The sun gives off strong ultraviolet light which has the ability to cause extensive sun damage to our skin. This damage can range from simple freckles and brown spots to redness, wrinkles and more seriously, skin cancer. Brown spots/freckles appear because the ultraviolet light causes melanin to be produced in our epidermis (melanin is the pigment that protects our skin from the harmful effects of the sun). As we get older, our skin is less able to recover from sun damage, resulting in permanent freckling and brown spots (melanin deposits) or even the development of skin cancer.
When we’re talking about sun damage, there are two forms of ultraviolet light we need to be concerned about: UVA and UVB. UVA is responsible for prematurely aging the skin. UVA’s penetrate deep into the dermis and causes damage to collagen – one of the main structural components of the skin that keeps it firm and plump. This collagen breakdown results in wrinkles, sagginess and folds. UVA can also pose a threat to our DNA, potentially leading to skin cancer.
UVB’s are responsible for damaging the skin’s surface resulting in such as freckles, brown spots and sunburn. UVB exposure can also lead to the epidermis becoming thickened, resulting in “alligator skin” and other changes to the skin tone & texture.
Guelph Laser provides several different treatment options to reduce sun damage and brown spots. However, the best treatment is prevention: avoiding sun damage in the first place by always using a broad-spectrum sunscreen like Elta MD. If the damage has already been done, we use light and laser based treatments like IPL Photorejuvenation and Fraxel Laser® to eliminate sun damage such as brown spots and wrinkles, including some pre-cancerous lesions which could otherwise result in skin cancer, as well as Chemical Peels and other Skin care Products.
If you would like to get rid of the brown spots on your skin or improve sun damaged skin, contact us for a complimentary consultation to assess your skin and your treatment options today.
