Reversing the signs of sun damage

There’s nowhere quite like Edinburgh when the sun is shining. Whether you like to head to Portobello for a stroll along the prom, or you prefer to relax and dine al fresco in the heart of the city, making the most of the sunshine and topping up your vitamin D levels is great for the mind and body. But only if you do it sensibly. According to research by Melanoma Focus, an alarming 49% of Brits get sunburn at least once every year. And for 18-32 year olds, this figure is 65%. So what effect is the sun having on your skin? And what steps can you take to counteract sun damage?

Here comes the sun

Getting a good dose of natural sunlight can be great for your health. Vitamin D, synthesized in the skin from sunlight, boosts bone health and immune function. It also boosts serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can improve mental well-being. However, too much sun exposure can lead to sunburn, heat exhaustion, premature ageing and even cancer.

Stay safe in the sun this summer

• Use sunscreen: Get into the habit of wearing sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy.
• Cover up: Cover as much of your skin as possible with wide-brimmed hats and lightweight cotton clothing to prevent sunburn.
• Head indoors when the sun is strongest: The sun is at its most powerful between 11am and 3pm, so it’s best to head indoors or find a shady spot during these hours.
• Wear sunglasses: Exposing your eyes to the sun can result in burns to the surface of the eye, even from reflected surfaces. So protect your eyes with a pair of sunglasses that protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays.

What’s really going on under your skin?

Prolonged sun exposure can result in premature ageing of the skin and can put you at significant risk of developing skin cancer. Over time you may notice hyperpigmentation, melasma or sunspots forming on the surface of your skin. These dark patches are telltale signs of deeper damage.

Under your skin’s surface, the sun’s UV radiation can permanently alter your DNA and accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles and fine lines to form. Whilst it is not possible to completely reverse this sun damage, it is possible to treat the visible signs of sun damage on the surface, such as lines and wrinkles.

How can the aesthetic experts at YourGP help?

Dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections can be used to successfully counteract some of the ageing effects of the sun if administered in a registered clinic environment by a medical expert:

• Dermal fillers can be used to effectively counter volume loss which often occurs as a result of the sun breaking down your natural collagen and elastin.
• Anti-wrinkle injections can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines by relaxing the muscles, creating smoother looking skin.

A qualified and experienced aesthetics expert, such as YourGP’s Dr Cathrow, can combine these treatments for great results that still look natural.

Book your free consultation

If you’re interested in finding out more about reversing signs of sun damage, book a free consultation at YourGP. Here we can discuss your specific skin concerns and goals, and make treatment recommendations accordingly – whether it be dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, or a combination of the two.

To book your consultation, use our simple online booking system, email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange a free, no-commitment consultation at a time that suits you.