Sun damage and photoageing are closely related, but not exactly the same.

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Sun damage is when exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation harms the skin. Think of sun damage as a broader term for all adverse effects of UV exposure on your skin cells.^1,2,3 On the other hand, photoageing results from damage caused by UV exposure over time. Long-term exposure to the sun or UV radiation from tanning beds can speed up our natural (or intrinsic) skin ageing. ^2,4

Sun exposure can age your skin more quickly. This is called photoageing. It happens when ultraviolet (UV) rays harm your skin cells over time. The prolonged UV exposure adds to your skin's natural ageing. UV exposure is responsible for most wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and uneven skin tone you see as you age.

Photoageing is most visible on the face, neck, back of the hands. These are often the most sun-exposed areas of the body. Prolonged UV exposure causes skin ageing to happen more quickly. Signs of photoageing include wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation.

The signs of photoageing include a variety of skin changes. These changes may appear as early as your teens or 20s and become more pronounced over time. Photoageing signs are most noticeable on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, upper chest, hands, and forearms. Look out for: ^2,4,5

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• Irregular pigment spots (hypo- or hyperpigmentation)
• Broken capillaries (spider veins) or visible blood vessels (telangiectasias)
• Fine lines and deeper wrinkles or furrows
• Rough, leathery or dry skin
• Loss of skin firmness
• Uneven skin tone
• Yellowy or pale brown skin colour (sallowness)

According to clinicians, intrinsic and extrinsic factors combine to cause wrinkles.

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• Intrinsic factors: These are the normal age-related changes in the skin. As we age, our skin becomes thinner, drier, and less able to protect itself from environmental damage. The result is wrinkles, creases, and lines on the skin.^2,7
• Extrinsic factors: These are external factors that contribute to wrinkles. Think sun exposure, smoking and environmental factors (such as air pollution, temperature extremes, or poor nutrition).^2,7 Frequent frowning and squinting can also cause skin wrinkles.⁷

Suntan: Is the darkening of the skin due to exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It’s a sign of skin damage, not skin health.⁹

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Sunburn: Is skin damage immediately after excessive exposure to UV radiation. It causes redness, pain and — in severe cases — skin blistering.³

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Freckles: Are small, flat spots on the skin. They contain a higher concentration of melanin due to sun exposure. They are more common in people with fair skin.¹⁰

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Moles: Are skin growths that can be caused or darkened by sun exposure. While most moles are harmless, it’s worth monitoring changes in mole size, shape, or colour.¹¹

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Melasma: Is dark patches on the skin, often on the face, triggered by sun exposure and hormonal changes. UV radiation can make it worse.⁶

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Fine lines & wrinkles: Are signs of ageing skin, and can be made worse by sun damage. UV radiation causes changes to the skin, leading to the formation of lines and wrinkles.⁶

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Loss of skin elasticity: Sun exposure can degrade collagen and elastin fibres in the skin. This can make skin lose its firmness and elasticity over time.⁷

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Redness or broken capillaries: Prolonged sun exposure can damage blood vessels near the skin's surface. This may lead to redness or broken capillaries, especially around the nose and chest.⁶

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Rough, dry skin: Sun-damaged skin can become dry, rough, and flaky due to moisture loss and depletion of natural oils caused by UV radiation.³

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Hyperpigmentation: Is when areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin. This is due to excess melanin production triggered by sun exposure. Age spots, freckles or uneven skin tone are examples of hyperpigmentation.⁶

Those at risk of photoageing include people with fair skin, blonde or red hair, and a tendency to burn easily in the sun. People who spend lots of time outdoors for work or recreation are also at a higher risk of photoageing due to prolonged sun exposure.

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Photoageing can affect people with darker skin, but they may show fewer visible signs of sun damage.

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Photoageing can begin as early as the teen years or early 20s. It’s most visible in areas of skin that get lots of sun, such as the face, neck, back of the hands.

