Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage, Even in the Winter

December 3 2014

It’s easy to forget skin protection as the temperature drops. In the cold winter months, we do not feel the heat of the sun’s rays as immediately, but the risk of sun damage is just as severe.

Here are some unfortunate realities about skin cancer and sun damage.

  • 70,853 new cases of skin melanoma were diagnosed during 2011 Source: Centers for Disease Control
  • It is estimated that 9,710 people will die from melanoma in 2014. Source: Cancer.org
  • “About 86 percent of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.” Source: SkinCancer.org

Although sun damage is cumulative and can take many years to show its full effects, using proper sun protection every day is the best way to delay signs of aging. If you have not started using sun protection daily, start now. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is recommended for daily use. Sun protection isn’t just about preventing skin cancer. There are a number of other conditions that can result from sun exposure, including:

Repairing Sun Damage

Over-the-counter creams and lotions are insufficient to heal advanced sun damage. However, if your skin has endured too much direct sunlight over the years, you do have options. There are different ways to reverse visible sun damage on the skin. Chemical peels, dermabrasion, IPL therapy and laser resurfacing can improve sun damage such as wrinkles, discoloration, and even scaly pre-cancers like actinic keratosis.

We tend to recommend dermabrasion for many of our patients because of its proven effectiveness and its non-invasive nature. Dermabrasion restores your skin to its natural youthful state by removing damaged particles. The procedure uses a tiny wire brush containing diamond particles to strip away the damage and leave healthy skin behind.
Post-Procedure Skin Care

After a procedure, it is very important to protect your skin from the sun, as procedures can temporarily increase your skin’s sensitivity to ultraviolet rays. Wear protective light-colored clothing and avoid direct sunlight when possible. We offer different lines of specialized skin care products, ideal for patients who have recently undergone a cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.

If you would like to explore your options for treating or restoring sun-damaged skin, give us a call to schedule a consultation today.

5673 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE #870 Atlanta GA, 30342
Phone: 404.255.2975
Fax: 404-255-2276
Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm

Categories: Blog