Many clients spend time basking in the sunlight with the hopes of getting a nice tan, but the damage the skin bears is not worth that temporary glow. Studies show that sun damage occurs anytime the skin is exposed to UVA and UVB rays, even if the person is not sunbathing in particular. A sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes and leads to photoaging, DNA damage, and a decrease in collagen and elastin. While the skin will age no matter what, the signs of aging become more serious and appear earlier in those with sun damage. UVA rays affect connective tissue and blood vessels, resulting in wrinkles and skin aging, whereas UVB exposure leads to erythema and sunburns. The physiological changes occur as a result of unique alterations in the dermal extracellular matrix, including glycosaminoglycans. Glycosaminoglycans are large carbohydrates that encompass proteins like collagen and elastin and are responsible for skin elasticity and firmness. Dermatologists have seen a rise in glycosaminoglycan levels in photodamaged skin when compared to healthy skin, but the location of the glycosaminoglycans differ. In healthy skin, glycosaminoglycans appear in-between collagen and elastin fibers; in photodamaged skin, however, they are found in the elastotic material of the superficial dermis, where they are not providing any benefits. Placing Glycosaminoglycans Back in Their Original Position Microcurrent therapy is a non-invasive method of putting glycosaminoglycans back in-between collagen and elastin fibers. Scientifically known as microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulation, microcurrent sends painless, tiny electric impulses – up to 400 microamps – to the cellular level. Any injured area in the body, including sunburned skin, has decreased electrical conductance due to increased resistance, leading to enhancement in cellular capacitance. Microcurrent impulses mirror the body's natural current flow and augment the endogenous current flow, allowing the cells to regain their capacitance. The resistance is lowered, thereby allowing the bioelectricity to flow and re-establishment of homeostasis to occur, placing the glycosaminoglycans back to their natural position. There are many technologies on the market that claim to be microcurrent, but are causing twitching and tingling of the muscles and skin. The benefits of microcurrent can only be gained by sun damaged skin if the technology provides true microcurrent. Twenty minutes of true microcurrent can start to decrease the effects of photoaging and restore the skin's health. It instantly enhances the flow of the blood in facial muscles, leading to more vibrant skin.Want to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.