What should you know about repairing sun-damaged skin?

Long-term ultraviolet exposure can contribute to uneven skin tone, sun spots, fine lines, rough texture, sagging and facial volume loss. Melasma can also cause patchy facial colour and may be influenced by light and hormones. These changes do not all respond to the same treatment, and a new mark should not automatically be labelled sun damage.

Some rough or persistent spots need examination because basal cell carcinoma can resemble a sore, scaly area or a spot that repeatedly bleeds. A clinician may inspect the whole exposed skin surface and decide whether testing is needed.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin, reapply according to the product directions and add shade, protective clothing and a hat. Cleanse gently, moisturise regularly and avoid picking, abrasive scrubs or unplanned lightening products. A dermatologist may discuss prescription creams or procedures for selected pigment, texture or firmness concerns after checking the diagnosis and your skin tone. Treating visible change does not remove the need for ongoing ultraviolet protection.

Book a skin assessment for a spot that changes in colour, shape or size, develops a persistent crust, bleeds without clear injury, or fails to heal. Seek advice for a new firm or rough patch, a changing mole or pigment that looks different from nearby marks. Prompt review is also sensible when facial colour change is spreading or treatment causes burning, swelling or darkening.

Ask which changes are consistent with photoaging, whether any mark needs testing and which products are suitable for your skin tone. Discuss treatment options, expected irritation, sun precautions during treatment and how to monitor new spots.