Sun Damage

• Hyperpigmentation changes occur as the skin tries to protect itself from UV radiation by producing pigments called Melanin. When Melanin is produced evenly it is called a tan whereas uneven manifestations appear as freckles and age/sun spots which occur due to chronic – years of sun exposure or acute exposure as with previous sunburn. Most at risk of sun damage are lighter skins particularly of English/Celtic origin. See Hyperpigmentation for more information.
• Vascular changes occur due to UV damage causing the permanent dilation to the facial capillaries. Facial capillaries can be treated with vascular laser technology using two wavelength technologies to treat both red and purple/blue capillaries. See Broken Capillaries for more information.
• Wrinkles and fine lines formation is accelerated through chronic and acute Sun exposure as the UV radiation causes a breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers. These support structures deteriorate causing a thinning and loosening of the skin. Skin tightening and Skin resurfacing treatments are the most effective in targeting loosening and wrinkling skin. See Wrinkles for more information.

Sun damage can either be treated by specifically targeting the most concerning skin condition i.e hyperpigmentation, broken capillaries or wrinkles. Alternatively, Laser and RF fractional technologies can be used which rejuvenate the skin. Although the Fractional technologies do not specifically target the hyperpigmentation and capillaries, they elicit the skin’s natural repair process resulting in an overall rejuvenated appearance. Sun damaged skin ultimately benefits from the combination of specific laser technologies as well as Fractional resurfacing and Skin tightening technologies.

Q Switch laser for pigmentation, Vascular laser for capillaries and Laser Resurfacing for overall skin clearance and rejuvenation.

Depending on the type and intensity of the laser treatment performed, immediate effects include mild to moderate inflammation, possibly some mild swelling both resolving within hours to a few days.

Generally, localised treatment for pigmentation and capillaries along with a full face resurfacing with Mixed Fractional technology provides the best Facial Rejuvenation treatment with long term benefits. See Laser Resurfacing for more information.