Exposure to sunlight can harm your skin cells, leading to long-term damage if proper sun protection is not utilized. Over time, this damage becomes evident through various signs such as freckles, age spots, and wrinkles. In more severe cases, individuals may develop precancerous skin growths, skin cancer, or both.

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The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin, causing a variety of problems, including:

• Wrinkles
• Age spots
• Precancerous skin growths
• Skin cancer

There are a number of things you can do to protect your skin from the sun, including:

• Wear sunscreen: Sunscreen is the most important way to protect your skin from the sun. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and broad-spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Wear protective clothing: When you're outside, wear protective clothing, such as a hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Avoid the sun during peak hours: The sun's UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Avoid being in the sun during these hours if possible.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help to keep your skin hydrated and protect it from the sun's damage.

If you have any concerns about sun damage, talk to our  dermatologists. They willrecommend a treatment plan that is right for you.

Various treatments are available to help improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin and restore a more youthful look. Our dermatologists often utilize a combination of treatments to address  sun damage  signs.

Wrinkles: Treatments may include the use of moisturizers, prescription retinoids applied to the skin, injectable fillers, Botox, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser resurfacing.

Age spots: Dermatologists may recommend prescription retinoids, intense-pulsed light therapy, laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or cryosurgery (freezing).

Loose skin: Can be treated with prescription retinoids, fillers, ultrasound for skin tightening, non-invasive radiofrequency treatments, application of growth factors and peptides to the skin, or laser treatments.

Spider veins: Can be targeted with intense-pulsed light therapy or laser treatments.

Blotchy or ruddy complexion: Prescription retinoids, microdermabrasion, intense-pulsed light therapy, or laser treatments may be recommended by dermatologists.

Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist today to discuss your sun damage concerns.