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- Sun Tan. A suntan is the darkening of the skin in response to sun exposure. A suntan that develops immediately is primarily a response to UVA exposure, while a tan that develops days after exposure is mostly due to UVB.
- Sun Burn. A sunburn is a thermal burn occurring on the outer layer of the skin after prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. A first-degree sunburn is a milder form where the skin reddens and may hurt when touched.
- Freckles. Freckles are flat and circular spots that are usually small in size and brown or beige in color. They usually develop in clusters on areas of the body that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face and forearms.
- Melasma. Melasma (or chloasma) is an abnormal patch of skin discoloration/darkening that typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, or upper lip.
Jun 24, 2023 · Melanin protects the deeper layers of skin from sun damage. The more melanin in the skin, the darker the skin looks, and the more protection it has against sun damage. People with brown or Black skin have more natural protection from the sun than do people with white skin. But brown or Black skin still can be damaged by the sun. Pictured below ...
- Overview
- Symptoms and Causes
- Diagnosis and Tests
- Management and Treatment
- Prevention
- Outlook / Prognosis
- Living With
- Additional Common Questions
Staying out of the sun is the best way to avoid sun-damaged skin. Other precautions include using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and avoiding sunlight in the middle of the day when UV rays are strongest. Treatment options to repair damaged skin include retinoids, lightening agents, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, dermabrasion and fillers.
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OverviewSymptoms and CausesDiagnosis and TestsManagement and TreatmentPreventionOutlook / PrognosisLiving WithAdditional Common Questions
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What are the signs of photoaging?
Signs of photoaging usually begin in your teens to early 20s. Signs include: Spider veins (broken capillaries) on your nose, cheeks and neck. Also called telangiectasia. Loss of skin tone (loss of elasticity) in sun-exposed areas. Lines and wrinkles around your eyes and mouth that increase in number and depth. Worry lines on your forehead that are always there. Red, rough scaly spots (called actinic keratosis) on your skin. Lip lesions (called actinic cheilitis). Pigment changes, such as colored spots or patches (melasma), freckles, liver spots (solar lentigines) and age spots. White spots on your arms, legs and back of your hands (called idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis). Uneven skin color or uneven skin texture. Thinning of your skin.
What causes photoaging?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes changes to the DNA in the cells of your skin. This can lead to premature skin aging (photoaging) and skin cancer. There are two types of UV light: UVA light: This form of UV light penetrates all levels of your skin, from your outermost layer (epidermis) to the deepest layer (dermis). The epidermis layer gives your skin a smooth and youthful appearance. The dermis layer contains collagen and elastin, which give your skin its elasticity and tightness. UVA light is mainly linked to long-term skin damage, such as wrinkles, and probably plays a role in some skin cancers. UVA stimulates melanin production, which protects your skin by absorbing ultraviolet radiation within the epidermis. UVB light: This form of UV light penetrates the epidermis layer, causing photoaging and the development of precancerous cells called actinic keratosis. UVB rays are the main rays that cause sunburn and the cause of most skin cancers.
What are the complications of photoaging?
Complications of photoaging include: Increased risk of melanoma. Increased number of precancers, such as actinic keratosis. Worsening of rosacea. Development of seborrheic keratosis, actinic lentigines (sun spots), actinic elastosis (destruction of the skin’s elasticity by the sun) and telangiectasia (spider veins).
What can I expect when I go to a dermatologist?
Your dermatologist will conduct a complete physical exam. They’ll examine all exposed areas of your skin — your face, neck, ears, head, chest and back, arms, hands, legs and feet. They will use magnifying lenses to get a closer look for small abnormalities. Your dermatologist will biopsy any suspicious lesions.
How is photoaging treated?
