How to Prevent Sun Damage – A Complete Skincare Strategy

You might have a perfect skincare routine, but did you know there’s a critical and often forgotten aspect of skin health?

Preventing sun damage is the easiest way to keep your skin safe and healthy at every age. If you’re wondering how to treat sun damaged skin after years of UV exposure, you’re in luck, because there are many ways to treat these issues. From the immediate pain of sunburn to long-term problems such as premature ageing, dark spots and even skin cancer, prevention is better than the cure when it comes to sun damage.

Read on to discover expert advice on protecting your skin from UV rays and also knowledge on the best sun damaged skin treatment for those who slipped up on sun care in the past.

What Happens to Your Skin When it’s Sun Damaged

Sun damage to the skin can lead to serious health issues and visible skin changes over time due to overexposure to UV radiation.

The two main types of UV light that affect the skin are UVA and UVB. The worst type is UVA rays that penetrate deep into the skin, leading to ageing and long-term damage, while UVB rays primarily cause sunburn. Unfortunately, too much time spent basking in both UV lights can contribute to an increased risk of skin cancer by damaging the skin’s cellular DNA.

Types of sun damage:

Skin sun damage shows up in several ways. It isn’t just the immediate redness and discomfort of a sunburn. Over time, repeated unprotected exposure can lead to:

Premature ageing – including wrinkles, fine lines and a significant loss of skin elasticity.
Hyperpigmentation – such as age spots and freckles, results from the overproduction of melanin.
Actinic keratosis – rough, scaly patches that are typically harmless but may be precancerous, so it’s important to have professional skin checks.

The sun and your skin

The relationship between the sun and your skin is complex. We all want to enjoy summer, topping up our tans and vitamin D levels, but excessive exposure can cause harm to your skin. The risk of skin sun damage snowballs, meaning every sunburn or tan contributes to the total amount of skin damage experienced over a lifetime.

Recognising the signs of sun damaged skin

Early signs of sun damage include:

✓ Changes in skin texture, such as roughness or dryness.

✓ Increased skin laxity or the appearance of ‘leathery’ skin.

✓ The emergence of new moles or changes in existing moles should always be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Sun exposure and skin cancer

The most serious risk associated with sun damage is skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Regular self-examinations and professional skin cancer checks are a must for early detection and successful treatment.

How to Prevent Sun-Damaged Skin

Your first defence:

Choosing the right sunscreen – Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays, SPF30 or higher. Water-resistant formulas are preferred for protection while swimming or sweating.
Application tips – Make sure to apply sunscreen generously all over exposed skin, including easily overlooked areas like the ears, neck and the tops of your feet. The general rule is to do this at least 15 minutes before going outside so the formulae can take effect. Just remember to reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
SPF infused lip balm – Most people neglect the delicate skin on their lips. This area is more at risk of sun damage if continuously exposed to UV rays, so make sure to stock up on lip products containing a minimum SPF 15.

Physical barriers:

Protective clothing – Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and broad-brimmed hats made from tightly woven fabric to physically block the sun’s rays. Special sun-protective clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating provides additional protection.
Sunglasses – Don’t forget the eyes! Choose sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection to shield your eyes and the delicate skin around them from UV damage, which can lead to premature wrinkling.

Sun-safe behaviours:

Seeking shade: Whenever possible, stay in the shade, especially during the sun’s peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm, as this is when the UV rays are strongest and most harmful.
Avoiding tanning beds: The dangers of tanning beds can’t be overstated when it comes to skin health. They pose a significant risk factor for skin cancer and premature ageing. Swap sunbeds for self-tanning if you want a bronzed glow the safe way. Many sunbed users seek out sun damaged skin treatment at some point in their lives.

The role of diet and supplements in sun protection:

Antioxidants and skin health: Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, have been proven to support skin health, combating the oxidative stress caused by UV radiation, which leads to sun damage. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats ensures a steady supply of these essential nutrients to the skin’s surface via blood vessels. Foods high in antioxidants can provide an extra layer of defence against the harmful effects of sun exposure, complementing other traditional sun protection methods.

What Does Skin Sun Damage Look Like?

Recognising the early indicators of sun damage is the best way to maintain beautiful, healthy skin and reduce further harm. You’ll often notice skin sun damage as changes in texture – you might notice your skin becoming rough or taking on a dry leathery feel. This damage can also lead to loose skin as the sun breaks down collagen and elastin fibres. Another common sign is the appearance of freckles and age spots, especially in areas frequently exposed to the sun, alongside wrinkles and fine lines that signify premature ageing accelerated by UV exposure.

Some signs of sun damage are more serious and need a prompt professional evaluation. New moles or changes, such as size, shape, colour or texture, could indicate a form of skin cancer. Rough, scaly patches known as actinic keratosis are also a red flag, as they could represent precancerous conditions that arise from sun exposure. Plus, persistent redness or soreness in sun-exposed areas of the skin, especially if they are slow to heal, should be examined by a dermatologist.

Regular self-examinations are a key practice for early detection of sun damage. Familiarise yourself with your moles and markings to make it easier to notice any changes. Use a mirror for hard-to-see areas and document any changes to discuss with a healthcare provider. If you come across any concerning signs or have a significant history of sun exposure, it’s important to schedule a professional skin evaluation. Dermatologists can conduct comprehensive skin checks, diagnose issues and suggest appropriate treatments or preventative measures.

How to Treat Sun-Damaged Skin Professionally

When sun damage progresses beyond mild sunburn, professional sun-damaged skin treatment may be necessary. Advanced signs of sun damage, require the expertise of a dermatologist, offering sun-damaged skin treatments to significantly improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin and, more importantly, address any health concerns.

Dermatologists offer a range of treatments tailored to the specific type and extent of sun damage:

Topical medications – Prescription sun-damaged skin treatment cream and gels, including retinoids, can treat precancerous conditions and majorly improve and smooth the skin’s appearance by reducing wrinkles, roughness and pigmentation issues.
Chemical peels – By removing the outer layer of skin, chemical peels can reduce or eliminate the appearance of sun spots, fine lines and other signs of sun damage, revealing healthier, younger-looking skin underneath.
Laser therapy – Laser treatments target the deeper layers of skin to stimulate collagen production, improving texture and tone, while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and sun spots. Different types of lasers are used based on the specific needs and skin type of the patient.
Photodynamic therapy – PDT is particularly effective for treating precancerous spots known as actinic keratosis. It involves applying a photosensitising agent to the skin, which is then activated by a specific wavelength of light, destroying abnormal cells.
Microdermabrasion and dermabrasion – These procedures deeply exfoliate and remove the skin’s top layers, smoothing out rough textures and reducing the visibility of superficial damage.

The importance of professional guidance

Choosing the right treatment for skin sun damage is a decision best made with professional guidance. Dermatologists at DermConsult provide treatments and also offer advice on preventing further damage and maintaining the results of treatment. They can help develop a comprehensive skincare routine that addresses your unique needs, combining professional treatments with at-home care to maximise skin health and appearance.

Take Action Now and Turn the Tide Against Sun Damage

If you want to keep your skin healthy and looking great throughout the years, you must prevent, treat and reverse sun damage. Whether through diligent sunscreen use, sun-safe routines or exploring professional treatments for more severe damage, there are numerous steps you can take to safeguard your skin’s health.

Ready to take the next step in protecting and revitalising your skin? DermConsult is here to guide you through every aspect of sun damage prevention and treatment. Our expert team offers personalised services tailored to your skin’s unique needs, from advanced screenings to cutting-edge treatments. Don’t let sun damage dictate your skin’s future. Book a consultation with us today and discover how we can help you achieve healthier, more radiant skin.