sunspots skin damage

Premature ageing of the skin

Sun damage to your skin can result in the development of fine lines and wrinkles, discolouration and textural changes. These cosmetic effects of sun damage can make your skin look prematurely aged and visibly damaged.

Fine lines and wrinkles

After years of sun exposure, the inner layers of the skin thicken and their ability to retain moisture is reduced. This can lead to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.These are particularly common around the eyes and mouths of middled-aged and older Australians.

Discolouration

The overactivity of tanning cells (melanocytes), caused by years of sun exposure, can result in the development of brown freckles, the growth of lesions known as solar lentigines and the appearance of small white marks about 2-5 millimetres in size, which are particularly common on shins and forearms.

Textural changes

Sun damage can also lead to changes in the texture of your skin – the way it feels when it is touched.

Years of sun damage can lead to the outer layer of the skin becoming thinner, meaning it easily blisters, tears and grazes.

At the same time, long term sun exposure can lead to the thicker, inner layers of the skin losing their elasticity. This can lead to the development of yellow, thickened bumps on parts of the skin that have endured the most sun exposure, like the back of the neck and hands.