Skin Concerns

Sun Damage

Adelaide's climate means most of us carry some degree of cumulative sun exposure in our skin, even without a history of sunburn. Sun damage builds gradually - and shows up in ways that aren't always obvious at first.

What it is

Understanding sun damage

Sun damage refers to the cumulative effect of UV exposure on the skin - including pigmentation changes, broken capillaries, rough texture, and a breakdown of the skin's collagen and elastin over time. It's one of the most common, and most preventable, drivers of visible skin ageing.

UV radiation penetrates the skin's layers and triggers melanin overproduction - leading to sun spots and uneven tone - while also breaking down collagen fibres deeper in the skin.

Cumulative exposure over years, rather than a single event, is usually what drives visible sun damage - though sunburn history plays a role too.

What you might notice

Signs to be aware of

Flat, darkened spots on the face, hands, or décolletage
Fine broken capillaries, particularly across the nose and cheeks
Rough or uneven skin texture that wasn't there before
Skin that looks dull or tired despite a good skincare routine
Fine lines and a loss of firmness appearing earlier than expected
Freckling that has become more widespread or pronounced
The science

What UV exposure does to the skin

UV radiation penetrates the skin's outer and deeper layers. In the epidermis, it triggers melanocytes to overproduce melanin, resulting in sun spots, freckling, and diffuse unevenness. In the dermis, it degrades collagen and elastin fibres directly and cumulatively, reducing the skin's firmness and smoothness over time.

It's the accumulation of exposure across years - rather than any single sunburn - that generally drives the sun damage we see clinically, though a significant burn history does compound the effect. In South Australia's climate and UV index, this cumulative exposure is highly relevant for the vast majority of our clients, and photoageing is often a more significant factor than chronological age alone.

Because this process is ongoing with every unprotected exposure, sun damage tends to progress unless UV protection becomes a consistent daily habit.

SPF 50+ daily is central to preventing further damage while any treatment plan is underway.

Our approach

How we can support you

Addressing sun damage usually involves a combination approach. IPL skin rejuvenation may help support more even tone and reduce the appearance of pigmentation and broken capillaries. Skin needling and advanced growth factor therapy may help support the skin's collagen renewal process.

Your clinician will assess your skin type and sun exposure history during a consultation to recommend the right combination for you.

IPL Skin Rejuvenation Skin Needling Advanced Growth Factor Therapy

Device treatment

IPL Skin Rejuvenation

May help support more even tone and reduce the appearance of pigmentation and broken capillaries.

Dermal treatment

Skin Needling

May help support the skin's collagen renewal process and improve overall texture over a treatment course.

Advanced treatment

Growth Factor Therapy

Supports the skin's natural repair process, often used alongside skin needling for sun-damaged skin.

Individual results vary. A consultation is required to determine suitability and the most appropriate treatment approach for your skin.
Take the first step

Talk to us about sun damage

Heather will assess your skin type and sun exposure history before recommending the right combination for you.

Book a Consultation

Performed by Heather, our experienced dermal clinician, at our Largs Bay clinic.

Last reviewed: August 2026.