Photodamage

Over the years, our skin is been exposed to a number of environmental stressors, which cause damage that can reach the deepest layers of your skin.

Photodamage or sun damage (solar lentigines), caused by the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, is the main cause of the fine lines, wrinkles and age spots that you may already see or you will eventually see on your face and hands.

Ageing can be categorised as ‘intrinsic’ (simply caused by getting old, our genetic makeup, skin type etc) or ‘extrinsic’ (influenced by external factors such as smoking, sun exposure, lifestyle choices, pollution etc)

Most people don’t realize that approximately 90% of what we perceive as inevitable ageing is caused by extrinsic factors – sun exposure being the main culprit. Sunscreen is the most effective skin care product that prevents the outward signs of ageing. As the occurrence of dangerous skin cancers continues to rise, there is overwhelming data that supports consistent sunscreen use.

The Birmingham Pigmentation Clinic recommend that you wear a sunscreen  that protects you against UVA and UVB every day. UVA is around 365 days a year and therefore, sunscreen should be worn 365 days a year as those UVA rays can penetrate through cloud and glass – yes, even when it’s raining or snowing you need to wear sunscreen. Don’t think of it as sun – think of your protection as protection against UV damage!

In addition, antioxidants  add to nature’s own way of protecting the skin by helping to neutralise free radicals, lighten skin and stimulate collagen. They are anti-inflammatory as well and improve overall skin health.

Sun damage, sometimes known as “liver spots” (although they have absolutely nothing to do with the liver!), “sun spots” or “age spots” starts developing after cumulative sun exposure and skin becomes dull, pigmented, lack luster and fine lines & wrinkles worsen.

Fortunately, signs of sun damage can be reversed to a degree and certainly improved. At The Birmingham Pigmentation Clinic we have a range of lasers, products such as Obagi, Pigmanorm and Amelan (link), and treatments available to help with signs of photodamage.