Sun Damaged Skin
Sun exposure is unavoidable, but it is controllable. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun can lead to damaged skin, causing premature ageing and increasing the risk of skin cancer. Whilst it's important to limit sun exposure to minimise sun damage, it is common for many people to need treatment.
Book an appointmentWhat is sun damaged skin?
Sun damaged skin is a condition that results from prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun or sun-beds. UV radiation penetrates the skin and causes changes at the cellular level.
This leads to a range of visible and invisible damage. Whilst skin damage itself isn't dangerous, damaged skin from the sun can cause or increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
What causes sun damaged skin?
The primary cause of sun damaged skin is exposure to UV radiation. There are two types of UV radiation:
- UVA Radiation: UVA penetrates deep into the skin and contributes to premature ageing and wrinkling.
- UVB Radiation: UVB affects the skin's surface and is responsible for sunburn.
Both types of UV radiation can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to skin cancer.
Those with fair skin are more likely to develop sun damage due to having less melanin – a pigment that protects the skin from the sun's UV rays – in their skin.
What are the symptoms of sun damaged skin?
Sun damage manifests in various forms. Immediately after prolonged, unprotected sun exposure, you may see:
Sunburn: Red, inflamed skin that can be painful and blister. This is a reaction to excessive UV exposure.
Hyperpigmentation: Dark spots or patches, often referred to as age spots or liver spots. They are commonly found on the face, hands, and other sun-exposed areas and can appear upon sun exposure.
Prolonged or regular unprotected sun exposure can result in the following over time:
Wrinkles and fine lines: UV radiation breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin. This leads to premature ageing.
Dry and rough skin: Sun exposure can deplete the skin's natural oils. This can result in skin dryness and a rough texture.
Actinic keratosis: UV can cause rough, scaly patches to appear. These can be precancerous and need monitoring.
Loss of skin elasticity: Over time, the skin loses its firmness and can sag, as a result of sun exposure.
How to treat sun damaged skin
There are a number of treatment options available to address sun damaged skin. These range from topical treatments to more intensive procedures:
Topical treatments
- Retinoids promote cell turnover and reduce fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
- Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and E serums, can help to repair and protect the skin from further damage.
- Moisturisers hydrate and repair the skin's barrier. This improves skin texture and elasticity.
Intensive treatments for sun damaged skin
- Photodynamic therapy combines a photosensitising agent with light therapy to treat actinic keratosis and other forms of sun damage.
- Cryotherapy involves freezing precancerous lesions, such as actinic keratosis, with liquid nitrogen to remove them.
How to prevent sun damaged skin
Preventing sun damage is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Key preventive measures include:
1. Use sun protection
- When outside for extended periods of time, ensure that you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30–50 daily, even on cloudy days, from Mid-Spring to Mid-Autumn.
- Sunscreen is best applied first thing in the morning and then reapplied during the day, especially after swimming or activities that make you sweat. You should also follow this rule even if you are using water resistant sunscreen or sunscreen that claims to be once daily.
- To help alongside this, you can wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses to cover your face. Also, look to seek shade and limit sun exposure, particularly between 11am and 3pm when UV radiation is strongest.
2. Undertake regular skin examinations
It is important to examine yourself monthly to check for new or changing moles, especially with sun damaged skin, as this increases your risk of developing skin cancer. If you are unsure or would like a second opinion, it is advised to schedule an annual skin examination with a clinical dermatologist.
Important information
When should I see a dermatologist for my sun damage?
If you notice significant changes in your skin, such as new growths, sores that don't heal, or changes in existing moles, it's important to seek professional medical advice. A dermatologist can provide a thorough assessment and recommend treatments that will address sun damage and prevent further harm.
What's the first step to treating sun damage?
The first step is to book a consultation with one of our experts. From there we will assess your skin and examine your skin damage. We will also be able to identify and manage any potential skin cancers.
We will assess the damaged skin, note down previous medical history, medications you are currently taking, and discuss any other treatments you have tried. Our experts will then create a tailored treatment plan to help your skin recover from the damage, while giving you the information you need to prevent further damage from the sun's rays.
We treat sun damaged skin
At Experts in Skin and Hair, we have many years of experience treating sun damaged skin. Our team of experts will thoroughly examine your skin, taking the time to understand your concerns and creating a treatment plan for you.
The treatment we offer will depend on a number of factors, including the type of sun damage, the severity of the damage, and your lifestyle.
We understand that sun damage is unavoidable, so will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits into your life, as well as giving you the information and tools needed to prevent further damage.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your sun damaged skin.