Sun Damage

Sun damage can cause various spots on the skin and lips, such as:

• Freckles: Small, brown spots that often appear on sun-exposed areas like the face and arms.

• Age Spots (Solar Lentigines): Flat, brown spots that develop due to chronic sun exposure.

• Wrinkles and fine lines: Sun exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, the proteins that give skin its elasticity.

• Dry, leathery skin: Chronic sun exposure can make the skin dry, leathery, and less resilient.

• Uneven Pigmentation: Patchy skin color due to uneven melanin production.

• Broken Blood Vessels: Red, spidery veins, especially around the nose and cheeks.

• Actinic Keratosis: Precancerous growths that appear as rough, scaly patches.

• Actinic Cheilitis: Precancerous sun-damaged lip changes characterised by dryness, scaling, a thickened appearance. And sometimes non-healing sores.

• Risk of skin cancer: Actinic keratoses are precancerous lesions, meaning they can develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer if left untreated.

• Cosmetic concerns: Actinic keratoses can be unsightly and affect your self-esteem.

Dermatologists are experts in skin health and can play a crucial role in addressing the effects of sun damage. Here's how they can help:  

• Accurate Diagnosis: Dermatologists can accurately assess the extent of sun damage, including identifying any precancerous lesions like actinic keratoses and actinic cheilitis.   

• Personalised Treatment Plans: They can recommend the most appropriate treatment options based on your specific skin type, concerns, and medical history.  

• Treatment Options: Dermatologists offer a range of treatments, such as:

• Topical medications: To treat precancerous lesions and reduce the appearance of age spots.  

• Laser therapy: To target sunspots, wrinkles, and improve skin texture, tone and discolouration.  

• Chemical peels: To exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover.  

• Prevention Strategies: Dermatologists can provide personalized advice on sun protection, including sunscreen recommendations, clothing choices, and strategies for avoiding excessive sun exposure.  

• Early Detection: Regular skin checks by a dermatologist are crucial for early detection and treatment of skin cancer.  

By consulting with a dermatologist at Shades Dermatology, you can receive a personalised treatment plan tailored to address your specific skin concerns and enhance the overall health and appearance of your skin. Our team of specialists is dedicated to helping you find the best approach for your needs. Contact our administrative team to book your appointment.

The information provided here is for general educational purposes only. All medical and cosmetic procedures involve some risks. Results achieved for our patients that may be shown in before and after pictures on this website are specific to the individual, and may not be achievable for another patient. For specific advice regarding your skin condition, please book a a consultation with one of our Dermatologists at Shades Dermatology.

Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.