Sun Damage Repair

Sun damage Repair 

Sun damage or photoaging as it is sometimes referred to is the damage caused to the skin from the exposure to ultraviolet radiation of the sun.

The sun emits ultraviolet radiation and this includes both UVA and UVB rays 

UVA rays have a long wavelength which allows them to penetrate deep into the skin dermis (middle layer) . They are so powerful that they can even penetrate glass. 

UVB rays have a shorter wavelength so they primarily affect the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis. They are also the main cause of sunburn 

These UVA and UVB rays damage the cellular DNA of skin with immediate effects of 

• redness
• pain and
• peeling 

and long-term damage of

• Wrinkles
• Fine lines
• Age spots
• Sagging skin
• Textural changes in skin
• Pigmentation
• Broken capillaries
• Risk of cancers
• Actinic keratosis

Everyone is at risk of sun damage but generally speaking the lighter the skin the more susceptible to sun damage you are. Other factors that affect risk are:

1. Amount of sun exposure
2. Your location
3. Skin type

As many of us will already know prevention of sun damage is much better than treating the effects so it is recommended to always protect the skin from sun exposure by:

• always wear a sun cream SPF 30 or greater
• limit sun exposure but wearing hats and longer sleeved clothing
• avoid sun during peak hours as this is when UV rays are at their strongest and you are at most risk.

If you have got sun damage then there are a few ways in what you can treat and repair sun damage such as

• At home skin regimes for sun damage
• Professional treatments for sun damage
• DIY masks for sun damage
• Topical treatments

It is important to note that there are both benefits and problems associated with Sun exposure.

Benefits of sun exposure include:

• Vitamin D production – Sunlight and specifically UVB rays is essential for the body’s production of vitamin D. Vitamin D is crucial to us as it has an important role in calcium absorption, bone health and the immune system.

Negative effects of sun exposure:

• Sunburn 
• Photoaging 
• Skin cancer
• Eye damage
• Immune system suppression

Topical treatments for sun damage repair

There are 2 main types of topical treatments for sun damage, retinoids and antioxidants. 

Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that help reduce fine lines, wrinkles and age spots by the increase of cell turnover and the increase in production of collagen. They are available as a prescription in forms like Tretinoin but also weaker forms like Retinol, Retinal can be bought over the counter. 

Antioxidants are vitamins like Vitamin C and E which help neutralise free radicals caused by sun exposure. It is these free radicals which contribute to aging. Many of the antioxidants can be found in serums and creams and as part of daily skin.

Also skin lightening agents such containing hydroquinone, kojic acid, or glycolic acid can help fade age spots and hyperpigmentation.

All of these topical treatments can be used as part of your daily skin care regime.

At home skin regimes for sun damage

1. First and foremost a daily sun protection cream needs to be worn SPF 30 or higher. Even on cloudy days as UV radiation still penetrates clouds. It should be reapplied on a regular basis especially after sweating or swimming.
2. Cleansing using a mild cleanser so not to strip skin of its natural oils. 
3. An antioxidant vitamin C serum should also be used in the morning to neutralise free radicals and brighten the skin. Vitamin C also boosts the effect of sunscreen
4. Hydration is also key to replenishing the moisture in skin lost with sun exposure. Ingredients In the hydration product should be hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
5. Night time is critical to a good skin care regime and it is good to use a Retinoid cream which helps stimulate collagen production and reduce fine lines and age spots. Retinoids increase sun sensitivity hence why it should only be used at night. Other useful ingredients to use at night include niacinamide which can help with hyperpigmentation and improve the skins barrier
6. Exfoliation should be done gently 1 -2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. This could be something like AHA or BHA.

It is important to also remember lifestyle factors in your daily sun care regime which includes a healthy diet trying to get as many vitamins and minerals to support the skin. As well as getting the right amounts of sleep to allow the skin to repair itself. 

People may also use DIY masks as part of the skin care regime for repair of sun damage

DIY masks for sun damage

DIY face masks can be both soothing and helpful for addressing sun damage examples of which could be 

Aloe vera and cucumber

A great mask for soothing sunburn and reducing inflammation as well as providing hydration and a cooling effect 

Yoghurt and honey 

Yoghurt has within it lactic acid which can exfoliate and brightening skin whereas honey is a natural humectant so draws moisture to skin 

Oatmeal and Milk

Oatmeal is soothing and has anti-inflammatory properties and milk helps with hydration and skin tone.

Papaya and Lemon

Papaya contains enzymes to exfoliate and brighten skin whereas lemon juice is high in vitamin C to help fade dark spots. 

Professional treatments for sun damage

It is important like any home use that treatments are both safe and effective for sun damage repair. 

Some of the most popular professional treatments for sun damage repair are

Chemical peels – These treatments remove the outer layer of the skin. This reveals a smoother more even-tone skin underneath. Chemical peels can also be used at home as part of your own skin care regime. Professional Chemical peels are a lot stronger than home use ones. 

Microdermabrasion – This involves exfoliation for the skin by removing the top later of dead skin cells using a machine.

IPL (intense pulsed light) - IPL therapy can also target pigmentation issues and broken blood vessels.   

Cryotherapy – This uses liquid nitrogen to remove skin growths

Microneedling – This treatment uses small needles in the face with a RF current which helps stimulate collagen and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

Laser – Laser can treat various conditions associated with sun dames such as:

• Age spots
• Hyperpigmentation
• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Broken capillaries

There are also different types of laser that can be used for safe Sun damage repair treatment. Different types of laser are used as each has its own benefits.

