Providing comfort and expertise as “shade” from the threats of unprotected sun exposure
Led by a skilled medical dermatologist, Dr. Vanessa Johnson, our teams in Rockledge and Cocoa Beach, Florida, provide “shade” as a calming refuge and destination for the highest-quality skin care services and treatments. As such, ShadeTree Dermatology also offers trusted guidance on sun protection to keep the skin healthy and looking great. However, we give our patients considerable peace of mind should the skin become damaged due to the cumulative effects of unprotected exposure to harmful UV light from the sun or artificial sources, like tanning lamps.
How did my skin get damaged in the first place?
Sun damage is the body’s way of protecting itself. Consider the melanin or pigment that gives the skin, hair, and eyes color. When exposed to damaging UVA and UVB rays, the body produces more melanin as a defense mechanism. More melanin can result in a coveted tan, which is itself sun damage. There is no “healthy” suntan except the “sunless” kind (in a bottle).
What are some examples of sun damage that you treat?
Melanin overproduction can result in irregular patches and spots darker than the surrounding skin. Permanent changes may occur underneath the skin. Small blood vessels dilate. Collagen and elastin connective tissues responsible for skin strength and flexibility break down, producing a droopy and deeply wrinkled appearance. Of course, the effects transcend cosmetics. Skin cancers are a real threat to your health. Fortunately, with ShadeTree Dermatology’s considerable diagnostic and therapeutic expertise, we can detect concerning changes early and stop the spread of cancer with appropriate treatment.
How can I protect my skin?
The best item in a bottle to prevent further sun damage is a SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen. For existing damage, dermatological specialists distinguish between products with mere “promises” and those with “proven” science. Also, Dr. Johnson can prescribe stronger treatments than those available over the counter, which may be used alone or in combination with effective procedures administered safely from the comfort of one of our two area offices.
What are some treatments for existing damage?
Chemical peels alone speed up cell turnover slowed by age and affected by the sun’s rays. Lighter peels eliminate the outermost layer of dead skin cells where much of that unwanted discoloration resides. Stronger peels use different solutions to penetrate and treat more serious signs of damage in the layer of the skin between the epidermis and dermis.
Just as there are many types of peels, there are also many types of light-based and energy-based therapies to eliminate targeted areas of damage and “photoaging” caused by chronic and intense exposure to sunlight, including broken capillaries and spots and splotches on the face, neck, chest, and hands.
Why should I trust my skin to ShadeTree Dermatology?
Our providers at ShadeTree also take a special interest in surgical dermatology. Excision and other techniques may be applied to remove both benign and cancerous lesions caused by environmental effects, such as sun exposure. Our providers skill and precision optimize treatment outcomes and success while preserving the utmost healthy tissue and minimizing risks such as scarring. Call (321) 200-0346 to schedule an appointment at our Rockledge or Cocoa Beach, FL, office today.
