Sun Damage

Sun damage, also called photoageing, refers to the structural and functional changes in the skin caused by prolonged exposure to UV radiation. Unlike chronological ageing, photoageing is completely preventable and largely reversible with the right approach.

• UVB: high-energy rays that cause sunburn, DNA damage, and contribute to skin cancer.
• UVA: lower-energy, penetrates deeper, accelerates collagen breakdown, wrinkles, sagging and pigmentation.
• Visible and Infrared Light: increasingly recognised contributors to melasma, redness, and collagen degradation.

Over time, these effects accumulate, leading to visible and invisible skin changes.

Sun damage can manifest in many ways. Some appear early; others only show after years of exposure.

Common Visible Signs:

• Fine lines and wrinkles that appear sooner and more deeply
• Uneven skin tone
• Freckles and sunspots (solar lentigines)
• Melasma patches
• Redness and broken capillaries
• Rough or scaly patches
• A dull, dehydrated look
• Loss of elasticity and firmness

Deeper, structural changes:

• Collagen density decreases
• Elastin fibres become disorganised
• Cellular turnover slows
• DNA repair mechanisms weaken

These deeper changes are why reversing sun damage requires medical-grade interventions, not just cosmetic products.

Sun damage is not simply caused by “being outside too much”. It occurs through several biological pathways working simultaneously.

1. Direct DNA Damage:

UVB rays physically disrupt DNA in skin cells, leading to:

• sunburn
• mutations
• uneven pigmentation
• long-term cancer risk

DNA damage also slows normal cell function and repair.

2. Breakdown of Collagen and Elastin:

UVA triggers enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). These rapidly break down collagen and elastin, leading to:

• deeper wrinkles
• laxity
• a rough skin texture

This is why UVA is often called the ageing ray.

3. Chronic Inflammation:

Sun exposure increases inflammatory molecules in the skin, contributing to:

• persistent redness
• rosacea flares
• blotchy pigmentation
• increased sensitivity

Inflammation also accelerates ageing.

4. Oxidative Stress

UV exposure produces free radicals that:

• damage lipids, proteins and DNA
• dull the complexion
• accelerate collagen breakdown
• reduce barrier health

Antioxidants are critical to counter this pathway.

5. Overproduction of Melanin

Melanocytes work overtime in response to UV, leading to:

• sunspots
• melasma
• patchy pigmentation

For many people, pigment issues become the most visible sign of sun damage.

Prevention is incredibly powerful. Even if you already have signs of sun damage, these strategies prevent further harm and make treatments more effective.

1. Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF (Non-Negotiable):

Apply SPF 30 or 50 every morning, even when cloudy.
Key things people get wrong:

• Not applying enough
• Not reapplying when outdoors
• Forgetting high-risk areas (ears, neck, chest, hands)

A daily high-quality SPF is the most impactful anti-ageing habit.

2. Antioxidants Every Morning:

Vitamin C, niacinamide or advanced antioxidant blends help:

• neutralise free radicals
• brighten the skin
• reduce pigmentation
• support collagen

Medical grade options are significantly more stable and effective.

3. Skin Barrier Support:

A healthy barrier improves resilience to UV stress. Look for:

• ceramides
• fatty acids
• peptides
• humectants like hyaluronic acid

4. Avoid Peak Sun:

Between 11 am and 3 pm when UV is highest.

5. Protective Clothing:

Hats, sunglasses, UPF clothing and shade all make a measurable difference.

These will not reverse deeper damage but can support overall brightness and skin health.

1. Green Tea Compress

Rich in EGCG, helps calm inflammation and redness.
Brew, cool, soak cotton pads, apply for 10 minutes.

2. Honey and Yoghurt Brightening Mask

Lactic acid + natural enzymes gently exfoliate and brighten.

3. Turmeric and Aloe Gel Paste

Anti-inflammatory and soothing. Helps with mild pigmentation.

4. Oat and Honey Gentle Exfoliant

Great for sensitive or sun-reactive skin. Supports barrier repair.

