Sun Damaged Skin Treatment Products: Do They Work?

While we all love the Australian sun for its endless beach days and golden glow, our skin isn’t quite as fond of it. With some of the highest UV levels in the world, sun damage — also known as photoageing — feels almost inevitable when you live in the land down under. And unfortunately, it doesn’t go unnoticed. We’re talking premature fine lines, stubborn pigmentation, rough skin patches, and that unwanted weathered look that leaves us feeling older than we are. 

But here’s the big question: Can you actually undo sun damage? And do those hyped-up skincare products and treatments really work to turn back the clock? You’re in the right place to find out! In this blog, we’re diving deep into the world of sun-damaged skin — including how to spot it, whether skincare can truly repair it, and our top sun damaged skin treatment product recommendations to help restore your glow.

This question may sound self-explanatory, but believe it or not, there’s more to the answer than you may think. 

Whether you know it as sun damage, photoageing, dermatoheliosis, or solar damage, these words all refer to the same thing: premature skin ageing due to excessive exposure to UVA or UVB radiation. Not to mention, it can also increase your risk of skin cancer! 

Yet, despite what you may think, photoageing isn’t just the result of sun damage — it can also be caused by artificial UV light too, like tanning beds or sun lamps. However, the largest contributor is the sun. 

So, what exactly occurs beneath the surface when we experience sun damage, and why is it so dangerous? When ultraviolet light comes into contact with unprotected skin, it causes DNA changes at a cellular level. There are three different types of UV light to be aware of: 

• UVA: This is a form of solar radiation that damages all levels of the skin (from the epidermis deep down to the dermis). This damages all skin layers, including collagen and elastin fibres that give our skin its structure and elasticity. 

• UVB: This is a form of solar radiation that damages the outer layer of the skin. While it might not sound as catastrophic as UVA, it’s important to note that it damages DNA more aggressively than UVA in the epidermis (outer skin layer), resulting in visible sun damage and precancerous cells. 

• UVC: This is a form of solar radiation that (thankfully) the ozone layer and atmosphere absorb, resulting in next to no health implications (which is likely why you’ve never heard of it before!). 

Premature ageing doesn’t just present itself as wrinkles. While this is the most obvious sign, you may be surprised to learn there are even more warning signs that your skin may have experienced a little too much UV exposure over the years. Consider the following examples by Yale Medicine:

• Pigmented skin, such as age spots and freckles. 

• Wrinkles and fine lines (it’s important to note these are also a common sign of chronological skin ageing).

• Broken capillaries/ spider veins.

• A loss of skin elasticity (i.e., sagging skin).

• Patches of red, blotchy skin.

• Rough patches and uneven skin texture. 
  
  

If the symptoms aren’t obvious, another great way to assess damage is to compare areas of your body commonly exposed to the sun versus those that rarely, if ever, see sunlight. The most visible areas are generally your face, neck, back of your hands, arms, legs, and chest. 

Well, technically, yes — UVA and UVB radiation can affect anyone. In saying that, certain people are more susceptible to experiencing more significant damage due to ongoing exposure. Experts generally use the Fitzpatrick’s Scale when determining someone’s photodamage risk. If you fall into one of the higher risk categories, you must maintain a particularly vigilant approach to sun safety:

• Type 1 (highest risk): Those with fair skin, light-coloured eyes (i.e., green or blue), and blonde or red hair. This group regularly get burnt and never tan. 

• Type 2: Those with fair skin and light-coloured eyes (i.e., green or blue) who burn extremely easily but may tan. 

• Type 3: Those with medium-light skin who experience initial sunburn that quickly turns to a tan. 

• Type 4: Those with a light brown skin tone that easily tans and experiences minimal sunburn. 

• Type 5: Those with a medium brown skin tone that rarely experiences sunburn.

• Type 6 (lowest risk): Those with dark brown or black skin tones that easily tan and never burn.

However, this scale fails to factor in genetics and geographical locations. The following factors also put you at a higher risk of experiencing sun damage:

1.  Had skin cancer or have a family history of skin cancer (particularly melanoma).

2. Have several moles and freckles.

3. Live or regularly visit locations at high altitudes. 

4. Spend regular time outdoors or at tanning salons, particularly in your younger years. 

Well, this is tricky to answer: technically, no, but also technically, yes. Have we lost you yet? Let us explain. While photodamage can’t be completely reversed as the damage occurs at the cellular level, what many people are technically asking is whether or not the physical symptoms (i.e., wrinkles, spider veins, loss of skin elasticity, etc.) can be counteracted and the answer is… drum roll… thankfully, YES! (well, to an extent). 

Before we go into detail about what you can do to minimise the appearance of photoageing, it’s important to note that the best treatment you’ll ever find for sun damage is prevention. And you should be happy to know there’s never a bad time to start taking it seriously. 

If you live in Australia’s unforgiving climate, you’ll no doubt have had the following tips drilled into you. However, it’s now up to you to decide whether or not you’re ready to put your skin first and stop the vicious cycle of ongoing sun damage. We recommend the following approach:

• Wear Sunscreen: Look for a quality broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects you from UVA and UVB damage that’s SPF30 or higher. Don’t forget to reapply, particularly on days you’re spending more time outdoors, in the water, or exercising! 

• Wear Protective Clothing: Wear a protective hat with a wide brim, sunglasses and long-sleeved clothing while outdoors. 

• Choose Your Time Wisely: The UV index is generally at its highest (and most aggressive) between 10 AM and 4 PM. If you need to be outdoors during these times, be extra cautious. 

• Don’t Avoid the Sun: We don’t want to scare you from getting some much-needed sun. Vitamin D is essential for our health; it’s more about wisely choosing your time and outfits.

Simple answer: Yes, if you use the right product for your skin type. As aforementioned, sun damage cannot be completely reversed, although its physical appearance can be minimised. Let’s take a closer look at the different sun-damaged skin treatments and products available:

Whether you’re looking for products for sun-damaged skin or you’re specifically after a serum for sun damage, Dr Tanya has a few recommendations to help minimise the appearance of photoageing while also improving your natural glow and radiance.