Sun damage on the skin: understanding the risks and treatments

As Australians, we love nothing more than soaking up the sun. Whether it’s at the beach or on a hike, we’re constantly chasing those warm rays.

But while, the sunshine might feel good in the moment, too much can lead to serious damage to our skin. Sun damage can range from mild redness and irritation to long-term effects such as wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancer.

If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, it’s important to understand how your skin is affected by exposure to the sun.

In this article, we’ll explore what exactly happens when your skin is exposed to UV radiation, how this affects different skin types and the treatments available.

The effects of sun damage on skin

Sun damage on skin is a serious concern for people of all ages and skin tones.

While fair-skinned individuals are often more prone to sunburn and other visible signs of damage, people with a darker complexion are not immune to the harmful effects of UV radiation.

In fact, studies have shown that even those with dark skin can develop skin cancer because of prolonged exposure to the sun.

Sun damage occurs because UV radiation causes collagen and elastin fibres in the skin to break down over time, leading to a loss of elasticity and firmness.

Excessive sun exposure and UV rays cause burning which not only causes damage in the top layer of skin, but can penetrate down into the dermal layer, where blood vessels lay, and collagen production occurs. This is the skin’s structural support.

Excessive UV exposure causes wrinkles and fine lines – freckles, seborrhoeic keratosis, solar comedones (blackheads/whiteheads), brown spots and seborrheic hyperplasia and pigmentation.

Sun damage can also cause changes in pigmentation, resulting in uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation (darkening) in certain areas.

Best sun damaged skin treatments

Treating sun damage in the early stages helps can significantly improve your appearance and help stop skin becoming malignant. At Define Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, we offer several different treatments that can help improve sun damaged skin.

Laser:

With our state-of-the-art Gentle Max Pro focuses on improving skin texture and the signs of fine lines. It removes dead skin cells and treats acne scars.

RF needling:

With our Infini RF machine combines radio frequency and micro needling. It stimulates collagen production which tightens the skin, improves texture and the signs of fine lines and acne scars. The needling penetrates deeply enhancing skin elasticity which works well against the skin laxity prevalent in sun damaged skin.

Chemical peels:

Chemical peels also have numerous benefits. The exfoliation of several layers of skin promotes the rejuvenation of collagen production and a glowing appearance of your complexion. They work super well on sun damaged skin including pigmentation issues, redness, and superficial scarring.

Dr Watson offers a free consultation where he will do a skin assessment, evaluate the areas of concern, and discuss recommended treatments.

Best products: skin treatment sun damage

For fine lines created by sun damage there is also anti-wrinkle injections, Vitamin A – Dr Watson recommends Aspect Dr Exfol A – $149.00 and Vitamin C – Aspect Dr Active $149.00 – which are very active serums. (Yvette, these are online for $135, would you like us to update prices?)