How can UV radiation damage your skin?
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Effects of UV radiation on the skin‍

Any exposure to UV radiation from the sun can damage the skin. The different types of UV radiation – which are based on the wavelength of light – can have different effects on your skin. UVB radiation has a shorter wavelength than UVA radiation but is higher in energy. UVB is mostly absorbed by the skin’s outer layer (epidermis) and so is largely responsible for sunburn and its associated damage. About 90% of UV radiation that reaches your skin is UVA. UVA can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, called the dermis, and also causes damage in this zone that contribute to skin ageing.^1,2

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Skin problems associated with sun damage

Sun damage can accumulate over time and cause changes in your skin both on the surface and in the underlying tissues – this process is known as photoageing. Visibly, sun damage can result in wrinkles, dark spots or hyperpigmentation, rough and dry texture, and a loss of elasticity. Sun damage can also affect the underlying skin structure, leading to loss of normal collagen and elastic fibres. The DNA alterations that occur can also lead to the development of skin lesions and even skin cancer.^2,3

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Consulting a dermatologist

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The consultation process

If you have concerns about sun damaged skin, your first step should be to visit your GP to discuss your skin condition and possible management options. Your GP may refer you to a dermatologist for specialist care. You can also arrange an appointment with a dermatologist without a referral.⁴

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Understanding your sun damaged skin

When you see a dermatologist, they will perform an examination of your skin and ask questions to help understand what kind of sun damage you may have and how it may be affecting your overall health. Part of your consultation will involve the dermatologist asking you questions about your general health, your family history of skin conditions, and how your skin affects your mental health. During the skin examination, the dermatologist may examine the areas of skin you are concerned about – sometimes using magnifying lenses – and may also perform tests such as a skin biopsy.^5,6

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Management options for your sun damaged skin

Your dermatologist will work with you to develop the best management plan for your sun damaged skin.⁵ For example, you may want to focus on skin pigmentation improvement or find a skin texture treatment, or you may want to boost collagen production. For any recommendation your dermatologist makes, they will explain how it works and why they are recommending it for you. They will also go over any potential risks or side effects that may occur with that particular plan.⁴

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Self-management vs clinical management

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Self-management for sun damaged skin

When it comes to tackling your sun damaged skin on your own, you have many options in the form of over-the-counter skin care products.⁶ The easiest and most important skin self-management you can do is sun protection – wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 every day can help prevent sun damage to your skin.^2,7 To help reverse existing sun damage, there are different ingredients that can help improve the appearance and condition of your skin.⁶

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Clinical management for sun damaged skin

But, if you’re a bit overwhelmed sorting through how all the different skin care products and anti-ageing ingredients can help your sun damaged skin, talk to your GP or dermatologist. Their knowledge and professional expertise can help guide you on which ingredients are backed by scientific evidence and how they are best used to treat sun damaged skin.⁶ 

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Consult with a specialist

If you’re looking for professional advice about the best management option for sun damaged skin, talk to your GP or ask them for a referral to a dermatologist. You could also consider seeking out an online consultation with your preferred healthcare professional.