Looking for the best wrinkle treatments in Pittsburgh? Don’t overlook sun protection.
The best investment you can make in your anti-aging routine is simple and effective – sun protection. There are many ways to reverse signs of aging and improve your complexion, but without proper sun protection, these treatments can only be so effective. We’re here to discuss the potential risks of sun damage, how to protect your skin, and treatments to reverse the signs of sun damage.
Risks of Sun Damage
Getting outside for a little sunshine and fresh air is great for the mind and body, but when it comes to sun exposure, you do need to be cautious of overdoing it.
Unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays not only puts you at risk of developing superficial damage, but the effects of ultraviolet radiation can be damaging to your health. On the surface level, prolonged sun exposure can result in inflammation of the skin and, in some cases, blistering. This leaves the skin sensitive to the touch, itchy and generally uncomfortable. Sun damage can also result in photoaging (premature aging), where the skin can appear leathery and dull, have excessive lines and folds, and age spots. Beyond the risk of sensitive skin and signs of premature aging, prolonged sun exposure can potentially cause damage to the eyes, immune system, and increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can protect yourself from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation that don’t require you to stay locked up indoors!
Ways to Protect Your Skin
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends three methods of sun protection – shade, protective clothing and accessories, and our personal favorite, sunscreen. Of course limiting sun exposure is the easiest and most effective method of sun protection, but for the times you are out and about in the sunshine, you’ll want to implement a few of these methods. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
- Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants when possible. There are many clothing brands that offer clothing with a UV protection factor (UPF), and tightly woven material is effective.
- Add in a few protective accessories where you can. Wide brim hats and sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses are an excellent way to protect your eyes and face from the damaging effects of sun exposure.
- Invest in a good, simple skincare routine. Having a routine that’s effective, simple enough to do consistently and includes a quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 is key to keeping your skin healthy and protected from potential sun damage.
- Liberally reapply your sunscreen. You’ll want to check your sunscreen for application recommendations on the label, but generally speaking, you’ll want to reapply every 2 hours.
- Keep an eye on the time. The sun’s rays are most damaging between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During that time, you’ll want to limit the length of time you’re in the sun, and seek shade when possible.
Treatments to Reverse Signs of Sun Damage
Over the years, if not protected properly, signs of sun damage to the skin will become more visible to the naked eye. Uneven skin tone, spider veins on the face, and deep creases are telltale signs of sun damage. Luckily, there are plenty of treatments available to counteract and even reverse some of these signs.
- Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic service that exfoliates the surface of the skin by removing the top layer of dead skin cells that can make the skin look dull, promoting collagen production and revealing a more youthful appearance.
- Chemical peels: Chemical peels exfoliate the skin to reveal a more even tone and texture, giving the complexion a healthy, refreshed glow.
- Wrinkle reduction: BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® are two of the most widely used neuromodulators in the country, and can help target and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
- Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers are extremely versatile and are one of the best wrinkle treatments in the industry. They can also be used to add volume and improve structure.
- Laser and light-based treatments: There are a variety of laser and light-based treatments available, and they’re most commonly used to address complaints of uneven tone and texture. They’re also effective at increasing skin laxity to help create a more youthful appearance.
- Radiofrequency: Radiofrequency treatments, like Thermage CPT®, help restore and tighten the appearance of the skin by stimulating collagen production.
We strongly recommend limiting sun exposure after receiving an anti-aging treatment. This is simply because your skin is in a reparative state and is more susceptible to sun damage. Investing in and committing to sun protection is a vital part of the healing process.
Learn more about wrinkle treatments in Pittsburgh
Whether it be high quality skin care or skin treatments, the exceptional staff here at Cosmetic Laser CentersSM is here to help. We provide treatments using some of the best dermal fillers in the industry, and our experts are more than happy to discuss a skin care routine that’s right for you. To learn more about our treatments, contact the medical providers at one of our two Cosmetic Laser Centers to set up a consultation! You can reach our Pittsburgh location by calling 412-788-1331 or our Warrendale location by calling 724-305-3890.