To protect yourself from photoageing, you can: ¹²

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1. Use Sunscreen Daily: Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 50 daily to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
2. Apply sunscreen well: covering all exposed areas of the skin and reapplying as needed.
3. Avoid Sun Exposure: Avoid direct sunlight, especially between 10 am and 4 pm when UV rays are strongest. Seek shade, use umbrellas, and wear protective clothing.
4. Wear Protective Clothing: Opt for clothing that covers most of your skin. Think long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and broad-brimmed hats. Choose dark-coloured, tightly woven fabrics for better protection.
5. Avoid Tanning Beds: Don’t use tanning beds or sunlamps. They emit harmful UV radiation that can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancers.
6. Talk to a doctor: If you have concerns about photoageing or want to explore treatment options for sun-damaged skin.

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Doctors can treat the signs of photoageing with various medical and physical therapies. These therapies may help improve the appearance of sun damaged skin.

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Remember, all treatments have benefits and risks. Your doctor will help you understand the benefits and risks of any treatment for sun damaged skin.

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Here are some of the treatment options:

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Medical Therapies

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• ‍Topical Medications: Studies show topical retinoids can restore photoaged skin at clinical and cellular levels.¹³‍
• Chemical Peels: Dermatologists use chemical substances like trichloracetic acid or glycolic acid to remove brown spots, actinic keratoses and improve the tone and texture of photoaged skin.¹⁴

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Physical Therapies

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• ‍Laser resurfacing: Laser treatments can address various concerns related to photoageing, such as wrinkles, pigmentation issues, and skin texture.¹⁵ There are different forms of laser resurfacing. Your doctor can explain which laser technique may be right for your skin concern. ‍
• Dermabrasion: A doctor can gently buff away the outer layers of skin using a special tool with a rough tip. This allows your body to produce new, healthier skin cells to replace those removed. Dermabrasion may be used for wrinkles or sun damaged skin.¹⁶ ‍
• Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze benign age spots or actinic keratoses. The frozen skin dies and sheds after a few days.¹⁷‍
• Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers can restore volume loss in the skin due to ageing, improving the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.¹⁸

It’s best to seek a diagnosis for photoageing from your GP or a dermatologist. They are well-placed to identify sun damage and can also pick up more serious skin concerns. Before you visit your GP or dermatologist, look for these signs and symptoms on your skin: ^2,4,5

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• Irregular pigment spots (hypo- or hyperpigmentation)
• Broken capillaries (spider veins) or visible blood vessels (telangiectasias)
• Fine lines and deeper wrinkles or furrows
• Rough, leathery or dry skin
• Loss of skin firmness
• Uneven skin tone
• Yellowy or pale brown skin colour (sallowness)

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These signs of photoageing usually occur on areas of the body that are regularly exposed to the sun. This includes the face, neck, upper chest, and back of the hands. 5,8 If you notice these signs of photoageing, check in with your GP or dermatologist. They can confirm photoageing and offer treatment options tailored to your skin type and condition.

It’s best to seek care for photoageing through an online or in-person consult with a GP or dermatologist. This ensures you get a proper medical check and an evidence-based treatment plan.

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Here’s what you can expect when you visit the doctor:

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In-person consultation¹⁹

An in-person consult will involve sharing your skin concerns and medical history with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to do a physical check of your skin. They can then work out a treatment plan tailored to your skin concerns and medical history. Depending on the nature and extent of your sun damage, you may need follow-up appointments or tests.

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It’s helpful to prepare for your appointment. Take any relevant test results, health records, and a list of any medicines you use.

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Online Consultation¹⁹

Much like an in-person consult, you will tell your doctor about your skin concerns and medical history during an online doctor visit. Your doctor may request photos of your skin for examination. They will evaluate this information and work out a treatment plan that best suits your skin concerns.

It’s helpful to prepare for your appointment. Have relevant test results, health records, and a list of any medicines you use on hand.  

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Should I see a dermatologist or GP?

Both dermatologists and GPs are highly trained and can diagnose and manage key skin concerns. Both can help treat photoageing. However, in certain circumstances, you may need the specialist skills of a dermatologist. They can provide further diagnostic tests or specific treatments.