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Ask our Doctors

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 various cosmetic concerns - from pigmentation problems and blotchy, patchy skin to redness due to enlarged vessels or capillaries, all causing skin discolouration. Photo ageing caused by ultraviolet light exposure tends to act more on the skin's surface. 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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Three Types of Pigmentation

What Is Photoaging? 

Photoaging refers to skin ageing caused by repeated exposure to UV rays from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Unlike natural ageing, which is influenced by genetic factors, photoaging occurs due to external environmental factors, primarily UV radiation. Even a few minutes of sun exposure daily can accumulate over time, leading to long-term skin damage. 

How UV Radiation Damages the Skin 

Early Signs of Sun Damage 

Sun damage can show as early as your twenties, especially with excessive sun exposure. By the time you reach your 30s and 40s, the effects become more apparent, including: 

The Impact of UV Exposure on Skin Structure 

UV exposure accelerates the thinning of the epidermis, leading to increased water loss and decreased production of natural oils. This results in dry, rough, and leathery skin. Collagen, the protein responsible for skin's firmness, is also broken down, and new collagen production is impaired. This causes the skin to lose strength and turgor, making it more prone to wrinkling and sagging.  

Sun Damage by Skin Type 

Glogau Classification of Sun Damage 

The Glogau Scale is a system used to classify the severity of photoaging: 

Skin Renewal's Doctor-Led Approach to Sun Damage 

Our comprehensive consultation begins with an in-depth skin analysis conducted by one of our experienced medical doctors, who assesses the extent of sun damage and evaluates your skin's specific needs. This personalised approach ensures that the treatments recommended are tailored to your skin type, concerns, and long-term skincare goals. Whether you're dealing with early signs of photoaging or more advanced sun damage, we offer a range of customised solutions, including advanced laser treatments, injectables, and peels. Our doctors work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses the visible signs of sun damage and helps to rejuvenate and restore your skin for lasting results. Through ongoing follow-ups, Skin Renewal ensures optimal care and continuous improvement of your skin's health and appearance.  

Preventing Sun Damage 

Prevention is the best approach to avoiding sun damage. Consistent use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is crucial, as is wearing protective clothing and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. Incorporating antioxidant-rich skincare products can help mitigate some UV exposure damage. 

Sun-damaged skin can lead to a range of cosmetic and health concerns. From pigmentation problems to skin cancer, the effects of UV exposure are cumulative and long-lasting. By understanding the signs of photoaging and seeking early treatment, you can maintain healthier, more youthful-looking skin. 

frequently asked
questions

Are treatments for sun damage available at all Skin Renewal clinics?
Is it too late to fix sun-damaged skin?

No, it is never too late to improve sun-damaged skin. While some sun damage may be permanent, many treatments, such as chemical peels, laser therapy, and retinoid-based skincare, can help reverse visible signs of damage. Incorporating antioxidants like vitamin C and treatments such as microneedling can also enhance skin rejuvenation, improving texture and reducing hyperpigmentation caused by UV exposure.

Is sun damage permanent?

Sun damage can result in long-term effects like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and loss of elasticity. While some damage, like DNA changes in the skin, may be permanent, professional treatments like IPL (intense pulsed light), laser resurfacing, and medical-grade skincare products can significantly improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin. Early intervention and ongoing sun protection are essential for preventing further damage.

Does sun damage get worse over time?

Yes, untreated sun damage can worsen over time. Prolonged UV exposure accelerates skin ageing, leading to deeper wrinkles, more prominent age spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer. The cumulative effects of sun damage often become more apparent as you age, so it’s crucial to use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and invest in treatments to repair existing damage.

How do you remove years of sun damage from your skin?

Removing years of sun damage requires a combination of professional treatments and at-home skincare. Chemical peels, laser therapy, and microneedling are effective options for resurfacing the skin and fading hyperpigmentation. Products containing retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid can boost collagen production, improve skin texture, and enhance radiance. Regular exfoliation, hydration, and sun protection are essential to maintaining results and preventing future damage.

Frequently asked questions

Are treatments for sun damage available at all Skin Renewal clinics?
Is it too late to fix sun-damaged skin?

No, it is never too late to improve sun-damaged skin. While some sun damage may be permanent, many treatments, such as chemical peels, laser therapy, and retinoid-based skincare, can help reverse visible signs of damage. Incorporating antioxidants like vitamin C and treatments such as microneedling can also enhance skin rejuvenation, improving texture and reducing hyperpigmentation caused by UV exposure.

Is sun damage permanent?

Sun damage can result in long-term effects like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and loss of elasticity. While some damage, like DNA changes in the skin, may be permanent, professional treatments like IPL (intense pulsed light), laser resurfacing, and medical-grade skincare products can significantly improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin. Early intervention and ongoing sun protection are essential for preventing further damage.

Does sun damage get worse over time?

Yes, untreated sun damage can worsen over time. Prolonged UV exposure accelerates skin ageing, leading to deeper wrinkles, more prominent age spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer. The cumulative effects of sun damage often become more apparent as you age, so it’s crucial to use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and invest in treatments to repair existing damage.

How do you remove years of sun damage from your skin?

Removing years of sun damage requires a combination of professional treatments and at-home skincare. Chemical peels, laser therapy, and microneedling are effective options for resurfacing the skin and fading hyperpigmentation. Products containing retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid can boost collagen production, improve skin texture, and enhance radiance. Regular exfoliation, hydration, and sun protection are essential to maintaining results and preventing future damage.

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

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

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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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Friendly, Professional, always with a smile, perfect telephone etiquette. Very calm atmosphere and the most important: The treatment actually work.

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Thanks Ladies for such a warm and inviting experience this morning! Dr Sattar made the experience very relaxing and the ladies in reception are amazing. Will definitely be back soon.

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Although there is often some pain involved, I absolutely love seeing Nicky at Skin Renewal! She is very knowledgeable, competent and professional. The bonus is that she has a great personality too, including her honesty. The best therapist by far! Thanks so much, Nicky!

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Excellent service, always flexible to adjust to my schedule, very professional, thorough, amazing attention to detail, deep knowledge of skin conditions & treatments, valuable advice on solutions/improvements. Overall great attention to client needs, Angelique is a true professional & expert in her area.

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Nicola provides wonderful service. She is very informative about the various treatment and products.

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As with any procedure, one is always apprehensive- this all vanished immediately as Liezel took me through and explained the procedure thoroughly. She was so gentle and pleasant! Thank you for a great first session.

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Tammy has been my therapist for about a year now. Her standards are exceptional. Her advice is always first class and backed by explanations. She is friendly and professional. Definitely the reason I keep coming back!

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