How Is Sun-Damaged Skin Treated?

Photoaging develops after repeated ultraviolet exposure and may appear as uneven tone, freckles or brown spots, rough texture, fine lines, and reduced firmness. A clinician first checks whether a rough or changing spot needs assessment for actinic keratosis or actinic cheilitis rather than cosmetic treatment. Treatment can improve visible changes, but it does not remove the need for ongoing sun protection.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, shade, and a gentle cleanser and moisturiser every day. A dermatologist may prescribe a retinoid or another product for texture or pigmentation. Procedures can be matched to the concern: fractional laser treatment or microneedling may target texture and fine lines, while skin boosters address hydration and a thread lift or facelift addresses selected laxity. The right option depends on skin tone, sensitivity, facial anatomy, active skin disease, and the result you want.

Arrange a skin examination for a spot that is new, growing, bleeding, crusting, persistently sore, or different from the surrounding marks. Seek prompt medical advice for a non-healing area on the lip or skin, or for a rapidly changing lesion. Cosmetic procedures should wait until an active rash, infection, or suspicious lesion has been assessed.

Which changes are cosmetic, and which need examination? Would prescription skincare or a procedure suit my skin tone and sensitivity? What preparation, recovery, and sun protection will the chosen treatment require?