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Skin Renewal Doctors all have a broad knowledge, background and passion for aesthetic medicine. Please feel free to ask them your questions and concerns.

Conditions
Conditions

Sun Damaged Skin

Sun-damaged skin is associated with a range of cosmetic concerns - from pigmentation problems and blotchy, patchy skin to redness due to enlarged vessels or capillaries, all causing discolouration of the skin. Photo ageing caused by ultraviolet light exposure tends to act more on the surface of the skin. There are sun freckles or irregular pigmentation and dilated blood vessels, uneven skin tone, the visible signs of sun damage start to emerge and slowly but surely this is followed by lines, wrinkles and eventually, sagging.
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Cutaneous ageing signs of sun-damaged skin become visible from as early as the twenties, especially with excessive sun or environmental exposure. However, between the ages of 30 to 50 years, there is a sharp increase in the prevalence of skin changes clearly ascribable to photo-ageing. 

Characteristics of facial sun-damaged skin include fine and coarse wrinkle formation, pigmentation changes, discolouration, dry texture, loss of elasticity, loss of skin tone, sagging subcutaneous tissues, underlying muscle hypertrophy and volume loss in the face.

How does sun exposure age our skin?

Without protection from the sun's rays, just a few minutes of exposure each day over the years can cause noticeable changes to the skin. Freckles, age spots, dilated pores, uneven tone, spider veins on the face, rough and leathery skin, fine wrinkles that disappear when stretched, loose skin, a blotchy complexion, actinic keratoses (thick wart-like, rough, reddish patches of skin), and skin cancer can all be traced to sun exposure.

The skin ages when the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) begins to thin, causing the junction with the dermis (outer layer) to flatten. Sun-damaged skin has a thicker epidermis, which is "dead" and irregular. There is increased water loss from the skin and a decrease in the sebaceous glands, which provides natural moisture to the skin. More abnormal cells accumulate in aged skin, especially if there is chronic sun damage, which can lead to pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions.

Scientific studies have shown that repeated ultraviolet (UV) exposure breaks down collagen and impairs new collagen synthesis. The sun also attacks our elastin. Sun-damaged skin also causes chronic inflammation of the skin and an increase of elastin that clusters into thick bundles called solar elastosis. Collagen decreases as we age, and the bundles of collagen, which gives the skin turgor, become looser and lose strength.

People with fair skin who have a history of sun exposure develop more signs of sun damage than those with dark skin. In people of colour, the signs of sun damage are usually limited to fine wrinkles, a mottled complexion and sagging of the mid-face leading to under-eye bags.

The degree of sun damage as classified by Glogau:

1. Mild (age 28-35 years): Few wrinkles, no actinic keratosis (tender red dry spots), and requires little or no make-up.

2. Moderate (age 35-50 years): Early wrinkling, sallow complexion with early actinic keratosis( tender red dry spots), requires little make-up.

3. Advanced (age 50-60 years): Persistent wrinkling, discolouration of the skin with telangiectasia and actinic keratosis( tender red dry spots), always wear make-up.

4. Severe (age 65-70 years): Severe wrinkling, photo ageing, gravitational and dynamic forces affecting the skin, actinic keratosis ( tender red dry spots) with or without skin cancer, wears makeup with poor coverage.

In-Clinic treatments for Sun Damaged Skin include:

Injectable therapies performed by a Doctor:

Support treatments such as:

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I’ve received excellent service. Very knowledgeable and professional staff!

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I have never had a bad experience at Skin Renewal Cape Quarter. I wouldn't go anywhere else for my treatments!

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Such a thorough service with professional, personalised guidance. I absolutely love my sessions with Juliana. I have had fantastic results.

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Most magnificent place for any aesthetic treatment! Skin Renewal Irene offers world class service and best therapists. I’ll continue to go here because I’ve never been disappointed

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I am super impressed with Skin Renewal Ballito. I had a thorough and professional consultation with Dr Merle who devised an amazing treatment plan for me. I then went to see Tazz who is the most fantastic therapist. I had a HydraTouch facial followed by a head, neck and shoulders massage which was sublime. The best I have ever been to. I can highly recommend this salon.

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Skin renewal helped me become who I am today… From the moment I walked through the doors of Skin renewal the staff greeted me with big eyes and a warm welcome, I was a bit nervous to begin with, but this was quickly set aside with the professionalism from the reception staff, thank you Michelle and Adri! My initial assessment was carried out by Dr Trent and a treatment plan was created in quick succession, the Dr knew what I wanted and explained in detail to a level I could understand. Dr Trent also removed a mole from from my back with no hesitation whilst many Dr's throughout my life just talked about about removing it... Over a 4 month period I received multiple treatments from Bianca (one of the Therapists) who quickly gained my trust from the beginning with her friendly attitude towards life. With Bianca's organised and dynamic approach towards my treatment plan she was able to make my treatments as painless as possible, this showed her experience in skincare. Bianca answered all my curious questions with sensible answers in a way I could understand, and seeked the answer if she didn't know. I see Bianca as a valued member of the Team. I would like to see more plants inside the building to maximise the warm welcome the staff bring to Skin renewal would my only criticism. You have given me the boost I needed to continue my journey in life... Safari Njema

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Excellent treatment that I have received. I will definitely come back for more. I am impressed.

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What a sublime experience! Kathrine is very experienced at massage. Will definetly be back.

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So amazing to drop into my body and feel so at ease. Deeply blissful experience. Thank you

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I've been to the Cape Quarter Branch and got treated by Megan for Sundamage on my chest area. It's only a few hours later and I can already see something hapening! I cant wait to see the result:)

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