“Just Sun Damage?” Understanding Solar Elastosis
You came in for the brown spots.
Sun freckles. Rough patches. A little discoloration that didn’t used to be there. Nothing hurt, but something didn’t look right—and with skin cancer in the back of your mind, you booked the appointment.
After a thorough exam, the diagnosis came: solar elastosis.
Not cancer. Not pre-cancer. Just sun damage.
“Just sun damage?” you ask.
Yes—and no.
Solar elastosis is what happens when your skin has been repeatedly overexposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation over time. It’s a breakdown of the skin’s structural support—healthy collagen and elastic fibers replaced with coarse, thickened, disorganized tissue. The surface may feel dry, rough, or leathery. You might see patchy pigment, sagging, or a general “weathered” look—especially on the face, neck, and arms.
And while it isn’t cancer, it is a sign.
A sign that your skin has been under stress for years.
A sign that aging is moving faster than it should.
A sign that the conditions for future skin cancer—like actinic keratoses, squamous cell carcinoma, or basal cell carcinoma—may already be forming.
At Midwest Dermatology, we don’t panic about solar elastosis. But we pay attention. And we help you respond the right way.
That means:
- Applying daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, even on cloudy days
- Wearing sun-protective clothing and hats when outdoors
- Scheduling regular skin checks based on your risk level
- Using tools like FotoFinder full-body imaging to monitor subtle changes
- And when needed, considering topical treatments or resurfacing to reduce damage and improve skin texture
Because while solar elastosis may seem like “just sun damage,” it’s your skin’s way of asking for help.
And we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Serious about sun protection?
Our board-certified dermatologists recommend these high-SPF sunscreens—not just for their broad-spectrum coverage, but because clinical studies show they can help:
• Enhance skin healing
• Reduce redness (erythema)
• Improve hydration
• Strong protection against UVA and UVB damage
Top Picks from Our Experts
– SkinBetter Science– Advanced formulations with powerful protection and elegant feel
– EltaMD UV Clear – A dermatologist favorite for sensitive, acne-prone, or rosacea-prone skin (Pro tip: also available in tinted and deep-tint versions)
– Revision Intellishade – A multitasking daily product that blends like a lightweight cosmetic but performs like a serious sunscreen
Most products, including sunscreens, that you see in the DermUpdate can be purchased and mailed directly to you with just a few simple clicks in our Midwest Dermatology Shop.
Protect your skin with science-backed formulas that go beyond SPF.
