Summer Sun Damage

The beginning of Summer means we’ll all be spending more time outdoors. However, it also means more sun exposure and the potential for sun damage. While most of us think of sun damage as the major cause of wrinkles and skin cancer, many people overlook the development of sun spots or age spots as an eventuality of too much sun exposure. And because the sun spots show up later in life, it’s easy to forget about them. That’s why it’s important to keep in mind that the UV exposure you get now can cause age and sun spots years from now.

What Is a Sun Spot (Lentigo)?
A sun spot is an area of hyper-pigmented skin that appears over time. Usually these areas are dark brown, but they may also be light brown or even black.

How Does a Sun Spot Form?
Sun spots (more commonly called age spots) occur as the result of a breakdown in melanin pigment. Melanin pigment is the skin’s natural pigment that helps defend against damaging UV rays. In the epidermis, the cells that produce melanin are called melanocytes. Prolonged exposure to UV rays without proper sun protection results in damage to the melanocytes; when they’re no longer able to produce enough melanin to protect against UV radiation, sun and age spots form on the skin.

Can You Prevent Sun Spots?
While exposure to UV rays builds up over time and may result in sun and age spots, you can largely prevent sun spots by wearing appropriate sun protection, including protective clothing and, of course, a broad-spectrum sunblock. 

How can I Get Rid of My Sun Spots?

If you’re tired of unattractive brown spots and sun damage, there are a number of lightening techniques to even out skin tone. At Kenneth Beer MD PA, we utilize the most advanced treatments for lightening brown spots, age spots, skin damage from the sun and hyperpigmentation. Our brown spot treatments are customized for each patient’s needs, but for best results we usually employ a multi-faceted approach that combines more than one type of treatment. They can be used on the face, hands, and other parts of the body. This may include one or more of the following:

• Photodynamic Therapy
• Intense Pulsed Light
• Laser Skin Resurfacing
• Chemical Peel