Sun Damage Treatment

Sun damage (photoaging) is the gradual change in skin caused by repeated sun exposure over time. It often shows up as a mix of:

• uneven tone and dullness
• rough skin texture
• fine lines and early wrinkles
• enlarged pores
• scattered areas of discolouration

These changes are most noticeable on areas of skin that are regularly exposed to the sun—face, chest, neck, shoulders and hands.

Not all “sun damage” is sun damage. Some marks that look like UV change can be driven by irritation, eczema, contact reactions, hormone-sensitive pigment patterns, or lesions that need medical assessment. A proper consultation matters because laser is most effective when we treat the right problem.

How Laser Resurfacing Repairs Sun Damaged Skin

People often search for a single answer—”Which laser is best?” In practice, results are best when we match the treatment to the pattern of sun damage and the way your skin behaves.

At Chiswick Clinic, we use a dual pathway approach:

• one pathway focuses on uneven tone from sun exposure, where selected superficial colour change is treated carefully (we may use a yellow-spectrum laser and, in suitable cases, a 577 nm wavelength)
• the other pathway focuses on texture change in sun-damaged skin, using laser resurfacing (including Er:YAG resurfacing) to improve roughness and fine lines in suitable patients

Put simply: tone and texture are not the same problem. Treating only one can leave you thinking “it helped, but not enough”. We decide whether you need tone work, texture work, or staged treatment that does both.

What you may notice as the skin heals

Depending on the type of laser treatment work we do, you may see:

• mild redness immediately after treatment (often settling within hours)
• temporary darkening or speckling where superficial colour change is being cleared
• a light crust or flake as the outer layer of skin renews

We explain expected changes in advance because confidence comes from knowing what’s normal—and what isn’t.

What laser can realistically improve

Laser therapy can help with:

• uneven skin tone caused by cumulative sun exposure
• rough skin texture and early photoaging changes
• fine lines and surface dullness (when resurfacing is appropriate)
• selected superficial discolouration (in carefully chosen cases)

Laser works best when the skin barrier is supported and sun protection is consistent. Without that, results are less predictable and future sun damage accumulates again.

Treatable Areas: Face, Décolletage, and Shoulders

Sun damage is usually worst where the skin has been repeatedly exposed to the sun.

Typical treatment zones include:

• face (full face or targeted zones)
• décolletage / chest
• neck (often more reactive and requires extra caution)
• shoulders
• hands

Different areas heal differently. The chest and neck can be more sensitive, and hands can take longer to look fully settled. That is why we choose settings and downtime advice based on the treatment area, not just the device.

Am I a Candidate for Sun Damage Repair?

Most people searching for laser sun damage treatment want two things: reassurance it is safe, and a realistic idea of results.

You may be a good candidate if you have:

• uneven tone or dullness linked to sun exposure
• roughness, fine lines, or early wrinkles you want to improve
• stable skin that can tolerate controlled treatment
• a willingness to protect results with consistent sun protection

We may delay or adapt treatment if you have:

• recent sunburn, tanning, or excessive exposure to the sun
• active dermatitis, infection, or broken skin
• a history of significant post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after procedures
• a pigment pattern that suggests melasma or inflammation-driven change (where heat can worsen outcomes)

A consultation (around 20 minutes) helps us separate treatable sun damage from lookalikes and decide on the safest approach for your skin type.

When we pause, delay, or advise against treatment

We may advise against treatment (or pause the plan) if:

• a lesion is changing, bleeding, ulcerating, or not clearly benign (this needs medical assessment; laser is not used as camouflage)
• there is a risk of treating the wrong diagnosis
• the risk of post-treatment pigment change outweighs the likely benefit

This is a clinic where decisions are made clinically, not commercially.

Our Commitment to Safety & Clinical Expertise

Sun damage is not simply a cosmetic issue. It can affect confidence, comfort and quality of life. That is why you can access dermatology expertise within the clinic.

Treatment may include:

• a structured assessment and diagnosis
• advice on simple skincare and barrier repair (fragrance-free where possible)
• guidance on sun protection habits and how to protect your skin day-to-day
• a staged treatment plan to improve tone and skin texture safely
• a review pathway so we can adjust settings rather than pushing intensity

Your consultation is delivered by one of our medical experts. Your treatment can then be carried out either by the same clinician or by one of our experienced laser therapists, depending on your needs and the treatment plan. This means decisions are made clinically, not commercially.

CQC Regulation

Chiswick Clinic is CQC registered.

Clinician Credentials

Your assessment of your skin, diagnosis and treatment plan are led by a doctor. Dermatology oversight is available within the clinic when needed, and we prioritise diagnosis first—especially when there is any uncertainty about what a mark represents.

Laser Quality

We use medical-grade lasers with appropriate servicing and calibration. The aim is controlled improvement with predictable healing—not aggressive settings for quick wins.

Insurance

Appropriate insurance arrangements are in place for medical and laser practice.

Patch Testing

Patch testing is used when it improves safety and decision-making—particularly in patients with higher pigment risk, reactive skin, first-time laser exposure, or when treating more sensitive areas such as neck and chest. Where patch testing is recommended, we explain what we are testing for, how long we want to observe the area, and how it affects your treatment plan.

Your Treatment Journey: What to Expect

1. Consultation
   Your initial consultation focuses on your goals, your history of sun exposure, what skincare you are using, and whether you have reacted to treatments in the past. We examine your skin, discuss realistic outcomes, and agree a treatment plan.
2. Your treatment plan
   We build a personalised treatment plan based on your skin type, your treatment area, and whether you mainly need tone improvement, texture improvement, or both.
3. The laser session
   Treatment sessions are typically around 30 minutes. Most people describe quick warmth or short snaps. We work steadily rather than rushing. Immediately after treatment, skin may look more red and feel warm. If we have treated superficial colour change, the treated area may darken temporarily before it clears.
4. Number of treatments
   Number of treatments varies. Some patients see improvement after one treatment; others need a short course. We plan sessions over several weeks, with adjustments based on response.
5. Review and next steps
   We review progress, refine settings, and decide whether to continue, pause, or change the plan. The goal is best possible results with the lowest avoidable risk.

Pre-Treatment & Aftercare Guidelines

Good preparation and aftercare protect results. We provide an aftercare pack for the first few days and clear written instructions.

Prior to treatment

• avoid tanning and avoid sun exposure as much as possible in the treatment area
• avoid harsh exfoliation and new active products for several days
• tell us about a history of cold sores, pigment change after procedures, or sensitivity to light treatment
• follow guidance on pausing active skincare (such as retinoids or acids) if advised

Immediately after treatment

• keep skincare gentle; avoid acids and scrubs for a few days
• avoid heat exposure (sauna, hot yoga) for 24–48 hours if advised
• do not pick at any superficial crusting

If you experience unexpected blistering or worsening pain, contact the clinic promptly.

Ongoing aftercare and protecting results

Sun protection is part of treatment. To protect your skin and reduce future sun damage:

• use daily SPF and reapply when outdoors
• prioritise shade and hats when UV is high
• keep skincare barrier-supportive while healing