At our CQC-registered dermatology clinic, our consultant dermatologist-led team checks your skin first and then recommends treatment to improve its appearance. Patients travel to us from across Kent, including Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Ashford, Folkestone, Dover and Deal.
About the Condition
Ultraviolet light damages the skin’s collagen, elasticity and pigment cells. The effects build up over decades, and often show on the face, neck, chest, shoulders and backs of the hands.
Common features include:
- Brown sun spots and uneven pigmentation
- Fine lines, rough texture and loss of firmness
- Visible redness or small blood vessels
- Rough, scaly patches, which may be actinic keratoses
- A dry, dull or leathery look to the skin
Some sun-related changes are harmless, while others need monitoring or treatment, which is why we look at your skin as a whole before recommending anything. Any new, changing or bleeding mark should be checked promptly.
How We Treat It
Treatment starts with a full clinical assessment, including a check of any marks that look unusual. Once we are sure which changes are harmless, we can plan treatment to suit your skin.
Laser and IPL can treat sun spots and redness, medical skin peels and microneedling improve texture and tone, and regular sunscreen helps to protect your results. Individual results vary, and treatment is often a course of sessions.
When to See a Specialist
Please have any mole or mark that is new, growing, changing colour, itchy or bleeding checked promptly. Rough, scaly patches that do not settle should also be assessed.
Book a consultation if you have had a lot of sun exposure, have fair skin, or would like both a skin check and advice on improving the look of sun-damaged skin. Please call us for a swift appointment if a mark is changing quickly.
Further reading: NHS – Sunscreen and sun safety · DermNet – Ageing skin · British Association of Dermatologists
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sun damage be reversed?
Some of the visible signs, such as sun spots, redness and rough texture, can be improved with treatment, but the underlying damage cannot be fully undone. Protecting your skin prevents further damage.
Is sun-damaged skin a risk for skin cancer?
Sun damage is the main cause of most skin cancers, which is why we check your skin before treating cosmetic concerns.
What is the best treatment for sun spots?
Laser or IPL is commonly used for sun spots after assessment. Your clinician will check that a mark is harmless before treating it.
How can I protect my skin?
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, seek shade in strong sun, cover up and avoid sunbeds.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on the concern and treatment chosen. Most plans involve a course of sessions, which we will explain at your consultation.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with us, online or by phone.
Get your concern assessed
First step
Dermatology Consultation: Specialty Doctor £250, Consultant Dermatologist £300
Appointment
30 minutes
Availability
Usually within 1 to 2 weeks
Consultant Dermatologist appointments are booked by phone or email, so we can check whether you are insured or self-funding.
Treatments for Sun-Damaged Skin
Related conditions