5. Cucumber and Rose Water Mist

Hydrating and calming. Helps reduce heat and redness after sun exposure.

1. Medical Grade Skincare

Medical grade skincare is the most reliable foundation for reversing sun damage. These formulas contain clinically proven, high-strength ingredients that go deeper than cosmetic products.

How it helps:
Retinoids boost collagen and accelerate cell renewal, which gradually softens fine lines and sunspots. Vitamin C brightens pigmentation and protects against further UV-induced damage. Niacinamide helps calm redness and regulate pigment formation. Azelaic acid supports pigmentation control for sensitive or redness-prone skin, while peptides encourage the skin to rebuild strength and elasticity.

This approach is ideal for early sun damage, including uneven tone, dullness, mild pigmentation, and rough texture. With consistent use, it enhances the results of in-clinic treatments and maintains long-term improvement.

2. Chemical Skin Peels

Chemical peels are one of the most effective clinic treatments for visibly damaged skin. They work by removing the dull, damaged upper layers of skin and triggering regeneration beneath.

Why they work:
AHA peels such as glycolic or lactic acid brighten and smooth the surface, making them perfect for early pigmentation. TCA peels penetrate deeper and improve stubborn sunspots, fine lines and rough texture. Combination peels blend several acids to treat multiple concerns at once, giving a clearer, brighter complexion.

Chemical peels are particularly effective for pigmentation, sunspots, patchy tone, early lines and a sun-frazzled appearance.

3. Skin Boosters

Skin boosters deeply hydrate and restore vitality to sun-stressed skin. These injectable treatments infuse the skin with soft hyaluronic acid and bioactive ingredients, improving quality from within.

Benefits include:
Restoring hydration, improving elasticity, smoothing fine lines and reviving the glow that chronic sun exposure often diminishes.

They are especially helpful for crepey texture, dehydration, dullness and loss of radiance.

4. Microneedling

Microneedling is a powerful collagen-stimulating treatment for structural sun damage. Fine needles create controlled micro-channels in the skin, prompting natural repair.

What it improves:
Firmness, fine lines, enlarged pores, pigmentation irregularities and overall texture. Over a series of treatments, the skin becomes noticeably smoother and stronger as new collagen forms.

Ideal for those with early wrinkles, uneven tone and mild to moderate sun-induced thinning.

5. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

IPL is one of the best treatments for sun-related pigmentation and redness. It uses targeted pulses of light to break down:

• Brown pigment from sunspots
• Redness and visible vessels from chronic sun exposure

The result: clearer, brighter skin with more even tone and minimal downtime. IPL is ideal for those wanting pigment correction without aggressive resurfacing.

6. Laser Skin Rejuvenation

Fractional laser treatment targets deeper, long-term sun damage that has affected collagen, texture and pigment.

How it works:
Non-ablative lasers heat the skin to stimulate collagen, improving firmness and subtle lines. Ablative fractional lasers resurface damaged tissue, smoothing texture and significantly improving deep wrinkles and stubborn pigmentation.

Best suited for advanced sun damage, such as leathery texture, etched-in lines and long-standing sunspots.

• Sun damage is cumulative, meaning every bit of unprotected exposure adds up over your lifetime.
• UVB causes burns, UVA causes ageing, and visible/infrared light also contribute to pigmentation and inflammation.
• Prevention is powerful. Consistent daily SPF use is the single most effective anti-ageing step.
• The most effective treatments for sun damage include medical grade skincare, chemical peels, skin boosters, and advanced light/laser therapies.
• You can significantly reverse the visible signs of sun damage with the right plan.

Sun damage may be incredibly common, but it does not have to be permanent. With the right combination of prevention, high-quality skincare and targeted professional treatments, you can dramatically improve pigmentation, texture, radiance and overall skin health.

At Dr Hass Clinic, we specialise in restoring skin that has been affected by years of sun exposure. Our team uses a personalised, evidence-based approach to rebuild clarity, brightness and youthful structure while protecting the skin from further harm. If you want clearer, smoother and healthier skin, we can guide you with the most effective and modern treatment options.