The Latest Weapon for Combatting Sun Damage
Despite the inherent dangers of exposing our skin to unfiltered UV radiation, many of us still seek the allure of a tanned skin tone. Unfortunately, this desired look comes at a cost, as the chances of developing skin cancers, lesions, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and other conditions are raised exponentially when our skin is subjected to prolonged sun exposure. It is important to note that tanning salons are no different, as they harness the same ultraviolet radiation that is emitted by the sun.
Sun damage is a very real and pervasive threat. Every year in the United States, more cases of skin cancer are diagnosed than all cases of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers combined. And, unlike many other cancers, the main cause of skin cancer is entirely recognizable and easily avoided with the proper precautions. If skin cancer wasn’t bad enough, there are several other risks associated with sun exposure; none quite as prevalent or troublesome as the appearance of excess and uneven pigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.
The Damaging Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on the Skin
When most of us think about the side effects of sun exposure, we tend to think about sunburns. They are painful and embarrassing and often result in dry, itchy, and flaky skin. However, sunburns are merely temporary. The real threat lies deep beneath our outermost layer of skin, surfacing as a result of years of abuse.
Melasma, hyperpigmentation, and skin wrinkling are caused when the sun’s harmful UV rays penetrate deep into skin tissue and begin to mutate healthy skin cells. In the case of melasma and hyperpigmentation, these mutations result in patches of brown, uneven, and often scaly areas of discoloration. The more sun exposure an area of the skin receives, the higher its chances for developing this unwanted pigmentation, and the more obvious the results will be. And, as ultraviolet radiation begins to wreak havoc on our pigment, it also begins to deteriorate natural collagen levels. Collagen is a protein responsible for maintaining the structure and firmness of healthy skin. When it’s inhibited, the skin becomes lax, loose, and wrinkled.
Thankfully, the negative effects of sun exposure do not have to be permanent, and with proper treatment options, can begin to be reversed to reveal a softer, smoother, more vibrant, and healthier complexion.
Introducing Intense Pulsed Light
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses specialized wavelength energy to target brown skin spots. As these areas of discolored skin are energized by the light emitted from the IPL device, they are destroyed and naturally absorbed by the body. This allows for the creation of new, healthy skin cells. The result is a balanced, even skin tone free of melasma and hyperpigmentation.
In addition to aiding in skin discoloration caused by sun damage, IPL also promotes collagen production, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and creates a natural tightening and overall skin rejuvenation.
At Dermatology Consultants, we use the latest in photo-facial technology to give you optimal results. Our Marietta and Covington offices use the Palomar StarLux500, which allows us to provide simple, affordable care for the most commonly requested aesthetic treatments. The procedure involves less risk, as it minimizes your skin’s exposure, and is also more comfortable than traditional photo-rejuvenation.
Our Atlanta office uses the Palomar Icon Aesthetic System, which is the next generation of platform technology. It also includes the only FDA-cleared melanin reader. This system provides fast treatments with excellent outcomes and a comfortable patient experience. It’s perfect for treating wrinkles, scars, stretch marks, spider veins, and more.
Our Atlanta and Marietta offices also use the MaxG Optimized Light Handpiece, which offers superior vessel and pigment clearance. It works to close larger, deeper facial vessels, giving you a comfortable, no down-time treatment for a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.