As your summer tan fades, you may begin to notice the remnants of your summer damage. Freckles or lentigines, often charmingly called age, sun, or liver spots, will increase in number through the years as will fine lines from dehydration due to sunburns and chronic sun exposure.
If you haven’t been wearing your EltaMD UV Clear sunscreen, which is safe for even acne-prone skin, it’s not too late! Using a daily sunscreen is always recommended for prevention of both premature aging and skin cancer.
You can also begin to prevent and repair sun damage with antioxidant serum favorites such as SkinCeutical CE Ferulic, which includes plant-derived antioxidant boosters, and iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum, which boasts olive leaf extract along with retinol in a package of antioxidants.
Either product can be used as part of your daily regimen to fight against the culprits of aging which lead to oxidative stress – free radicals. A byproduct of UV exposure and normal cell function, free radicals destroy collagen and elastin, making your skin less supple and resilient, and more dehydrated. It’s necessary to assist your natural defenses, which break down over time, to fight against oxidative damage.
Now that the sun is in hiding, it’s time to focus on revitalizing your compromised skin, especially if you are noticing fine lines or blemishes due to photoaging. Adding a daily retinoid, such as the gentle SkinMedica Retinol Complex is key for long-term collagen rebuilding. It also aids with hyperpigmentation, or uneven skin tone, and sun spots.
Speaking of blemishes and uneven skin tone, it may be time for a VI Peel to improve the texture and tone of your skin, wipe out some of those age spots, improve acne scars, and plump your skin by promoting the building of collagen – all in one fell swoop! A one-stop method to get ahead of the game, chemical peels have been around for centuries and utilize a variety of ingredients to slough away damaged, dull skin.
Last, but not least, the biggest risk from chronic sun damage is skin cancer. While most skin cancers are not considered life-threatening, they can be destructive and potentially even disfiguring. Sunscreen has a proven track record to prevent these when used on a regular basis.
Some other skin cancers, such as melanoma, are far more dangerous and require immediate medical attention. If you know you have a spot of concern or if you admittedly have no clue what’s on your skin, it may be time for your skin exam at PRO Medical.
Hey, there’s nothing to be shy about. Let’s focus on making your skin look its best while taking care of your overall health when doing so.
By Dr. Omar N. Qutub, Cosmetic and Medical Dermatologist at the Medical Spa at PRO Medical
Dr. Omar N. Qutub is an expert in leading-edge, medical cosmetic treatments. A Northwest native, Dr. Qutub completed his medical education in Washington, DC at the historic Howard University College of Medicine. A proponent of aging gorgeously, Dr. Qutub is often complimented for his thoroughness and approachable bedside manner. He takes a personalized and thoughtful approach to deliver exceptional care with unique and nuanced approaches to meet each person’s individual needs.
