Skin Conditions
Sun Damage in Northampton
Years of sun exposure catching up with the skin is one of the most common reasons people from Kettering, Corby and Northampton come to consultation — often surprised at how much can still be improved.
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Trusted in Northampton since 2003 — over 20 years of doctor-led aesthetic medicine.
The Cumulative Effect of Years of Sun Exposure — and What Can Be Done About It
Sun damage is the single biggest cause of premature skin ageing. Ultraviolet radiation breaks down collagen and elastin, disrupts melanin production, damages the skin's DNA at a cellular level, and accelerates virtually every visible sign of ageing. The effects accumulate silently over decades — the sun damage that manifests as age spots, uneven pigmentation, broken veins, rough texture and loss of firmness in the forties and fifties is largely the result of exposure that occurred in the teens, twenties and thirties.
Sun damaged skin presents in several distinct ways. Pigmentation changes — age spots, sun spots and areas of uneven discolouration — develop as melanocyte activity becomes dysregulated by cumulative UV exposure. Texture changes — roughness, dullness and an overall loss of the smooth, even surface of healthy skin — develop as collagen breaks down and cell turnover slows. Vascular changes — redness, broken capillaries and diffuse facial redness — develop as UV exposure damages the walls of small blood vessels. Loss of firmness and elasticity accelerates as collagen and elastin are broken down faster than the skin can replace them.
The good news is that sun damaged skin responds well to treatment. Many of the changes associated with sun damage are reversible with the right combination of clinical treatment and consistent sun protection going forward.
Treatments to Consider
Consistent daily sun protection is the non-negotiable foundation of any sun damage treatment plan — without SPF 30 or higher applied every day, any improvement achieved through clinical treatment will be undermined by continued UV exposure.
IPL Skin Treatments and PhotoFabulous™ are among the most effective treatments for the pigmentation and vascular changes associated with sun damage, performed by Jenna Johnston or Dr John Tanqueray. Microneedling and Tixel® stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture progressively. ResurFX™ and Chemical Peels accelerate skin renewal and improve surface pigmentation and texture. Collagen stimulating treatments rebuild structural collagen lost to UV damage. Professional Skincare — vitamin C, retinol and niacinamide — is the essential daily complement to clinical treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sun damage from years ago still be improved now?
Yes — many of the changes it causes are reversible with the right combination of clinical treatment and consistent sun protection going forward.
Do I need to change my skincare routine as well as have treatment?
Yes — daily SPF and the right actives (vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide) are essential, otherwise ongoing UV exposure undermines clinical treatment.
How many IPL sessions will I need?
This depends on the extent of pigmentation and vascular changes, and is set out at consultation once we've assessed your skin.
Is this the same as treating rosacea or broken veins?
There's overlap in the technology, but the treatment plan is tailored to what's actually driving your skin's presentation — see our separate pages on Rosacea and Broken Veins if either is a specific concern.
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More From the Mulberry House Journal
Browse further articles and advice from the clinic in the Mulberry House Journal.
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