Look Like the Sun Was a Stranger

Fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, sallow skin — these skin changes aren’t inevitable signs that you’re getting older, they’re symptoms of sun damage. The sun exposure our skin accumulates over the years, from both long days outdoors and shorter bits of exposure, causes many of those skin features we associate with skin getting older.  

This type of skin aging is, in theory, preventable . . .  if you always wear sunscreen and hats and adhere to all the sun safety rules every dermatologist recommends. But in reality, few people follow those rules religiously, and, let’s be honest, many of us heedlessly broke them on days when the promise of sun-soaked fun outdoors and a tan to show for it felt more than worth the risk of wrinkles and skin damage down the road.

How to Look Like SPF Was Your BFF

If it’s too late for prevention, don’t despair — there is a prescription treatment proven to reverse many of the signs of sun-related aging and even prevent new ones from showing up, and it doesn’t involve needles, lasers, peels or other pricey in-office procedures.

Retinoids are Vitamin A-based creams used to reverse the signs of photo-aging, which is aging of skin related to sun damage. Retinoids work by increasing production of hyaluronic acid, collagen, blood vessels, and speeding up turnover of the top-most layers of cells (called keratinocytes) on the skin, which results in exfoliation of the top layer. This can result in smoother skin, a rosy glow, decreased spotty pigmentation, and decreased appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Not only do retinoids reverse signs of sun-related aging, they may prevent new ones from forming.

How Anti-Aging Treatment Through Nurx Works

To request a personal prescription through Nurx, simply share your health history in our secure website or mobile app then upload a few photos of your skin. A medical provider licensed in your state will review your health profile and skin concerns and, if medically appropriate, prescribe a retinoid cream. Then we’ll deliver a 3-month supply to your door, with free shipping and automatic refills for one year. 

We prescribe and deliver retinoid formulations — three strengths of tretinoin (generic Retin-A) plus adapalene, which may be a good choice for people whose skin doesn’t tolerate tretinoin well. Usually patients begin on a lower strength (such as. tretinoin 0.025%) and if your skin adjusts to it and responds well you can message the medical team to request a higher dose (like tretinoin 0.05%). However, the higher strengths are more likely to cause side effects such as dryness, peeling, and irritation. Because use of topical retinoids is long-term, using a lower strength that is not too irritating, but still delivers results, is the best approach for many people. 

As a Nurx patient you’ll be able to message with our medical team, any time, to report on your skin’s progress, ask questions and request prescription adjustments if needed.

Important Skin Safety Advice

We can’t talk about skin changes without an important caveat: Retinoids should never be used on dark spots that are changing shape, size, color, or otherwise match the ABCDEs of melanoma symptoms. If you have a new mole or dark spot, a mole or dark spot that suddenly changes, or any other potential skin cancer symptoms, please seek medical attention in person from a dermatologist. Learn about melanoma signs and symptoms.

Finally, even though there are prescriptions proven to help reverse some signs of sun damage, they are no substitute for prevention. And when you use retinoids it is more important than ever to protect your skin from the sun, because they leave your skin extra-vulnerable to sun damage, with a high-SPF sunscreen, sun protective clothing and hats, and avoiding direct sunlight in the middle of the day. Our medical team will instruct you on proper sun protection as part of your care.

This blog provides information about telemedicine, health and related subjects. The blog content and any linked materials herein are not intended to be, and should not be construed as a substitute for, medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any reader or person with a medical concern should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare provider. This blog is provided purely for informational purposes. The views expressed herein are not sponsored by and do not represent the opinions of Nurx™.