The aging process brings with it several factors that can affect the appearance of your skin. You may notice dark spots on your skin common to areas with the most sun exposure including the face, shoulders, hands, back, and the front of the legs. Prolonged exposure to the sun over time coupled with a lack of sunscreen usage and preventative clothing can cause these pesky spots to form. A solar lentigo is dark patch of skin affected by the sun. Commonly referred to as sun spots, liver spots, or age spots, solar lentigines generally have a well-defined edge and can vary in color from light tan to black. According to the Mayo Clinic, while unsightly, these darkened patches of skin are generally harmless. However, it is always smart to visit a dermatologist for a thorough skin check and analysis just to play it safe.
Solar lentiguines result from prolonged exposure to UV rays over the course of your lifetime. The outer most layer of your skin, known as the epidermis, plays a vital role in protecting your body from the damaging effects of UV rays. Melanocytes, the cells responsible for the production of melanin, are located within the basal portion of this layer of the skin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin color and also plays an important role in protecting the body from ultraviolet rays. Sun spots occur as melanin responds to areas of the skin that have been damaged by the sun, making affected regions darker in appearance.
The best measure you can take to prevent the growth of sun spots is to carefully and religiously use sunscreen. Ultra violet rays from the sun are the cause of age spots, and preventing these harmful rays from affecting exposed skin is your first line of defense. Even if you have been tremendously careful over the years, you may end up with a few sun spots simply due to the fact that we do not exist in a vacuum. You have to go outside throughout the day and it is nearly impossible to prevent all sun exposure. However, just because you develop sun spots it does not mean that you have to live with them!
Fountain of You has many options for the treatment of sun spots. We offer cutting edge solutions to almost anything the environment and the aging process have to throw your way. Our TCA chemical peel can be customized to your needs and will revitalize the top layers of your skin, improving the texture and look of your skin. Our IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment is great for treating age spots and other minor skin problems using concentrated light pulses to extremely specific areas of your skin. We offer a full range of cosmetic procedures to help you feel comfortable and brilliant in your own skin. If you live in Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera or anywhere in Brevard County, contact us today for more information.
