How Can I Fix Sun-Damaged Skin?

Sun exposure is an unavoidable part of daily life – and that’s not a bad thing. When the sun is out, we feel better and brighter about ourselves, so it’s no wonder lots of us crave the sun. But over time, the sun can take a significant toll on the skin. Sun damage, also known as photoaging, can cause premature wrinkles, pigmentation issues, and loss of skin elasticity. Many individuals who have spent years in the sun or using sunbeds may notice their skin appearing older than it should. The good news, however, is that we now have many options to treat sun damage, and our clinic has invested in some of the most sophisticated lasers in the world to do just that.

At McKeown Medical, we specialise in cutting-edge treatments to restore skin health and achieve natural-looking, rejuvenated results. If you’re concerned about sun-damaged skin, this guide will walk you through the signs of damage, risk factors, and the most effective treatments available.

Sun damage can present in various ways, depending on the level of exposure and individual skin type.

Common signs include:

• Wrinkles and fine lines – Premature ageing due to the breakdown of collagen and elastin.
• Uneven pigmentation – Sunspots, freckles, and hyperpigmentation from excessive UV exposure.
• Redness and blotchiness – Often caused by broken capillaries or persistent inflammation.
• Loss of skin elasticity – UV rays degrade collagen, leading to sagging skin.
• Elastosis – where the UV rays cause the skin to produce an abnormal build-up of elastin fibres, resulting in a bumpy appearance

A key distinction is photoaging versus chronological ageing. While natural ageing occurs over time, photoaging is caused specifically by sun exposure and often leads to more pronounced wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin roughness—especially in areas most exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and hands. Learn more about the effects of sun damage here.

The main culprit behind sun damage is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like sun beds. UV rays penetrate the skin and cause:

• DNA damage – Leading to mutations that accelerate ageing.
• Collagen breakdown – Weakening skin structure and resilience.
• Oxidative stress – Promoting inflammation and uneven skin tone.

Most sun damage can be corrected using laser treatments, although it depends on the severity of the damage. Whilst mild sun damage can be reversed by relatively gentle treatments, more severe damage will require more invasive options to get rid of it.

Anyone exposed to excessive UV radiation is at risk of developing sun damage, but some factors increase susceptibility:

• Fair skin tones – If you have light white skin, especially if you are fair or have red hair, your skin will be especially susceptible to the effects of sun damage.
• Outdoor occupations – If you work outdoors, prolonged exposure to the sun in everyday life increases risk.
• Sunbed users – Artificial UV exposure from sun beds dramatically accelerates the damage.
• Individuals who don’t use SPF regularly – Lack of sun protection speeds up photoaging.

Long-term sun exposure can also lead to more serious complications, such as actinic keratosis (pre-cancerous lesions) and an increased risk of skin cancer. This makes it essential to seek professional advice for skin concerns, especially if you notice any new spots or lesions appearing.

At McKeown Medical, we offer advanced treatments tailored to individual skin concerns. Here’s how we can help restore your skin’s health and radiance:

BBL (BroadBand Light) Treatment

Best for: Pigmentation, redness, pores and overall skin tone.

BBL uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to target pigmentation and redness, stimulating collagen production and improving overall skin texture. This is an excellent choice for those looking to correct uneven skin tone without significant downtime. It’s an excellent tool for patients with mild sun damage or in combination with other treatments for more advanced sun damage. Learn more about BBL treatment here.

Halo Laser Treatment

Best for: Deeper pigmentation, fine lines, and sunspots.

Halo laser treatment combines ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to target skin damage at multiple depths. This results in a smoother complexion, reduced pigmentation, and improved collagen levels. You can expect 5 days of downtime after this treatment, during which you can expect your face to be red and puffy. Halo laser is particularly effective for individuals with more moderate to severe sun damage or patients with severe sun damage who do not want to commit to a more invasive option. Click here to find out more about this treatment.

Full Laser Resurfacing

Best for: Severe sun damage, wrinkles, and deep-set pigmentation.

For those with advanced signs of photoaging, especially with deep wrinkles and elastosis, full laser resurfacing offers dramatic skin rejuvenation. This treatment removes damaged outer layers of skin, promoting the growth of fresh, healthy tissue. While downtime is longer than other options – you will need two weeks off work – the results are transformative. Learn about full laser resurfacing here.

Sun damage may be inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right treatment plan, you can restore a younger, healthier complexion. At McKeown Medical, we pride ourselves on delivering natural results that enhance your confidence.

Want to see real patient transformations? Check out our gallery for examples of our results.

If you’re ready to take the next step in reversing sun damage, book a consultation with our experts today. We’ll help you choose the best treatment plan for your skin.