Age Spots
Photodamage – "Sun Spots, Age Spots & Freckles", Actinic Keratoses, and more!
More than 80 percent of the damage on an aging face is from photodamage which occurs from overexposure to the elements, including the sun and the wind. Individuals with fair skin, light eyes and a history of long-term sun exposure are more susceptible to photodamage, which is represented by blotchy pigmentation, wrinkling and scaling.
At Heavenly Skin we have a variety of innovative therapies to improve the appearance of photodamaged skin. At the time of your consultation with the VISIA skin analysis we will discuss your goals and design a treatment plan to meet those goals. Depending on the condition of your skin, there are several options available including Obagi Nu-Derm, Photodynamic Therapy, Chemical Peels, and the Gentlelase laser. Many times, a combination of treatments will allow for the best results.
Sun damage to the skin accumulates over time. It is lifetime sun exposure, not recent sun-tanning that adds to your risk. Ultraviolet rays bounce off sand, snow, and other reflective surfaces; about 80 percent can pass through clouds. The thinning of the ozone layer may be allowing more ultraviolet rays reach the earth. People who have fair skin, blonde or red hair, blue, green, or gray eyes are at the greatest risk. Because their skin has less protective pigment, they are the most susceptible to sunburn. Even those who are darker-skinned can develop keratosis if they heavily expose themselves to the sun without protection.
An actinic keratosis is a scaly or crusty bump that forms on the skin surface. They are also known as a solar keratosis. Dermatologists call them "AK's" for short. They range in size from as small as a pinhead to an inch across. They may be light or dark, tan, pink, red, a combination of these, or the same color as ones skin. The scale or crust is horn-like, dry, and rough, and is often recognized easier by touch rather than sight. Occasionally it itches or produces a pricking or tender sensation, especially after being in the sun. It may disappear only to reappear later. Half of the keratosis will go away on their own if one avoid all sun for a few years. One often sees several actinic keratoses show up at the same time. A keratosis is more likely to appear on areas that are sun exposed: face, ears, bald scalp, neck, backs of hands and forearms, and lips. It tends to lie flat against the skin of the head and neck and be elevated on arms and hands.
Our Photodynamic Therapy treatments have been very effective for the treatment of AK’s and are often just as effective (if not MORE effective) than the more traditional options of Cryosurgery, Curettage and Desiccation, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream treatment options. This treatment for AK’s is F.D.A approved and has much less risk of scarring than other treatment methods. Your treating Dermatologist will need to give his or her approval for you to have this treatment if you have a history of AK’s.
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