Berkshire Aesthetics
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Sun Damage Treatments

Diagnosis and treatment of chronic actinic damage and photoageing

Chronic actinic damage (photoageing) results from cumulative ultraviolet radiation exposure causing DNA photoproduct formation, collagen degradation, elastosis and melanocytic dysregulation. At Berkshire Aesthetics, our medical assessment differentiates between benign photodamage and lesions requiring dermatological referral, before recommending appropriate resurfacing and phototherapeutic protocols.

Doctor-Led
CQC Registered
Award-Recognised
Est. 2016

Aetiology & Contributing Factors

  • Cumulative UV exposure over years, even without burning
  • Sunburn episodes, particularly in childhood and adolescence
  • Inadequate sun protection (no SPF or insufficient reapplication)
  • Use of tanning beds or sunlamps
  • Outdoor occupations or lifestyles with high UV exposure
  • Fair skin types that are more susceptible to UV damage
  • Certain medications that increase photosensitivity

Clinical Presentation

  • Sunspots, age spots and solar lentigines (flat brown marks)
  • Uneven skin tone and mottled complexion
  • Rough, dry or leathery skin texture
  • Fine lines and premature wrinkling, particularly on the face, neck, chest and hands
  • Loss of skin elasticity and firmness
  • Visible broken capillaries or diffuse redness
  • Actinic keratoses (rough, scaly patches that may require medical assessment)

Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities

Treatment selection is individualised following clinical assessment, taking into account disease severity, Fitzpatrick skin type, medical history and patient goals.

Chemical Peels

Medical-grade chemical peels remove sun-damaged surface skin to reveal fresher, more even skin beneath. They improve tone, texture and mild pigmentation. Peel type and depth are selected based on the extent of your sun damage.

Alma Hybrid CO2

Alma Hybrid CO2 laser precisely resurfaces sun-damaged skin, targeting pigmentation, textural irregularities and fine lines. It stimulates deep collagen renewal for comprehensive photodamage correction.

Dermalux Triwave MD

Dermalux LED phototherapy supports skin healing, reduces inflammation and promotes cellular repair. It complements peels and laser treatments and is suitable for maintaining skin health between more intensive sessions.

Why we start with a consultation

Every treatment begins with a medical assessment. We need to understand your medical history, current health, skin condition and concerns before prescribing any procedure. This protects your safety and ensures the treatment is clinically appropriate for you.

During your consultation, Dr Langdon will explain what the treatment can realistically achieve, any risks specific to you, and whether an alternative might be more appropriate.

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All bookings are subject to our Booking Conditions.

Clinical FAQs: Sun Damage

Many visible signs of sun damage can be significantly improved with appropriate treatment. However, prevention through consistent sun protection is essential to avoid further damage and maintain results.
Common signs include sunspots, uneven tone, rough texture, fine lines and loss of elasticity. A clinical skin assessment can identify the extent of photodamage and guide treatment recommendations.
The best approach depends on your skin type, the type and severity of damage, and your goals. Your doctor may recommend peels, laser or a combination. This is assessed during consultation.
This varies by treatment and severity. Chemical peels may involve a course of 3–6 sessions. Laser resurfacing may require 1–3 sessions. Your doctor will recommend an individualised plan.
Yes, with careful assessment. Treatment selection is tailored to your skin type to minimise risk. Darker skin tones may require different approaches to avoid pigmentation changes.
Chemical peels involve a few days of peeling. Laser resurfacing may require 5–10 days of recovery. LED therapy has no downtime. Your doctor will explain what to expect for your specific plan.
Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is essential, both during and after treatment. Newly treated skin is more susceptible to UV damage, and sun protection is critical to maintaining results.
If you have any moles or skin lesions that have changed in size, shape or colour, we recommend seeing your GP or a dermatologist for assessment. Our treatments address cosmetic photodamage.
Clinically reviewed by

Dr Selena Langdon — Medical Director, MBBS

GMC 6159259

Last reviewed:

Clinical Summary

Expected Recovery PeriodMinimal to moderate — LED therapy has no downtime; peels involve 2–5 days of peeling; laser resurfacing may require 5–10 days of recovery
Therapeutic ResponsePeels show improvements within 1–2 weeks; laser results develop over 4–8 weeks as skin heals and collagen remodels; optimal results after a course of treatments over 2–4 months

Clinical Governance

  • Our doctors assess the full extent of photodamage and create a targeted treatment plan addressing your specific concerns
  • We offer multiple treatment options — from gentle peels and LED to advanced laser resurfacing — so your plan matches your skin type and damage severity
  • Sun protection education and skincare guidance are integral to every sun damage treatment plan

Book a Consultation

Request a medical assessment for your sun damage with our clinical team.

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Related Conditions

Further Reading & Clinical References

The following external resources provide independent clinical and regulatory information.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual suitability for any treatment is assessed during a consultation. Always seek the guidance of a qualified medical professional with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Clinical governance

Page last reviewed: February 2026

Reviewed by Dr Selena Langdon, Medical Director (GMC 6159259) — Last reviewed: February 2026

Request a Clinical Assessment

Book a medical consultation to discuss diagnosis and an individualised treatment protocol.

Book a ConsultationCall us: 01628 202028