermatology Physicians to schedule a sun damage skin consultation or book an appointment online today.