The sun is great for many things, including ensuring life on earth continues to exist. However, too much sun exposure is not such a wonderful thing for your skin, as it can cause lasting damage. If you love to spend your days outdoors, you should regularly check for the signs of sun damage on your skin.  

3 Signs of Sun Damage

1. Sunburn

The most common sign of sun damage is a sunburn. Nearly everyone has experienced some degree of this damage at one point or another in their lives. While a mild sunburn can create temporary symptoms, such as painful reddening of the skin, the damage can become permanent if the burn is severe enough or if mild burns are sustained repeatedly.

2. Dry Skin

If you forget to put on sunscreen before heading outside on a sunny day, this leaves your unprotected skin vulnerable to drying out. The longer your skin is exposed to the sun, the more it loses its ability to produce essential oils that naturally keep it moisturized. This can result in dry, flaky skin and premature wrinkles.

3. Actinic Keratosis

This is a crusty, scaly growth caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When this type of sun damage is present, it is often a warning of forthcoming squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common type of skin cancer. This type of damage typically only appears on skin that has been frequently exposed to the sun’s rays or artificial UV light and will usually show up on the face, ears, shoulders, neck, hands, back, or forearms.

If your skin is experiencing signs of sun damage, find out how Alice Adee MD, Inc in Hilo, HI, can help restore its moisture and youth. Contact Dr. Adee and her team today at (808) 969-6664 to learn more about microdermabrasion and the other skin care treatments they provide. For more information about their services, you can also visit their website and Facebook page.