Restore Sun-Damaged Skin

The manner in which skin ages is a result of heredity and environment. Sunlight is the most significant of the environmental factors. The histologic description of photodamage includes a thickened stratum corneum, a thinner and atrophic epidermis, epidermal atypia (irregularities), irregular dispersion of epidermal melanin and irregular collagen and elastin fibers. To reverse these conditions the objectives are to create a thinner stratum corneum, a thicker epidermis with less atypia and uniform pigmentation, and increase the production of collagen and elastin.

Excessive exposure to the sun early in life can make a person look older than he/she really is. Premature wrinkling and skin damage from sun exposure is also called photoaging. Photoaging, unlike natural aging, results in course, dry skin, freckling, skin discoloration, leathery skin, and deep wrinkles.

To minimize the effects of photoaging, several treatment options are available for aging skin. Specific treatment for sun-damaged skin will be determined by your physician based on:
* your age, overall health, and medical history
* severity of the skin damage
* type of skin damage
* your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
* your opinion or preference

There are a number of products and treatments available to try to reverse some of the signs of sun damage. These include preparations available over the counter, prescription medications and medical procedures:
* Botox - Individuals with wrinkling in the glabella and on the forehead can benefit from this also. This is done by inactivating the muscles under the skin that produce lines and wrinkles. These are not the types of wrinkles that are the result of sundamage. There is no change the quality of sun-damaged skin.
* Collagen injections - One type of collagen, which is derived from purified bovine collagen, is injected beneath the skin to replace the body's natural collagen that has been lost. Injectable collagen is generally used to treat wrinkles, scars, and facial lines.
* Dermabrasion - Dermabrasion may be used to minimize small scars, minor skin surface irregularities, surgical scars, and acne scars. As the name implies, dermabrasion involves removing the top layers of skin with an electrical machine that "abrades" the skin. As the skin heals from the procedure, the surface appears smoother and fresher.
* AHA - The use of products containing alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid and lactic acid may have a smoothing effect on the skin. We also know that vitamin C preparations will also have modest effects on reversing the appearance of sun damage.
* Microdermabrasion, a gentler version of dermabrasion uses small particles passed through a vacuum tube to remove aging skin and stimulate new skin growth. This procedure works best on mild to moderate skin damage and may require several treatments.

Medical Treatments:
* Tretinoin - Tretinoin creams and gels have been documented as reversing sun damage, smoothing of the skin may occur within a number of weeks. There is some thickening of the epidermis as well as the dermis. The increased pigmentation may be reduced by inhibiting epidermal melanin content. If this product is used over many month or years there can be a visible reduction in the wrinkling and fine lines.
* Tazarotene - is the newest product shown to have advantages in reversing sun damage. It is also a retinoid or a vitamin A product that was initially used for the condition of psoriasis. It is also effective in the treatment of acne and has shown to be of significant benefit in reversing chronic sun damage or photo aging.
* Chemical peels are often used to minimize sun-damaged skin, irregular pigment, and superficial scars. The top layer of skin is removed with a chemical application to the skin. By removing the top layer, the skin regenerates, often improving the skin's appearance.

Laser surgery:
Laser Surgery is a new development in the treatment of photo damage. These procedures involve the use of a broad-spectrum intense pulse light or laser, which is used repeatedly on the skin. This heats the dermis and encourages collagen production. It can also minimize some of the redness from broken blood vessels and diminish the hyper-pigmentation, which may be a consequence of photodamage.

However, prevention is the key to retaining a youthful appearance. Practicing safe sun exposure habits, such as using sunscreens correctly, staying out of the sun as much as possible, and wearing protective clothing and hats, are essential to keeping the skin healthy. In addition, practicing sun safety may prevent the development of skin cancer later in life.