Photodamage can’t be completely reversed but some treatment options can help rejuvenate your skin. Talk to your provider about the risks of complications. Possible treatments include: Retinoids, retinols: These topical products provide their best benefit when treating early signs of photoaging. These chemicals encourage skin cells to slough off so new cells come to the surface. They also stimulate collagen production, which keeps skin tighter. Retinoids are good for treating fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, and for reducing roughness and the size of pores. Vitamin C and other antioxidants: These substances slow skin damage due to rogue chemicals, called free radicals, which cause visible signs of damage. Antioxidants can slow skin aging, lessen UV radiation damage and decrease the breakdown of collagen. Alpha hydroxy acid: This is an exfoliant, meaning it promotes skin cell turnover. Lightening agents: Whitening or lightening agents, such as hydroquinone, can lighten blemishes, sunspots and uneven pigmentation. Laser skin resurfacing: Lasers remove the damaged top layer of skin and increase collagen production, which makes the skin’s surface smoother and provides a more even appearance. Laser skin resurfacing treats uneven skin pigmentation, age spots, sun-damaged skin, fine lines and wrinkles and more. Fractional resurfacing delivers microbeams of laser light into the lower layers of skin to create deep, narrow columns of tissue coagulation. The coagulated tissue stimulates a natural healing process that results in the fast growth of new healthy tissue. Pulsed dye lasers use a gentle beam of light to remove broken blood vessels and redness. Chemical peels: In a chemical peel, a chemical liquid, such as trichloroacetic acid or glycolic acid, is applied to your skin. Peels remove the outermost layer of your skin so new skin comes to the surface. The peel removes brown spots and actinic keratosis and treated fine lines and wrinkles. It also improves your skin’s tone and texture. Photodynamic therapy: In this therapy, your skin is coated with medication and a blue or red fluorescent light then activates the medication. Photodynamic therapy destroys precancerous cells while leaving normal cells alone. Treatment may cause a sunburn-like reaction that can take one to two weeks to heal. Cryotherapy: This procedure uses liquid nitrogen to freeze noncancerous age spots and actinic keratosis. The treated areas become dark and shed in a few days. Dermabrasion: This technique “sands” away skin to unveil the smooth new skin underneath. Dermabrasion is useful for improving wrinkles, age spots and more. Dermal fillers: OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox®), hyaluronic acid (Belotero®, JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, Voluma®), calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse®) and poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra®) are among the dermal filler products used to treat fine lines and wrinkles and to restore volume to loose skin. Facelift, neck lift, brow lift or other plastic surgery procedures: These procedures treat deep wrinkles, sagging skin and extreme loss of skin elasticity. Care at Cleveland Clinic Get Dermatology Care Make an Appointment
How can I prevent ultraviolet photoaging?
It’s typically hard to prevent photoaging completely. Photoaging is sun damage that collects over a lifetime of exposure. While it’s difficult — and not wise — to avoid sunlight entirely, you can still take steps to limit your exposure to UV radiation to reduce premature skin aging. Remember that lowering your risk of sun damage also lowers your risk of skin cancer. Wear broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen every day. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects your skin against both UVA and UVB rays. Use products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours, sooner if you’re swimming or exercising. Keep in mind that exposure to UV radiation can happen while driving in your vehicle and outdoors on cloudy days. This is why you should apply sunscreen every day to all skin areas not covered by clothing. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection and lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants while outside. Look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor label for extra protection. Avoid the peak UV hours, usually between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Avoid all forms of tanning. If you want a tanned look, use a spray-on tanning product.
Are there other ways to reduce premature aging of the skin?
If you smoke, stop. Smoking speeds up skin aging. It causes wrinkles and a dull complexion. Try to be aware of repetitive facial expressions. Contracting the same muscles for many years can cause lines in your skin that become permanent. Eat healthy foods, drink less alcohol, exercise on most days of the week and get adequate sleep. Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in sugar and refined carbohydrates may help prevent damage that leads to premature skin aging. Drinking alcohol is dehydrating to your skin. Exercise increases circulation and boosts your immune system, which may help improve the quality of your skin. Sleep gives your body time to repair itself. Gently cleanse your skin. Scrubbing your skin can irritate it, increasing skin aging. Wash sweat off your skin as soon as possible. Perspiration can irritate your skin. Apply skin moisturizer every day. Apply within three minutes of bathing. Look for moisturizers that contain ceramides, which keep skin hydrated and create a natural barrier to help seal in the moisture.
Are there at-home treatments or over-the-counter remedies to treat premature skin aging?
