When the sun is shining most of us just want to get out there and enjoy the feeling of warmth on our skin. While we know all about how the sun can damage our skin, as well as burning and premature ageing, over exposure to the sun can lead to sun spots which can also make you look older. Not great.
And while you may think that sun spots and freckles go hand in hand with summer, think again. Freckles and sun spots are not the same thing. Lee Garrett, a trained Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner and skincare expert explains...
What are sunspots?
Solar Keratoses or sun spots are skin lesions that develop as a result of exposure to the sun’s UV rays. They can come in different shapes and colours. They are very common on areas of the skin that are regularly exposed to the sun, particularly on the nose, cheeks, upper lip, temples, ears, forehead, neck and hands.
Are sunspots the same as freckles?
No sun spots are not the same as they are caused by over sun exposure. They make look similar, but they are different. Freckles are small brownish spots of melanin on human skin in people who have a fair complexion generally people are predisposed to getting freckles . They are predominately found on the face can be avoided by using a high sunscreen.
How are sun spots caused?
Sun spots are signs of sun damage to our skin. This damage accumulates over some time so sun spots are more likely to appear as we age. They are also more common in those with darker skin or who tan easily.
Are certain skin types more susceptible to forming sun spots?
Those with darker skin or who tan easily have more melanin in their skin and are more susceptible to sun spots. Child birth control can also cause problem with melanin in the skin.
How can you prevent them?
You can prevent sun spots by using sunscreen protection; use sunscreen everyday to make sure your skin is protected from dangerous UVA and UVB rays. Invest in a high quality sun cream with a high SPF concentration and remember to stay out of direct sunlight between 10am and 4pm when the sun is at it’s hottest.
Certain medications encourage the occurrence of sun spots so make sure you check if exposure to the sun will increase your risk of developing sun spots. Perfumes can also contribute to the appearance of sun spots.
If you have sunspots are there any products you can use to get rid of them?
Applying Aloe Vera twice a day helps the sun damaged areas as aloe vera has remarkable natural healing properties. Lemons are also the most effective remedies for hyper pigmentation, it has the ability to lighten skin which helps to even out the skin tone.
The citric acid in lemon washes away dead skin and facilitates growth of new skin cells so you end up with brightened skin! Vitamin E tablets (Holland and Barrett £4.55) work great as an antioxidant, which neutralizes free radicals that are produced by UVrays that helps protect and repair your skin.
In terms of treatments I’d recommend chemical peeling, laser resurfacing or microdermabrasion as professional dermatological treatments.
What is photorejuvenation?
Photorejuvenation is a skin treatment that uses an Broad Band Light which eliminates blemishes which gives you a healthier, fresher look. I used a Broadband Light (BBL) that delivers pulses of light onto the skin. Using a single wavelength it helps stimulate new collagen which leads to firmer, tighter younger looking skin, also removing brown sun spots and red veins at the same time.
What does the treatment involve?
The treatment involves a patch test initially to see how your skin responds to the first treatment and to also make sure your skin is not too tanned, the light BBL is fired at the skin and the light is converted to energy in your skin and is absorbed into the brown sun spot which absorbs the energy. The spot eventually darkens and falls off within 7 to 10 days. Several sessions may be needed.
What kind of results can you expect?
You can expect up to 80% improvement after just one session, the skin is also left feeling very soft and tight.
How many treatments do you need for results?
I would recommend 3 to 4 sessions that provide excellent long term results, I also recommend that a maintenance treatment is done at least twice yearly.
How long do the results last for?
The results are permanent as long as you don’t go back in the sun and sunbath.How much is a treatment session? Treatments start from as little as £250 up to £350 per session.
Who gets the best results?
Unfortunately lighter skin will achieve the best results but there are other treatments for darker skin types that can help their hyper-pigmentation.
What's the best way to protect your skin from the signs of ageing in your opinion?
Stay indoors, stay away from windows - seriously! Wear SPF all year round and stay in the shade as much as you can and invest in some good skincare.
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