Constant exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays might make you prone to photoaging – the premature and accelerated aging of your skin. You’re especially susceptible if you’re active outdoors and exposed to the sun’s rays for longer periods of time than usual.
Symptoms of photoaging include:
- The appearance of wrinkles, lines, and creases on the parts of your face most exposed to the sun’s rays
- Evident spider veins on the neck and face
- Loss of color on the lips
It is important to note that frequent and prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB rays from the sun may lead to more severe skin problems such as precancerous scaly spots known as actinic keratoses (AK) and the development of skin cancer. Left untreated, your health and well-being are at stake.
Luckily, the smaller, manageable symptoms of photoaging are treatable with skin treatment methods like photorejuvenation.
Photorejuvenation 101
Photorejuvenation is the process of creating controlled wounds over the areas of skin affected by photoaging. This allows the skin to heal by creating new skin cells over the damaged ones. This process leads to reversal of minor signs of photoaging by removing traces of the damaged skin.
Photorejuvenation makes use of lasers, intense pulsed light, or photodynamic therapy. The entire process takes an hour and offers excellent results with minimal discomfort. Most types of surface-layer skin problems can safely use photorejuvenation.
This cosmetic treatment can improve the appearance of the skin, transforming red, blotchy, and sun-damaged skin into a radiant complexion. It also helps lessen and even treat some common skin problems like brown spots, liver spots, melasma, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
Of the types of photorejuvenation available, intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment seeps through deeper layers in the skin. This therapy is also usually recommended together with other skin treatments such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment
IPL makes use of intense pulses of lights at wavelengths specifically targeted to break down skin cells. This treatment helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and more.
These types of photofacial treatments typically occur over a span of 3 to 6 months, with a month interval in between sessions. Although the entire process can last 6 months, the results are noticeable after every session.
Before scheduling a procedure, contact your local dermatologist for advice and the best course of action for your photoaging symptoms and skin condition. There are do’s and don’ts before the procedure, so make sure to consult with your dermatologist about whether photorejuvenation efforts like IPL treatment is right for you.
If you live near Houston, Texas, drop by The Vein Institute located in Kingwood. Give us a call anytime at (281) 312-0208 or request an appointment now. For improved, youthful looking skin, contact us now!
