Sun Damage: What You Need To Know
Long gone are the days of bathing in the sun, coated in layers of baby oil and iodine. General knowledge regarding the importance of sunscreen didn’t exist several decades ago, so most sun worshippers weren’t aware of the longterm damage they were inflicting upon themselves. The Sunshine State’s yearround, gorgeous weather creates an atmosphere and lifestyle we all enjoy, but it’s important to realize that the sun’s ultraviolet rays are 150 percent stronger here in Florida than they are in Maine.
Unfortunately, the sun is harmful to the skin, and as sun damage builds up over the years, the skin appears less clear and is less resilient. At Dermacare Laser and Skin Care Clinics, there are many options available to restore healthy looking skin.
An astonishing 95 percent of sun damage occurs before age 18. However, the damage may be in hiding for several years, only to appear at inopportune moments such as pregnancy or menopause. “Most women think they have managed to escape the sun’s wrath as the years progress. What they don’t understand is that the damage lies dormant until they experience a hormonal fluctuation and then it hits them all at once. Unfortunately, it is more challenging to treat at this point because it is hormonally induced,” said Amber Smith, one of Dermacare’s aestheticians and consultants. “Sun damage is the primary factor in the aging process, and long-term exposure may result in pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions on the skin.”
Dermacare believes it’s never too early to begin a regime designed to maintain your skin’s vibrant youthful appearance. They offer multiple procedures and products to reverse the signs of sun damage as well as aide in preventing future damage. In facet, Dermacare of Gainesville was one of the first clinics in the country to offer the Pearl™ Laser Resurfacing treatment, now a popular, FDA-approved treatment available to safely and effectively renew the skin’s surface. Unlike fractional technologies, the Peral treats the entire face and requires less overall recovery time while giving your skin a healthy, pearl-like glow in only one or two treatments.
During the Pearl™ treatment the top layer of the skin is treated with tiny pulses of light. A portion of the epidermis (skin surface) is gently removed and a natural protective dressing is formed on the skin’s surface. Simultaneously, the Pearl™ sends heat to the skin’s deeper layers stimulating new collagen growth, filling out and decreasing fine lines and wrinkles. After 3-4 days the protective dressing peels off revealing new, healthy skin underneath, plus new collagen growth continues for 3 to 6 months post treatment.
Fotofacial™, also known as IPL (intense pulsed light), is a very popular treatment offered at Dermacare to dramatically erase freckles, age spots, sun damage and irregular pigmentation on the face, chest, arms and hands, as well as other parts of the body. This technique treats damaged skin with little or no down time. The sensation felt during the treatment is very tolerable and feels similar to the snap of a rubber band. For optimal results, a series of three to five treatments are recommended. Once a year, follow-up treatments may be desired to maintain results.
Another treatment Dermacare recommends is a highly successful and effective treatment called PDT (photodynamic therapy, which is an FDA-approved treatment) for pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions* of the face or scalp. Levulan™, a topical solution, is applied to the affected area, followed by an IPL treatment and/or BLU-U light therapy to continue activation. This treatment is also highly recommended for sun-damage and acne.
Dermacare’s Vitalize Peel treatments help fight the effects of time, sun damage and environmental assaults. It gently erases sunspots with little to no down time, is safe for all skin types, and results are predictable and noticeable after one peel, but dramatic results are seen after several. Additional benefits of this wonderful peel include the improvement of acne, acne scars, pore size and fine lines.
Sunscreen products are a vital part of a successful skincare regime, particularly during the summer months. Dermacare’s “Product of the Month” for July is any sunscreen of your choice. Sunscreen selections at Dermacare include OBAGI Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35, OBAGI Physical Block SPF 32, CosMedical tinted moisturizer SPF 15 and CosMedical Replenishing SPF 36. The newest addition to Dermacare’s product line is a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen called Dream Tint by jane iredale Mineral Cosmetics. Dream Tint is a super-absorbent product that not only hydrates but prevents water loss, calms inflammation and improves skin elasticity. With an SPF of 15, you may use Dream Tint alone as a tinted moisturizer and sunscreen or as the perfect primer for mineral bases. It is available in five shades and warm bronze for the perfect sun-kissed look.
Perhaps the best way to maintain healthy skin all year long is by joining the Dermacare Difference VIP Program, a maintenance regime designed to give your skin all the attention it needs. Call Dermacare for details about this exciting new program. Dermacare’s compassionate and professional staff can customize a treatment plan just for you that will reveal a newer, healthier looking you.
*PDT does not treat all types of cancerous lesions. See your dermatologist for regular checkups.
To schedule a free consultation, call 331-5355, or stop by 101 N.W. 75th St. Suite 3 (on the corner of Tower Road and University Avenue). You can also visit www.dermacare.com to find out more and print out a $50 gift card for your first treatment. To learn more about the Pearl™ Laser Resurfacing treatment, visit www.cutera.com.
