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Sun (UV) Damage

While most people enjoy time in the sun, and exposure is vital to the creation of vitamin D, sunlight also contains harmful UV rays. Over time, the skin undergoes "photo-aging", the accumulation of minor damage to the skin due to these rays.

Prolonged sun exposure leads to varying degrees of skin pigmentation, lines and wrinkles, sun-spots (actinic keratoses), redness and thinning of the skin, loss of elasticity and skin tone. The areas that receive most sun exposure, and hence incur the most sun-damage, are the face, neck, 'V' of the chest, hands and forearms.

Photo-aging can end up making skin appear prematurely aged, and bring about symptoms that are separate from natural aging. OTC treatments for photoaging can help, but there are numerous cosmetic treatments available to combat the signs of photo-aging.

Treatments

Different treatments are appropriate for different varieties of sun damage, and you may have a choice between several. You can discuss what solution is most suitable with your dermatologist.

Botox. An injection of botulinum toxin (a complex type of protein) into specific muscles will immobilize those muscles, preventing them from forming wrinkles and furrows. The use of botulinum will also soften existing wrinkles.

Make an appointment

Medical Secretary, Arlene McAleese
T: 0203 983 0149  

E: dermatologyconsultantlondon@gmail.com