Sun Damage
What is Sun Damage?
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Skin sun damage, also known as photo-ageing or photo-damage, is characterised by repeated exposure to UVA / UVB ultraviolet radiation rays from sunlight. It is cumulative, with the damage consequently becoming more and more visible over the years of exposure.
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Clinically the signs of photo-ageing are:
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Roughness and altered texture of the skin
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Fine wrinkles and laxity
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Irregular pigmentation
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Solar commedones – large blackheads in the oily areas damaged by the sun
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Lentiginies – lesions on the skin such as sun spots, keratoses etc.
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Summary Of Your Treatment
Procedure Time
30 minutes estimated
Full Recovery
24 hours estimated
Back to Work
Immediate estimated
Sensitivity Period
1 hour estimated
Anaesthetic
No anaesthetic necessary
Duration of Results
3-4 months *
Risk & Complications
Infection, bruises, drooping brow, allergic reactions (e.g. swelling) *
Why choose Centre Of Dental Excellence?
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All Centre Of Dental Excellence doctors have years of experience in assessing and treating sun damaged skin. Our knowledge allows us to select the best treatment for you and avoid complications. We will advise on appropriate skincare and methods to reduce developing further sun damage in the future. We use only the best quality products and will advise you through every step of the procedure. Your skin and your health is our priority.
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The Science behind Sun Damage
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The sun radiates Ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) waves, which penetrate the epidermis and dermis of your skin. These waves destroy skin cells that are essential to healthy, youthful skin, with effects cumulating over the years but generally first appearing in late 20s / early 30s. The skin's smooth texture is altered due to UVB damage to the top layer – the epidermis. Wrinkling and laxity occur due to loss of collagen and elastin found in the deeper layer, the dermis, usually secondary to UVA exposure. Irregular pigmentation can occur when there is damage to the DNA of the cells that produce melanin, resulting in melanin over-production and consequent irregular, increased pigmentation. Damage to cellular DNA is also the reason for lesions that appear on the skin with time and increasing age. The damaged cells proliferate abnormally to form keratoses and may go on to become skin cancers. Finally, the enlarged pores and blackheads occur due to cellular damage, resulting in dead cells mixing with sebum and clogging the pores.
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How can Sun Damage be treated?
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Meticulous Sun Care – we advise using SPF sun protection at all times (including the winter) to protect against UVA and UVB rays. In addition to appropriate SPF protection, it is advisable to stay out of direct strong sunlight and protect your skin with appropriate sun wear (hats and glasses)
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Good skin care can help protect against the damage of sun rays – products with high antioxidant power, Vitamins A, C and E, are particularly good
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Botulinum toxin can be used to diminish wrinkles
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Fillers can be used to correct volume loss and counteract sun damage-associated laxity
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Peels can be used to improve skin texture, fine lines and altered pigmentation
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Micro-needling can be used to also improve skin texture and skin quality
Things to consider…
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Although a single treatment can provide significant results e.g. wrinkle-reducing injections, some of the other treatments may require a course of treatments to achieve optimal effects. The skin undergoes dynamic changes associated with the applied treatments, so it can take a number of weeks (or a number of treatments) before the visible signs of skin regeneration are seen and improvements may continue to evolve over the following months, providing a steady gradual improvement in appearance.
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Side effects often cannot be prevented but we are fully trained to recognise and treat any additional issues early and safely.
What our Patients Say
"I would recommend this practice to friends or family. I was treated with dignity and respect by staff at the practice at all times. I was treated very well and the procedure to be carried was fully explained to me as was the cost. I would recommend this practice to everyone. Wonderful service and treatment."
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- John Langton -