Sun Damaged Skin

Sun Damage

This usually refers to pigmentation changes, more accurately called hyper-pigmentation and sun damage, also known as solar photo-damage. They manifest themselves as colour changes, wrinkles, flat and raised spots, deep facial lines, sagging tissue and crows feet around the eyes. The increased occurrences of skin cancers have researchers around the world very concerned this year (2006). Our best advice is to get informed about this subject in order to protect yourself and your family. Don’t become a statistic in a treatable and preventable disease.

Hyper-pigmentation is a common symptom of solar photo-damage which is a condition that can also affect any skin type though it is more visible on those with fairer skin.

Causes:

• Sun-beds and tanning booths
• Exposure during day-to-day activities
• Sunlight reflected off of pollution, water, ice, snow, metal, glass and concrete
• Exposure from going indoors and out
• Dangerous ultraviolet rays travel through clouds to reflect off sand, water, or snow
• Exposure from light coming through building and car windows*
• Exposure from thin clothing*

*unless they’re specifically treated with UV filters

You can see that damage is not necessarily caused by sun-bathing and although skin cancer occurs in the young, it’s most prevalent in the elderly simply because of the life time of exposure.

Did you know that a T shirt only gives you an SPF of 3? Many burns happen through white T shirts - just look at men who work outdoors. Now think about being stuck in traffic in your car with no hat on and no sun screen handy to apply, while you sit there bathed in Ultra Violet light.

Over- exposure

Photo-aging befalls all skin types, though paler complexions suffer more. Photo aging is the primary component - though not the only one - of environmental damage. More than just a cosmetic concern (lines, wrinkles, age spots), photo-damage is a major precursor for skin cancer. The skin's immune system weakens with chronic exposure, forming the redness we refer to as broken capillaries, rosacea, spider veins and varicose veins. Valuable nutrients also begin to lose their abilities to keep the body healthy..

Good advice is at hand:

Replenish your sun protection every 1 - 2 hours of sun exposure, depending on whether near or in water, or not.  The active ingredients in your sun protection expire through water, perspiration and other factors.  Keep a tube in your car, gym bag, locker, desk drawer or travel case all year long!

DermaQuest offers chemical and paraben-free broad spectrum sun protection and Self Tanning products.

Melanoma risk factors

Click here for more information about the risk factors for melanoma.

The Truth About Sunscreens

A report by Sam Dhatt, CEO, DermaQuest™ Skin Therapy

It's difficult to believe that the warm and wonderful sun that we so enjoy can be damaging and dangerous.

Click here to see the full story