How to Treat Sun Damage Effectively
Prolonged sun exposure can lead to visible skin damage such as pigmentation, fine lines, dryness, and an uneven texture. UV radiation accelerates skin ageing and can compromise skin health over time. At The Cosmetic Suite, our expert-led solutions offer proven ways to reverse and repair the effects of sun damage and protect the skin from further harm.
What is the Best Treatment for Sun Damage?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy is considered the best treatment option for sun damaged skin. By using precise pulses of light, IPL targets discolouration, broken capillaries, and uneven tone caused by UV exposure. This non-invasive treatment stimulates collagen production and leaves skin looking brighter, clearer, and more even. It’s a safe, effective solution with minimal downtime.
Other Recommended Treatments:
We recommend Secret PRO as an advanced treatment for sun damage because it effectively targets and reverses the signs of photodamage at a deeper level. Combining fractional CO₂ laser with radiofrequency microneedling, Secret PRO not only resurfaces the skin but also stimulates collagen and elastin regeneration. This dual approach helps to smooth texture, fade sun-induced pigmentation, and restore skin firmness, delivering comprehensive rejuvenation. By addressing both the visible and underlying effects of sun damage, Secret PRO offers a powerful solution for restoring healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
Excel V+ for Sun Damage
An advanced vascular and pigmentation laser that treats sun-induced redness, broken capillaries, and pigmentation. With dual wavelengths, Excel V+ delivers targeted results on both surface and deeper sun damage. It is particularly effective for persistent pigmentation and redness that doesn't respond well to IPL alone. Excel V+ offers precision targeting with customisable settings for different skin concerns, making it an excellent option for patients looking for highly tailored sun damage correction with minimal recovery time.
The Best Serum for Sun Damage
Our top recommendation for treating and preventing sun damage is the Clinical Skin Retinol + Peptide Refining Serum. This potent formula combines pure retinol, Bakuchiol, and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 to stimulate collagen, improve skin texture, and fade discolouration without irritation. It repairs visible signs of photoaging while reinforcing the skin’s barrier, making it ideal for anyone looking to reverse sun damage.
Skincare for Sun Damage
- EltaMD UV AOX Elements SPF 50: Tinted mineral sunscreen with antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, bisabolol, and ginger root. It offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and blocks 56% of blue light, while calming redness and hydrating the skin.
- EltaMD Restore Tinted SPF: A gentle, post-procedure safe sunscreen that hydrates and protects, ideal for daily use on sensitised or sun-damaged skin.
- Clinical Skin Retinol + AOX Renewal Cream: This formula combines gentle retinoid action with seven antioxidants, including Vitamins C & E, Squalane, and Green Tea, to fight oxidative stress and restore radiance to sun-damaged skin.
- Skinbetter Science AlphaRet: A revolutionary retinoid blend that offers the power of retinol with minimal irritation. It improves tone, texture, and elasticity, ideal for repairing UV-damaged skin.
- Skinbetter Science Even Tone Correcting Serum: A hydroquinone-free serum that brightens and balances skin tone. Effective against sunspots and discolouration with a calming, antioxidant-rich formula.
- Skinbetter Alto Defense Serum: Antioxidant powerhouse that neutralises free radical damage and protects against environmental stressors. Enhances radiance and skin tone, while defending against future damage.
- Clinical Skin Polypeptide Firming Serum: A potent serum formulated to visibly firm, lift, and smooth the skin. Packed with bioavailable peptides and growth factor stimulators, it helps to restore elasticity, support collagen renewal, and improve overall skin tone and resilience—ideal for reversing the signs of sun-induced ageing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sun damage is caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which break down collagen and elastin, create pigmentation, and impair the skin’s ability to repair itself.
While not all effects can be completely erased, treatments such as IPL and skincare with retinoids and antioxidants can dramatically improve sun-damaged skin.
Yes, UV rays penetrate clouds and glass. Daily use of broad-spectrum mineral SPF, we love EltaMD UV AOX Elements, is essential to prevent further damage.
Retinoids, antioxidants (Vitamin C and E), peptides, and hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid are key to repairing and protecting sun-damaged skin.
This depends on the severity of damage and individual skin type. A series of 3–6 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart, is commonly recommended but as always, a consultation with our expert team will determine what’s best for you.
Yes, and it’s highly beneficial. Retinol boosts cell turnover, fades pigmentation, and stimulates collagen. Choose gentle but effective formulations such as Clinical Skin or Skinbetter AlphaRet for best results.