top of page

Sun Damage

Ongoing exposure to sunlight not only prematurely ages the skin, but also causes pigmentation, redness and potentially cancerous lesions. Ultraviolet radiation is the leading cause of fine lines and wrinkles and is either a causative or contributing factor for a majority of cosmetic skin conditions.

The Effects Of Ultraviolet Radiation

Ultraviolet radiation causes an increase to melanin production, damage to the fragile facial capillaries, a breakdown of collagen and elastin, the formation of free radicals in the skin, coarse skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles, hyper and hypopigmentation, redness, pre – cancerous and cancerous lesions.

​

Photo ageing does not discriminate. People who live in areas with high UVR ratings spending a lot of time outdoors, use sunbeds, those with fair skin types or those who sunbake are at higher risk. As little as 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure per day is enough to damage DNA and collagen and elastin production.

 

It is preventable with sun protection and the use if SPF 50 daily.

Female Portrait

Photoageing Classification

Type 1 - Mild

  • Mild pigment changes

  • Minimal Wrinkles

  • No Keratosis

Type 2 - Moderate 

  • Appearance of wrinkles only visible when moving face

  • Early lentigo

  • Pores appear prominent

  • Early changes to skin texture

Type 3 - Advanced

  • Prominent Pigmentation

  • Noticeable solar lentigo

  • Prominent small blood vessels

  • Wrinkles present at rest

Type 4 - Severe

  • Wrinkles at rest or moving

  • Yellow-grey skin colour

  • Prior skin cancers

  • Actinic Keratosis

Our Approach

When treating photo ageing, sun protection is utilised as the primary method of prevention and treatment. The use of other cosmeceutical products including Vitamin C, Retinol and AHAs may be recommended in conjunction to treatment.  Our in clinic treatments strive to manage the symptoms of photo-ageing including, wrinkles, skin texture and tone, volume loss, pigmentation and redness. As sun damage presents differently in each person we often opt to create a multi-modality treatment plan to ensure long term results and prevent further damage. 
 
Every new patient of Southern Skin Clinic requires a full cosmetic consultation that includes clinical photography and skin and medical assessment based on your concern and expectation. Your current skin care will be reviewed and your practitioner will tailor a treatment and at home care plan that is specific to you. If necessary, Dr Khossousi may prescribe prescription medication.

Sun Damage Treatments

bottom of page