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As we approach the summer months and begin to enjoy longer, warmer, sunnier days, it’s important to remember the impact that sun exposure can have on our skin’s health. So, as we prepare to tend to our gardens, fire up our BBQs or jet off on a long-awaited holiday, staying safe in the sun is paramount.
Many triggers, such as hormonal changes and skin injury can be responsible for conditions such as hyperpigmentation and sun spots, but sun exposure is the most common cause. At the Dr Tanja Phillips Medical Aesthetic Clinic, we treat a number of patients for whom pigmentation changes have affected their self confidence and impacted on their lives.
We have put together this simple guide to explain the symptoms and causes of sun spots, as well as treatment solutions for this type of sun damage. Take a look…
What do sun spots look like?
Sun spots, also known as solar lentigo, are well-defined, coloured areas of brown or greyish pigment.
They tend to develop on the hands, face, neck, and chest, so generally the areas of the body most exposed to sunlight. Once developed, sun spots may darken due to further sun exposure.
What causes sun spots and skin pigment changes?
Our bodies produce a natural skin pigment, called Melanin. When exposed to UV light, melanin is overproduced. This can, for many, result in a glowing, even tan! Sounds lovely doesn’t it? However, too much sun exposure and inadequate protection can cause uneven skin tone and darker patches of pigment to develop.
It goes without saying also, that sun damage poses far greater health risks, such as melanoma. It is important to always seek advice from your GP or dermatologist if you are concerned about areas of pigmentation or moles on the skin. Dr Tanja and her team conduct full skin assessments prior to any treatment to ensure the appropriate course of action is taken.
Protect and prevent
It’s quite simple really… avoid overexposure to the sun and always protect your skin.
By using a daily broad spectrum sun protection such as Heliocare 360, you can greatly minimise the risks of sun damage. Avoid sitting out in the sun at the hottest part of day (between 10am- 2pm) and consider wearing a hat and cover ups as well as applying sun protection regularly.
What treatments are available?
Results
Sun spots can be treated effectively using laser energy. Our Fotona Starwalker laser is a unique system which allows pigmented lesions to absorb laser light, breaking down pigment safely, without ablating the skin. This sun spot removal treatment is non-invasive, virtually painless and results can be achieved within 1-2 sessions!
Patients can expect to see a red/purple colour change after treatment initially, followed by fading within 12 hours. After about 7-10 days, the remaining pigment will flake away to reveal fresh skin underneath!
Take a look at some of our results here.
Skincare and sun protection products
As well as laser treatment, we offer an extensive range of pigment correcting clinical grade skincare and sun protection products!
Zo Skin Health Skin Brightening Program is a skin therapy system containing 5 key products to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
This at-home skin care regime is easy to follow and can be used alone or in combination with laser treatments.
New Heliocare 360 Product
We are also excited to introduce a new member of the Heliocare 360 family to our clinic!
Heliocare 360 Pigment Solution Fluid is a daily sun protection fluid, providing:
- UVA / UVB protection
- Blue light / Infrared radiation-A protection
- Anti-oxidants
- Depigmenting and repairing formula
Its lightweight formula is also water resistant, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and free from alcohol and parabens!
If you would like to find out more about our laser treatments or product ranges, please contact us on 01256 213 007 or email us at hello@tanjaphillips.com.
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