Top 4 Treatments for Sun Damaged Skin

In a recent study, YouGov and the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) found that 40% of British people got sunburnt at least once in the UK during 2022. This was a year of record-breaking temperatures where many spent more time outside basking in the sun. Even this summer, we have experienced high temperatures, likely becoming more common as global warming accelerates. 

The findings of this study noted how the British population do not consider the dangers of skin cancer or the importance of skin protection in Britain. While we receive more bad weather than good, the latest skin cancer figures showed some concerning numbers. 16,700 new melanoma and more than 200,000 keratinocyte skin cancer cases emerge yearly. 

Protecting your skin from sun damage is essential for the remaining months of our summer. Find out how to protect yourself from excessive sun exposure and discover top procedures to treat sun damage here. 

What is sun damage?

Often referred to as photodamage, solar damage or photoaging, sun damage is when ultraviolet (UV) light is exposed to unprotected skin, leading to DNA damage in the skin cells. UV light is categorised into two forms: UVA and UVB, both of which contribute to the risk of skin cancer. 

UVA rays cause skin damage and can create signs of premature ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles, uneven and sagging skin and discolouration. UVB rays are associated with skin burning and penetrate and break the outer layers of your skin. In comparison, UVA rays penetrate the deeper skin layers, destroying key substances, like collagen and elastin, that give skin elasticity and firmness. 

How can you protect your skin from excessive sun exposure?

When exposed to the sun, you must follow some simple safety precautions to avoid sun damage and the risk of skin cancer. We recommend the following tips:

• Wear clothing and accessories, such as a hat or sunglasses, to protect your skin and eyes from the sun.
• Use SPF 30 sunscreen with high UVA protection and frequently reapply it in the sun.
• Consult your GP if you notice changes to existing moles or new skin tag growth.

How to treat sun damaged skin

If you’ve already been overexposed to the sun, you may already face common symptoms of sun damage. Hyperpigmentation, dark spots, wrinkles and other signs of photoaging can be effectively treated at Omniya Clinic with our following procedures below.

1. Skin Peels

A chemical peel is a great treatment for removing the old outer layer of skin, which UV light usually impacts and damages. This anti-ageing treatment stimulates collagen, increases cell turnover and leaves you with fresher and healthier skin.

2. Laser Treatment 

Laser treatments help by removing the top layer of damaged skin and heating the deeper layers to promote collagen, an essential component for achieving tighter, younger-looking skin. As a result, wrinkles, brown spots and other forms of sun damage will be minimised. 

3. Microneedling 

Microneedling creates tiny holes across your skin’s surface, encouraging collagen and new skin tissue production. Using either Dermapen microneedling or Morpheus8 will improve skin quality and tackle pigmentation issues and signs of ageing. 

4. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP therapy uses an injection of the platelets found in your blood to boost tissue healing and repair. PRP effectively rejuvenates skin, using growth factors to encourage collagen and elastin production and reduce signs of skin damage. 

These treatments will not protect you from sun damage or skin cancer. They help treat already damaged skin, alongside other skin concerns and should be used with a strict sun care regime.

Contact Omniya Clinic London for a free consultation 

Our specialist team at Omniya Clinic is highly experienced and qualified to provide you with the best care available. We will support you throughout the process and ensure you are happy with the results.

If you suffer from sun damage, contact Omniya Clinic today and book a free consultation.