The sun, with its life-sustaining energy, is vital for our planet and well-being. However, exposure to its ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to significant skin damage, accelerating aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer. As your trusted partner in skin protection, Charleston Dermatology’s board-certified dermatologists are ready to help you protect your skin year-round with a foundational crash course on sun damage.

What is sun damage?

Also known as photoaging, photodamage or solar damage, sun damage occurs when ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun penetrates the skin and causes DNA changes at the cellular level.

This early aging process occurs when UV light hits unprotected skin. Two types of UV radiation affect the skin: UVA and UVB.

• UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and are primarily responsible for premature aging, such as wrinkles and age spots. 
• UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and play a significant role in the development of skin cancer. UVB rays are more intense during midday and can cause direct damage to the DNA in skin cells.

What are the signs of sun damage?

The effects of sun damage can range from immediate sunburn to long-term changes in the skin’s appearance and health. Signs of skin damage most often begin to appear between our teenage years and early to mid-twenties. Common signs of skin damage include the following:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Skin discoloration
• Decreased elasticity
• Dry, rough or cracked skin
• Broken capillaries (spider veins) in the nose and chest
• A red or blotchy complexion

Curious if you have developed signs of skin damage? You can assess yourself by comparing the appearance of skin often exposed to the sun to typically covered areas.

Who is at risk of sun damage?

In broad terms, everyone is at risk of sun damage. However, several factors may make one person more susceptible to certain effects than another.

For example, aside from geographic location, skin type/pigmentation plays a factor, with lighter skin types at higher risk of sun damage and skin cancer. In comparison, darker skin types often see sun damage appear as melasma (darkened skin patches).

Board-certified dermatologists use the Fitzpatrick Scale to help determine skin skin type and risk. The National Institute of Health cites the following descriptions for this skin type scale. 

• Type I: White skin, always burns, never tans,
• Type II: Fair skin, always burns, tans with difficulty.
• Type III: Average skin color, sometimes mild burns, tans about average.
• Type IV: Light-brown skin, rarely burns, tans easily.
• Type V: Brown skin, never burns, tans very easily.
• Type VI: Heavily pigmented, never burns, tans very easily.

NOTE: While the risk of skin cancer may change based on skin type, skin cancer can affect us all. Self-evaluations, in addition to annual skin checks by your board-certified dermatologist, are critical to skin cancer prevention and successful treatment.

How can you prevent and treat sun-damaged skin?

Prevention is straightforward and essential for maintaining healthy skin. Using broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against the sun’s harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage; protective clothing (long-sleeved shirts, pants and wide-brimmed hats) can shield your skin; and seeking shade during peak sun hours is crucial in preventing sun damage.

• Laser therapy is a non-invasive procedure using lasers to rejuvenate the skin, reduce dark spots and fine lines and improve texture and pore size.
• Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to exfoliate damaged outer layers, stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin cells and improving overall skin texture.
• Light therapy involves applying a topical medication and using blue or red fluorescent light to activate the medication. This helps destroy precancerous cells while preserving healthy ones, effectively treating sun damage.
• Topical medications, such as retinoids, can even out skin tone, smooth texture and reduce fine lines by promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen production.

Combining preventive measures with these treatments can protect your skin from further damage and improve its overall health and appearance. Remember, it’s never too late to start taking care of your skin and reversing the effects of sun damage.

Charleston Dermatology Helps Your Skin Shine!

At Charleston Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists help you unlock your skin’s potential. As a Lowcountry leader in skin care, our trusted team has an established legacy in providing unmatched, personalized care to patients across South Carolina. Contact us today to book your appointment and learn more about our medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology services!