CO2 laser or carbon dioxide lasers

Key characteristics

• Ablative ie remove outer layers of the damaged skin
• Gold standard for severe sun damage for conditions such as 

• Wrinkles
• Deep pigmentation
• Skin texture
• Stimulate collage as well for skin rejuvenation

Downsides

• Longer recovery
• Aggressive 
• Costly for treatments as normal done in a medical practice.

Erbium YAG lasers

Key characteristics

• Ablative ie remove outer layers of the damaged skin but less aggressive than CO2
• Effective for treating

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Superficial sun damage

• Shorter recovery time
• Cheaper than CO2 treatments

Downsides

• Not as effective on severe pigmentation and sun damage

Alexandrite lasers

Key characteristics

• Great at targeting melanin so very effective in treating anything brown in colour

Downsides

• Not as a common laser for sun damage
• Limited to skin types 
• Limited to type of treatment

Fractional lasers

Key characteristics

• Popular treatment and effective
• A fractional laser delivers tiny columns of laser energy rather than treating the entire surface.
• Surrounding skin untouched which promotes healing
• Stimulated collagen and elastic from controlled micro-injuries essential for skin health
• Great for treating sun damage in terms of

• Pigmentation
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Skin texture and tone

• Can be ablative – to remove outer layer of skin
• Can be non-ablative to heat underlying tissues such as fraxel laser

Downsides

• Downtime is greater for ablative fractional and non-ablative
• Results not as dramatic for non-ablative fractional lasers
• Strict sun protection needed pre and post treatment
• Results are no instant

Q switch laser 

Key characteristics

• Valuable tool in addressing pigmentation issues from sun damage
• Delivers short, high powered laser pulses to target the pigmentation and break it up allowing the body’s immune system to naturally remove.
• Very short pulses minimises heat so very safe treatment option

Downsides

• Cannot be used on all shin types as darker skin tones susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
• Strict sun protection needed pre and post treatment

Picosecond Lasers

Key characteristics

• Essential tool in addressing pigmentation issues from sun damage
• Delivers ultra short, high powered laser pulses to target the pigmentation and break it up allowing the body’s immune system to naturally remove.
• Very short pulses minimise heat so very safe treatment option
• Can be used on a wider range on skin tones
• Gold standard in pigmentation treatment

Downsides

• Very expensive machine makes treatments very costly
• Strict sun protection needed pre and post treatment

Frequently asked questions regarding sun damage

What are the natural remedies for sun damage?

1. The thing to keep in mind is these methods are unproven. They are unlikely to reverse sun damages but can help. 

2. Soothing sun burn – Aloe vera and cool compresses to help inflammation. Oatmeal baths can also help soothe itchy skin.

3.  Addressing hyperpigmentation – Vitamin C and green tea is an antioxidant to help lighten dark spots and promote collagen. Liquorice can help fade pigmentations as it inhibits melanin. Apple cider vinegar can be used to lighten darkening as well due to its acetic acid,

4.  It is crucial to remember sun protection and hydration as well as a healthy diet to maximise the potential effect of any home remedy. 

What is the best sun screen for sun damage repair?

Sun cream should be a broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays and should be at least a SPF 30. Key ingredients to look for are antioxidants which help neutralise free radicals caused by sun exposure. If dealing with sensitive skin mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are suggested. It is also essential to get the right sunscreen to suit your skin types ie oily skin, dry skin etc 

1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios:

This brand is highly regarded by dermatologists for its broad-spectrum protection and formulations suitable for sensitive skin. 

2. Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50: 

This is a very popular choice, and is a light weight sunscreen that offers high protection.

3.  Clinique: 

Clinique offers a wide range of sun protection products, with options for various skin types. 

Remember:

• Daily application
• Reapplication
• Additional protection
• Avoid peak sun times

Can sun damage be reversed completely?

Improvements can be made but complete reverse is not normally possible. You can address the visible signs and pigmentation. It is very difficult to reverse UV radiation damage to the DNA of skin cells. It is also very difficult to reverse significant structural changes to the skin from severe sun damage. 

Does sun damage repair differ for different skin types?

When looking at sun damage repair it is important to tailor treatment for the different skin types.

Fair skin - Prone to sunburn, redness and irritation and could have visible capillaries. 

Gentle products should be used with mineral sunscreen. Low intensity professional treatments like IPL  and chemical peels.

Medium skin tones - Can exhibit sunspots and pigmentation

Broad spectrum sunscreen with a topical retinoid cream can assist. Q- switch lasers and fractional lasers are good options for professional treatments. 

Darker skin tones- High risk of PIH as well as uneven pigment and dark spots

Consistent sun protection as well as lightening topical treatments to treat dark spots. Professional treatment would be low for every laser and light chemical peels. 

What are affordable sun damage repair options?

Free options would be to maintain a healthy diet and hydration as well as adequate sleep.

Sunscreen is the most crucial and the most cost-effective solution for sun damage and this should be coupled with protective clothing.

Next on the least expensive treatments would be home remedies and DIY masks

Over the counter topical treatments consisting of 

• Retinoids
• Vitamin C
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs):
• Niacinamide

Next most affordable options would be chemical peels and microdermabrasion treatments

When you go to more advanced treatments like lasers these are not considered a cheap affordable option.

Does sun damage cause cancer?

Yes, sun damage is a major cause of cancer. UV radiation damages the DNA of skin cells which leads to mutations of the cells and uncontrollable growth. Resulting in skin cancer.

Types of Skin Cancer include

• Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: Another common type.
• Melanoma: The most dangerous type.

The more exposure and damage to the skin the greater the risk of cancer. Sunburn, especially in early years, can increase your risk of melanoma. 

Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial for preventing skin cancer.

This includes wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing.