Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) in ordinary sunlight can damage your skin's appearance. UV damages collagen and elastin (proteins found in your skin), which leads to wrinkles, roughness and sagging – the classic signs of ageing.

UV exposure damages collagen, it diminishes that glow, leading to dullness and uneven skin tone. Collagen helps strengthen the blood vessels that feed the skin, so healthy collagen levels give your skin a youthful glow.

The effects of chronic sun exposure: wrinkles, roughness, sagging, uneven tone and dullness – lead others to rate sun–damaged skin as older, less healthy and less attractive.

Age spots

Age spots are common benign skin spots with clearly defined edges on your face or other sun–exposed areas. They usually form due to exposure to the sun. Other sources of UV light, such as tanning beds can also be a source. Some types of spots and growths also occur as we age, which people may refer to as age spots.

See also:

• Birthmarks and dark patches of skin (article)
• Blemishes (Hyperpigmentation) (article)
• Blemishes, tattoo removal & scarring treatments (article)

Melasma

Melasma is a common skin problem. The condition causes dark, discoloured patches on your skin. The condition is much more common in women than men, although men can get it too.

Melasma causes patches of discolouration. The patches are darker than your usual skin colour. It typically occurs on the face and is symmetrical, with matching marks on both sides of the face. Other areas of your body that are often exposed to sun can also develop melasma.

It isn't totally clear what causes melasma. Darker–skinned individuals are more at risk than those with fair skin. Estrogen and progesterone sensitivity are also associated with the condition. Additionally, sun exposure can cause melasma because ultraviolet rays affect the cells that control pigment (melanocytes).

Freckles

Freckles are tan or light brown spots on your skin. They're made of clusters of skin cells that contain the pigment melanin. Unlike moles, which are raised, freckles are flat. Freckles aren't painful or harmful. No one is born with freckles, even though they may be genetic. They're triggered by sun exposure.

Your skin contains cells called melanocytes that produce the pigment melanin. Melanin helps protect your skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Sun exposure encourages melanocytes to produce more melanin. Freckles are a build–up of melanin on your skin's outer layer.

See also:

• Moles, Warts, Skin tags & many other bumps (article)

Sun damage, melasma & freckles treatments

• Cosmelan® – professional depigmenting method that removes skin spots and prevents their reappearance for a short and long–term outcome.
• PicoSure® – the advanced laser energy delivered causes acne to slowly disappear through your body's natural healing process.