sun damage (photoageing / photodamage)

Chronic sun exposure is the leading cause of premature skin ageing and a major risk factor for skin cancer. Sun damage—also called photoageing or photodamage—affects not just how your skin looks, but also its long-term health. Understanding the signs and knowing your options can help you protect, repair, and rejuvenate your skin at any age.

How Does Sun Damage Affect the Skin?

UV exposure triggers a cascade of changes in the skin:

Oxidative stress damages skin cells and accelerates ageing.
Breakdown of collagen and elastin weakens the skin’s structure, leading to wrinkles and laxity.
Abnormal pigment production causes sunspots, freckles, and patchy pigmentation.
DNA mutations increase the risk of precancerous lesions and skin cancer.

what are the signs of sun damage?

Texture changes: Roughness, dryness, thinning skin
Pigment changes: Sunspots (lentigines), freckles, mottled or uneven pigmentation, areas of lighter or darker skin
Visible blood vessels: Especially on the cheeks and nose
Wrinkles and sagging: Crow’s feet, forehead lines, and lines around the mouth
Precancerous lesions: Actinic keratoses—rough, scaly patches that need medical attention
Leathery or yellow skin: Especially on the neck, forearms, and hands

treatment options with Dr Liz

Dr Liz Dawes-Higgs offers a layered, personalised approach to managing sun damage from prevention to treatment, always aiming to enhance skin health.

Prevention

Daily sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every day (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide preferred)
Protective clothing: Hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves
Sun-smart habits: Avoid midday sun, never use tanning beds, and seek shade when possible

Topical Therapies

Retinoids: Stimulate collagen, smooth fine lines, and fade pigmentation
Vitamin C: Antioxidant protection and skin brightening
Pigment correctors: Hydroquinone or azelaic acid to reduce dark spots
Niacinamide: Strengthens the skin barrier and reduces inflammation

Field Therapies (for widespread severe sun damage)

Prescription creams: Such as 5-fluorouracil or imiquimod, to clear actinic keratoses and precancerous changes
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): Light-based treatment that targets and removes abnormal cells, especially effective for the face and scalp

Laser and Light-Based Treatments

BroadBand Light (BBL): Reduces sunspots, redness, and improves overall skin tone; also stimulates collagen for firmer skin
Fractional ablative lasers (CO₂, Er:YAG): Resurface the skin, reduce wrinkles, and improve texture (downtime varies)
Non-ablative lasers: Stimulate collagen with minimal downtime. These include the Fraxel Dual Laser.
Radiofrequency: with minimal downtime
Vascular lasers: Target visible blood vessels and redness

Superficial Chemical Peels

These include glycolic, lactic, salicylic acids for gentle texture and pigment improvement

advanced treatments for sun-damaged skin

A multimodal approach is often the most effective way to restore and maintain healthy, youthful skin after sun damage. At Northern Sydney Dermatology & Laser, Dr Liz Dawes-Higgs offers a suite of evidence-based treatments, always tailored to your individual needs and goals.

Skin Collagen Support

Collagen-stimulating treatments (described as “Skin Collagen Support” in my clinic) are designed to rebuild your skin’s natural structure:

Volume & Firmness: These treatments help stimulate your body’s own collagen production, improving skin elasticity, texture, and thickness in sun-damaged areas such as the face.
Clinical Evidence: Studies show increased collagen and elastin fibres, improved skin elasticity, and a reduction in fine lines and laxity after treatment.
What to Expect: Results develop gradually over several months as new collagen forms, providing a natural, long-lasting improvement.

Skin Lines Support

My “Skin Lines Support” treatments use advanced techniques to softening dynamic lines (“crow’s feet”) and helping to prevent new lines from forming. Treatments are carefully dosed to maintain natural facial expression. These procedures can be used to gently lift the outer eyebrow area or the corners of the mouth as well.

Skin Hydration & Glow Support

Hydration is essential for healthy, resilient skin, especially after sun exposure. In clinic procedures aim to provide deep hydration, improve skin elasticity, and support a radiant appearance. Repeated treatments are required and over time can stimulate fibroblast activity, further supporting skin quality.

Facial Volume Support

Volume loss — due to sun damage and ageing — can worsen skin crepiness and accentuate wrinkles and folds:

Volume Restoration: Using advanced treatment techniques (“Facial Volume Support”), I restore support and lift to the face, improving the drape and tautness of overlying sun-damaged skin.
Benefits: Reduces shadowing, softens deep folds, and supports a more youthful contour.

why early treatment matters

Sun damage is more than a cosmetic issue—it’s a precancerous state. Many aesthetic treatments also help prevent the development of skin cancers, especially in those with extensive sun damage. Early intervention and ongoing care can make a significant difference in both the appearance and health of your skin.

your personalised plan

Dr Liz will assess your unique needs and design a treatment plan that may combine several of these options for best results. Ongoing maintenance—like repainting the Harbour Bridge—helps keep your results fresh and long-lasting.

why choose dr liz dawes-higgs?

With over 20 years’ experience as a specialist dermatologist, Dr Liz offers personalised, evidence-based care using advanced laser technology and tailored solutions for smoother skin lines, restored facial volume, boosted collagen, and enhanced skin hydration and glow.

Dr Liz Dawes-Higgs will create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. Her approach always prioritises natural, balanced results for a refreshed and confident appearance.

For more information or to book a consultation with Dr Liz, or please contact the clinic on (02) 9958 1555.