Sun damage

Sun damage is caused by a combination of both UVA and UVB radiation over a prolonged period of time. These harmful rays penetrate the skin and cause damage to the DNA triggering a production of free radicals that are harmful to the skin. These free radicals are highly reactive and cause damage to important cell structures in a process called oxidative stress, thus leading to cellular damage. This process will lead to the breakdown of collagen and elastin inducing premature ageing of the skin resulting in lines, wrinkles and skin laxity. Alongside this the pigment cells will produce pigment to try and protect the skin from the harmful rays, this then leads to age related sun spots and an uneven skin one.

Although it will be impossible to completely reverse sun damage there are a number steps that can be taken to minimise the appearance and improve your overall skin health. Treatments that target pigmentation and broken capillaries will even the skin tone, while skin boosters will stimulate collagen alongside a number of effective treatment for lines, wrinkles and skin textural improvements will all be effective.

Treatments can be very effective for reversing the signs of sun damage. As sun damage can refer to a number of different concerns it is important that the correct treatment is chosen to meet your expectations. For more extensive sun damage a combination therapy may be advised for optimal results. Some of the treatments available for sun damage include:

If pigment is your concern

1. If pigmentation is your main concern then treatments to target this will include Obagi Nuderm, Intense Pulse Light, Q Switch laser for deeper pigment and HydraFacial and Chemical Skin Peels for more superficial concerns.
2. If redness and broken vessels are your concern – Treatments that target the vascular inflammation such as Intense Pulse light or Regenlite will be beneficial to reduce this.
3. If fine lines and wrinkles are your concern – Treatment such as botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, Profhilo and skin resurfacing treatments such as ResurFace and Electronic Derma Stamp (EDS) will be an effective treatment option.
4. If its the skins texture you would like to improve, treatments options such as ResurFace and EDS will be very effective.

If sun damage has resulted in Skin laxity then treatment such as Exilis Ultra and Ultherapy may be advised, these are great options for lifting and tightening the skin. Prior to treatment you will have a medical consultation so that we can understand your concerns and advise the most appropriate treatment to allow you to achieve optimal results.

The key to maintaining your treatment results will ultimately depend on how you chose to protect your skin from the sun following treatment and lifestyle habits. The best way to prevent further damage is to wear sun protection factor (SPF) on a daily basis and limit our exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. Following treatment you may be advised a topical skin care regimen that includes retinoids and antioxidants alongside your daily SPF which can be further supported with nutritional therapy to maintain your skins optimal health.

ZO Principles of Skin Health Restoration specifically focus on restoring skin’s strength and optimizing cellular functions to provide the best treatment outcomes and achieve overall skin health restoration. Skin should be fortified to renew, protect and strengthen itself to maintain healthy skin for life. From correcting and management of ageing, sun damage, and skin concerns such as milia, keratosis pilaris, Eczema, dry skin, pigmentation, acne, rosacea, and protecting against future damage, ZO has your skin health covered with its clinically proven, medical skin care brand. Only the highest quality active ingredients like retinoids, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, glycolic acid, lactic acid and more. Following a consultation a prescribed regimen that works to improve your skin concern alongside its texture, repairs your skin barrier and restores a healthy, youthful appearance to your skin will be prescribed.

Healthy skin starts on the inside, for optimal results this needs to be fed daily with skin specific nutrients. To help improve the appearance of compromised skin whilst supporting skin elasticity, firmness and collagen production experts recommend supporting the skin with supplements from the Advanced Nutritional Programme (ANP) supplement range alongside a healthy diet. Traditional skincare is turned inside out with the innovative, award-winning range of evidence-based skincare supplements. While topical skincare only treats 50% of the skin on the surface, ANP potent nutritional blends feed your skin from within for a proven, 100% skincare approach, your skin will certainly thank you for it. Following your consultation we can advised a complete nutritional approach to optimise your skin health.