Florida is known for its beautiful sun and vibrant beaches. It’s no wonder, then, that sun damage in Tampa is like the common cold everywhere else. Here we take a look at what sun damage is, how to guard against it, and what happens if you experience it.
What Exactly Is Sun Damage?
As humans, we’re drawn to the sun; it warms us, improves our mood, and brings joy. Here in the Sunshine State, it can also be one of the best natural sources of Vitamin D in our environment. Still, like any good thing, too much can be harmful.
While your skin needs UVB to produce Vitamin D, an overabundance can disrupt the natural processes of your skin’s growth. These disruptions manifest in exhausted skin that can appear wrinkled, leathery, brittle, or discolored. Over time, your skin becomes less and less capable of repairing itself, leaving you with both the visible and invisible vestiges of sun damage.
Effects of Sun Damage: The Dark Side of the Sun
If you’ve ever had sunburn, you know how it feels and looks. Your skin reddens, becomes painful and hot to the touch, and eventually begins to peel—your body’s natural ability to heal itself by shedding and replacing dead skin cells. The thing is, sunburn is only a short-term inflammatory response, while the lasting damage from overexposure to UV radiation is chronic and harmful.
With sun damage, you might notice visible signs:
- Sun spots (or age spots)
- Wrinkles
- Leathery skin
- Uneven pigmentation
Longer-term effects of sun damage, such as cancer, may not always be visible or obvious. When UV radiation damages DNA, your skin cells may multiply rapidly and grow into tumors, which may first appear as a tiny spot or reside deeper within the tissue. That’s why it’s vital to prevent the damage in the first place.
5 Ways to Avoid Sun Damage in Florida
Avoiding sun damage doesn’t mean avoiding the sun completely; it just means enjoying responsibly. When outdoors in Florida, especially near sand, water, or even snow, remember to:
- Use sunscreen and lip balm with the proper sun protection factor (SPF). Using SPF 15, you’ll get a sunburn 15 times more slowly than if you used no sunscreen. To browse our sunscreen products, give us a call or visit us at Inertia.
- Wear protective outerwear: wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and high-SPF clothing.
- Don’t remain in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. Typically, 10-15 minutes on a small surface of your body is plenty for Vitamin D production.
- Be aware of any medications you’re taking, as some can increase sensitivity to UV rays.
- Stay hydrated. Water helps your skin repair and protect itself against UV.
Can You Reverse Sun Damage?
Even if your skin has been marred by overexposure, don’t panic. While DNA breakdown can’t be undone, some options are available to reverse the visible effects of sun damage:
- For immediate relief of a sunburn, take a pain reliever, drink water, and apply cool cloths. You may also use aloe or moisturizing cream. If your symptoms are severe, seek medical attention.
- Aesthetic solutions for sun damage include:
- Moisturizers, retinoids, and chemical peels
- Fillers
- Dermabrasion
- Sun spot removal
- BBL laser treatment
Benefits of BBL Laser Treatment
BBL laser treatment is a cutting-edge technology with several advantages, such as:
- Flexibility and efficiency in producing healthier skin
- No downtime
- Comfortable experience—you feel warmth instead of discomfort
With a process that takes as little as 2 minutes and results that usually show in 2 to 4 weeks, you can quickly start eliminating pigmentary problems such as sun damage, age-spots, or poikiloderma. At Inertia, we offer this service as well as laser sun spot removal, making BBL laser treatment conveniently available right here in Tampa.
Getting Sun Damage Treatment in Tampa
Whether you’re worried about the malignancy of a sun spot, want a new skincare routine, or need to restore damaged skin, we’ll help you enhance your natural beauty through non-invasive, anti-aging techniques. Schedule a consultation with us to reverse sun damage to your skin and rejuvenate both your beauty and your health.