Dermatologist reveals 6 signs of sun damage and how to treat them

We often associate sun damage with tanning and beach holidays, but the truth is that even years of basking in the British sunshine leave an invisible mark. As a beauty editor, I insist that wearing sunscreen is the non-negotiable rule of skincare—a dermatologist-backed necessity because UV rays cause damage that can remain hidden for months, if not years.

This cumulative exposure doesn’t just fade into the background; it manifests in tangible ways: stubborn hyperpigmentation, a loss of firmness, and fine lines. The good news is that awareness is the first step toward correction. To demystify this process, we consulted with Dr Anjali Mahto, a consultant dermatologist and founder of Self London, to uncover the six most common signs of sun damage, what they signify for your skin, and the best treatments available.

First, let’s address the appearance of dark patches. If you notice sunspots or hyperpigmentation on your face, hands, or chest, this is simply excess melanin production in areas that receive the highest cumulative exposure. While daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential for prevention, fading existing spots often requires targeted action. Ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and azelaic acid can work beautifully to fade pigmentation gradually. For deeper, more stubborn marks, professional treatments such as BBL offer the ability to target melanin directly where it lives.

Next, consider skin that has lost its youthful glow. UV exposure breaks down essential components like collagen and elastin, resulting in a surface that feels rougher and less reflective. To improve this texture, consistent use of retinoids and exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs) helps smooth the skin over time. For significant textural damage, laser resurfacing can deliver faster results by stimulating collagen remodelling.

Fine lines and wrinkles are another common consequence of aging accelerated by sun exposure. While some creasing is natural, prolonged sun exposure speeds up this process. Topical retinoids help prevent further damage and offer modest improvements, while the degradation of collagen naturally creates visible creasing, especially around the eyes and mouth where the skin is thinnest.

For skin that struggles with redness and visible broken capillaries, treatments must focus on soothing inflammation. Sun exposure damages blood vessels, leading to persistent flushing. While facial sunscreen and anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide help reduce overall redness, specific treatments such as BBL can selectively target these vessels for lasting improvement. Furthermore, serums featuring centella asiatica, such as the Centella Red Serum, offer exceptional soothing capabilities.

Perhaps one of the most critical losses is the loss of firmness and elasticity. Since elastin regeneration in adult skin is minimal, addressing this requires powerful support. Topical peptides act as chemical messengers, signaling skin cells to build new elastin and collagen fibers. Formulas enriched with multi-peptides and growth factors—such as those containing lysinate and advanced peptide complexes—are incredibly effective at supporting lax skin and restoring elasticity.

Finally, chronic sun exposure can cause the skin to appear “thickened” and weathered. Reversing this requires a multi-pronged approach: strict daily sunscreen application, ongoing cellular turnover via retinoids, and potentially in-clinic treatments to remove damaged layers and stimulate renewal. High-performance products like Trinny London’s See the Light line offer impressive protection while including ingredients that actively work to undo existing damage.

By Madison Clarke