There are hundreds of over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. Before trying any products, it’s important to get a basic understanding of the ingredients in skincare products that can improve the quality of your skin. Some of the ingredients you’ll discover include retinoids, antioxidants, peptides, alpha hydroxy acids, emollients and humectants. You may also read about many at-home remedies to treat wrinkles, age spots or aging skin in general. It’s best to ask your provider which products or ingredients might work. Many ingredients are discussed on the internet, but not all have the scientific evidence to support their use. Your dermatologist or other provider should have the expertise to guide you on the use of these products.
What can I expect if I have sun-damaged skin?
Your provider will conduct a full examination of all of your skin. They may refer you to a dermatologist. Any suspicious findings will be further checked for skin cancer. If your skin is damaged from the cumulative effects of sun exposure, treatments are available to help improve the tone and quality of your skin. It’s wise to check with your insurance carrier before beginning any skin treatment. Many treatments are considered cosmetic and aren’t covered by insurance. The best “treatment” for sun-damaged skin is to do your best to prevent it from happening in the first place. Always apply sunscreen, with 30 or higher SPF, to all exposed skin before leaving your home.
When should I see my healthcare provider or dermatologist?
See your healthcare provider if: You’ve accumulated a lot of sun damage, including blistering sunburns when you were younger. You’re self-conscious about the appearance of your skin. You notice new or changing moles or spots that are brown, black, red or white. This could be a sign of skin cancer. You have a spot on your skin that spontaneously bleeds.
How does sun damage cause white spots on my skin?
The white spots, called idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, are likely related to cumulative sun exposure. It’s most commonly seen in fair-skinned individuals but can also be seen in older dark-skinned persons, too. The areas most affected are the legs, arms, upper back and face. Legs are usually affected first, with white spots visible along the front of the leg. The white spots are due to a decrease in melanin in your skin. Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis isn’t a harmful condition. If you’re unhappy with how the spots look, talk to a dermatologist about possible cosmetic treatments. A note from Cleveland Clinic Enjoying nature, gardening, going for a walk, breathing in the fresh air — all are great reasons to be outside. If you want to keep your skin in the best shape possible, you’ll want to apply 30+ SPF sunscreen every day to all exposed skin before stepping a foot outside your door — even on cloudy days or before getting into your car for a quick shop at the grocery store. UV radiation, especially from the sun, prematurely ages your skin. See your dermatologist if you’re concerned about the quality of your skin or notice any changes in your skin color or skin spots or lesions. Many treatments are available to repair sun-damaged skin and to easily treat skin cancers that are caught early. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/28/2022. Learn more about our editorial process.
- The Risks of Catching Rays. It feels good to lounge in the sunshine, but it can hurt your health in the long run. Over the years, too much time outdoors can put you at risk for wrinkles, age spots, scaly patches called actinic keratosis, and skin cancer.
- Suntan. A tan may look nice, but that golden color is due to an injury to the top layer of your skin. When you soak up the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, it speeds up the aging of your skin and raises your risk of skin cancer.
- Sunburn (First-Degree Burns) There's no guesswork about whether you've got a sunburn. Your skin turns red, it feels hot to the touch, and you may have some mild pain.
- Sunburn (Second Degree) A second-degree sunburn damages deep layers of your skin and nerve endings. It's usually more painful and takes longer to heal.
Oct 7, 2022 · Over time, excessive sun exposure can cause long-term problems, including: Skin damage. Premature skin aging. Skin cancer. A history of severe sunburn gives you a 2.4-fold increase in your risk of squamous cell carcinoma and a 1.5-fold increase in the risk of melanoma.
Oct 3, 2023 · The loss of elastin fibers causes skin crevices and pores to enlarge, thus trapping dirt in them that turns black. This condition is called Favre-Racouchot syndrome and is most commonly seen in middle-aged men with a history of excessive sun exposure. 7. A red neck: This is different than getting an acute burn after recent sun exposure. A ...
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See how the sun damages your skin. A UV photograph gives us a safe way to see how the sun damages our skin. In the UV photos that appear below on the right, you can see what hidden sun damage looks like. Compare these UV photos with the color photos on the left. As you scroll down the page, you’ll see how much sun damage can accumulate with age.
