Sun & Skin

Types of skin damage caused by the sun

Posted on by The Skin & Wellbeing Clinic Preston
skin care
16
Apr

Now that the temperature has started to warm up across the UK, we’ve reached the stage of the year that will see an increasing number of people enjoying time outside in the sun. But this time in the sun, without proper UV protection can cause a range of skin issues. So what are the types of skin damage caused by the sun? And how can aesthetic procedures and treatments help to repair this damage? Well, here at The Skin and Wellbeing Clinic, we are Preston’s leading aesthetic practitioners. And this is our guide to everything you should know about the sun, and your skin.

What are the types of skin damage caused by the sun?

There are several types of skin damage caused by the sun. These include:

  • Sun burn – The most common and obvious type of skin damage that occurs from too much sun exposure, without protection, is sun burn. The UVB rays from the sun trigger inflammation and dilate your blood vessels. Over time, repeated sun burn can lead to reduced skin hydration and reduced skin elasticity.
  • Sun spots – Sun spots are often caused by repeated sun burn, which causes the body to produce additional melanin pigment, to act as a UV filter. Overtime, flat spots of a brown or red colour can appear on the body, especially the face as this will experience more UV exposure.
  • Melasma – Similar to sun spots, melasma involves a discolouration of the skin, causing brown or grey patches of skin to appear. Sun exposure can also cause the melasma to darken more than the surrounding skin when exposed to light, so ongoing sun-avoidance and sun-protection are important.
  • Actinic keratoses – Long term sun exposure can also lead acitinic keratoses. These are rough, raised or scaley patches of skin usually on your face, and other areas of the body with the most exposure to UV rays. These can become sore or itchy.
  • Ageing skin – UV radiation from the sun can cause serious damage to your skin cells, breaking down bonds between the elastin and collagen. This leads to a number of issues including wrinkles and deep folds as well as leathery skin. this can make you appear older than you really are.
  • Skin cancer – Exposure to the sun is the most common cause of skin cancer. If you do have signs of skin cancer, you should be checked out by your GP at the earliest opportunity.

How can aesthetic procedures repair sun damage?

There are a number of aesthetic procedures that can help to repair the damage caused by sun damage. These include:

  • Anti-wrinkle treatments – these can have a long lasting and stunning effect on lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes, forehead and mouth.
  • Chemical peels – these can remove the top layer of skin and the cells that have been damaged or discoloured by the UV exposure, promoting deep exfoliation and cell rejuvenation.
  • Micro-needling – this involves using a series of tiny needles to trigger cell regeneration and growth, removing the older, damaged skin cells and replacing these with new, fresh cells instead.

For more information or advice about sun damaged skin, get in touch with the professionals today, here at the Skin and Wellbeing Clinic.

The Skin and Wellbeing Clinic is proud to provide professional aesthetics treatments for clients in Preston, Blackpool, Leyland, Chorley, Kirkham, Blackburn and the North West of England. Our key treatments and services include Anti Wrinkle Injections, Dermal Fillers, Laser Hair Removal, Acne Treatments, Injectable Polynucleotides, and much more.