Almost everyone has some degree of sun damage on their skin. Without protection from the sun's rays, just a few minutes of exposure each day over the years can cause noticeable changes to the skin.

Society considers suntan to be a sign of beauty and attraction. These are some of the rewards from moderate exposure to the sun -

The visible effects of photoageing are fine wrinkles, mottling and pigmentation of the skin, and skin roughness. These are changes that are usually associated with chronologic ageing, which is ageing by passing time. However, photoageing is not a good indicator of normal age. It makes a person to look older than his or her true age.

• Freckles
• age spots
• spider veins on the face
• rough and leathery skin
• fine wrinkles that disappear when stretched
• loose skin
• a blotchy complexion
• actinic keratoses (thick wart-like, rough, reddish patches of skin), and
• skin cancer.

All of these conditions can be traced to sun exposure.

Damaged by the sun.

The damage undone.

'Age spots' on the hands, sometimes called 'liver spots' are actually the result of exposure to the sun over time.

If you have these visible signs of sun exposure, a number of treatments are available. Intense pulsed light (IPL) can be used to fade thread veins and dark spots on the face and hands, and to restore a younger looking skin tone and texture.

TCA chemical peels are also very effective for removing layers of damage and restoring a glowing complexion, giving both face and hands a smoother and refreshed appearance.

Treatments should be followed by good sun protection with a daily minimum SPF 25 product.

Photoageing is the term that describes damage to the skin caused by intense and chronic exposure to sunlight. Sadly, this tough clinical term applies for what many today would consider normal sun-tanning.

The visible effects of photoageing are fine wrinkles, mottling and pigmentation of the skin, and skin roughness. These are changes that are usually associated with chronologic ageing, which is ageing by passing time.

However, photoageing is not a good indicator of normal age. It makes a person to look older than his or her true age.

There are three ways to counter photoageing. You must:

• Avoid the sun, particularly at midday.
• Always use of photo protective agents, like a sunscreen and clothing.
• Skin rejuvenation treatments.

Research shows that intense pulsed light (IPL) can dramatically reduce areas of sun damage. And it will actually restore skin tone and texture. IPL will also permanently remove some signs of ageing such as a spider veins and age spots.

An effective treatment with the harsh sounding name, Chemical peels, is often used to rejuvenate the skin, and to reduce wrinkles, and to treat sun damage.

The treatment removes layers of skin gradually with a mild acidic solution. Depending on the damage, the treatment is performed as a light, medium, or deep peel.

The affected skin heals quickly and the result is a smoother, younger-looking skin. Light peels usually produce no more than a slight redness and photosensitivity. Moderate level peels cause active peeling and photosensitivity.

Because sun exposure accelerates signs of ageing, it is best to protect the skin from the sun. Acting wisely like that lengthens the time that the treatment lasts. Keep out of the sun, and you will have the benefit of the treatment for at least the next ten years.

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