Don’t put off treating sun damage
Sun damage (or photoageing) can speed up premature skin ageing1. Learn about sun damage and how you can manage it.
Start your journey
What is photoageing?
Photoageing, also known as sun damage, is premature skin ageing caused by spending time in the sun. UVA and UVB radiation from the sun can damage cells both on the surface and in the deeper layers of your skin2.
UV skin damage speeds up the skin ageing process.
80% of visible facial ageing can be attributed to sun exposure3
What are the signs of photoageing1?
If any of these apply to you, talk to a GP or dermatologist about ways to manage your skin health.
Fine lines / wrinkles
Dark spots OR hyperpigmentation
Loss of skin elasticity
Rough, dry skin
BROKEN CAPILLARIES
Speak to your GP or dermatologist about ways you can manage sun damage.
Can photoageing be treated?
The most important way to prevent sun damage is to protect yourself from the sun. You can protect yourself in many ways:
STEP 1
Self Management
The most important way to prevent sun damage is to protect yourself from the sun. You can protect yourself in many ways:
Sunscreen
Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30 (or higher)...
Shade and glasses
Sunscreen shouldn’t be your only defence against UV rays...
Over the counter skincare
Some skincare that contains ingredients like retinol, vitami...
STEP 2
Clinical Management
If you are showing signs of photoageing, consult with a GP or dermatologist. They can work with you to develop a treatment plan for your skin goals.
Medical grade ingredients
Doctors and dermatologists are professionally trained to...
Dermal Treatments
Sunscreen shouldn’t be your only defence against UV rays...
Laser Treatments
Lasers use narrow columns of heat into the skin that targets ...
Injectables
Antiwrinkle injections or dermal fillers can reduce unwanted...
Explore clinical management?
Get assessed by a GP or dermatologist and learn how you can manage sun damage.
Who is at risk of photoageing?
Photoageing can affect all adults. Some people, no matter their age, are more susceptible to sun damage and are more likely to experience symptoms of accelerated premature ageing8.
Get assessed for photoageing
Choose how you want to consult with a GP or dermatologist
Learn more about sun damage
Sun damage is the leading cause of visible skin ageing3. Learn what it is and how you can manage it.
Resources
Learn more about photoageing and sun damaged skin.
FAQs
Get answers to the most common questions about photoageing.
AU-2023-06-0015. Date of approval July 2024.
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re.sults
Sun damage is a common skin concern and may be treatable. Get assessed by a dermatologist and find out how you can manage sun damage.
References
- The Australasian College of Dermatologists. A-Z of Skin Ageing Skin Factsheet. Available at https://www.dermcoll.edu.au/atoz/aging-skin/ June 2023
- Amaro-Ortiz A, Yan B, D'Orazio JA. Ultraviolet radiation, aging and the skin: prevention of damage by topical cAMP manipulation. Molecules. 2014;19(5):6202-6219. Published 2014 May 15. doi:10.3390/molecules19056202
- Flament F, Bazin R, Laquieze S, Rubert V, Simonpietri E, Piot B. Effect of the sun on visible clinical signs of aging in Caucasian skin. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2013;6:221-232. Published 2013 Sep 27. doi:10.2147/CCID.S44686
- Cancer Council. Preventing Skin Cancer Fact Sheet. Available at https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/preventing-skin-cancer. Accessed June 2023.
- Health Direct Microdermabrasion Fact Sheet. Available at https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/microdermabrasion Accessed June 2023
- The Australasian College of Dermatologists. A-Z of Skin Chemical Peel factsheet. Available at https://www.dermcoll.edu.au/atoz/chemical-peel/ Accessed June 2023
- The Australasian College of Dermatologists. A-Z of Skin Laser resurfacing – fractional factsheet. Available at https://www.dermcoll.edu.au/atoz/laser-resurfacing-fractional/ Accessed June 2023
- Green AC, Hughes MC, McBride P, Fourtanier A. Factors associated with premature skin aging (photoaging) before the age of 55: a population-based study. Dermatology. 2011;222(1):74-80. doi:10.1159/000322623
- Gilchrest BA. Photoaging. J Invest Dermatol. 2013;133(E1):E2-E6. Published 2013 Jul 1. doi:10.1038/skinbio.2013.176
- Karolyn Wanat, David Fivenson, Scott Norton. Center for disease control and prevention. CDC Yellow Book 2024 - Sun Exposure Factsheet. Available at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/environmental-hazards-risks/sun-exposure Accessed June 2023.
Disclaimer
Individual patients may experience varying symptoms. The photograph provided is not intended to depict every patient's experience of photoaging but is included here for better understanding purposes.