Noticing dark spots, rough skin, or fine lines from too much time in the sun? You’re not alone—and we’re here to help.
At Cryosonic in Cardiff, we offer expert treatments that target sun-damaged skin, helping you restore a healthier, more even complexion.
Whether the damage has just started showing or it’s been building up for years, our personalised approach is designed to smooth your skin, even out tone, and bring back that natural glow.
Sun damage is the negative effect that UV rays from the sun can have on your skin. If you stay out in the sun for a long time, these rays can change your skin’s feel, color, and health, even if you don’t get burned. Sun damage can build up quietly over many years. This can lead to concerns about how your skin looks and some health risks as well.
Common Types of Sun Damage:
Sunburn
Sunburns are a quick but strong type of damage from UVB rays. They make the skin red, hurt, and can lead to blisters. If you keep getting sunburns, you raise your chances of getting long-term skin damage and skin cancer.
Hyperpigmentation
This includes dark patches called age spots or liver spots. They appear on skin areas that often get sun, like the face, hands, and shoulders.
These are rough, scaly spots that feel like sandpaper. They are seen as pre-cancerous and often show up on parts of the body that get a lot of sun, like the scalp, face, and arms.
Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Long exposure to UV light breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin. This can lead to early signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging.
Melasma
A kind of skin color change shows up as brown or gray-brown spots. These spots often happen or get worse when the skin is in the sun.
Sun-induced Freckles
These are small, flat, brown spots that become darker with sun and usually fade in the winter.
Skin Cancer
The worst result of sun damage is skin cancer. This includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. All of these can happen after a long time in the sun.
How long does it take for sun damage to show up?
It can take years. Damage often accumulates silently over time, with signs such as age spots, wrinkles, or rough patches appearing gradually in adulthood—even from sun exposure during childhood.
Is cryotherapy painful when treating sun damage?
It’s typically mild. Most people describe a stinging or cold sensation that lasts only a few seconds during the treatment, with little to no recovery time needed.
Cryotherapy is a quick, non-invasive treatment that uses extreme cold to target and remove areas of sun-damaged skin.
At Cryosonic in Cardiff, this treatment is commonly used to treat spots, rough patches, and discoloration caused by prolonged sun exposure. By applying a controlled burst of liquid nitrogen to the affected area, cryotherapy works by freezing and destroying damaged skin cells, allowing healthy skin to regenerate in its place.
The procedure is fast, typically with minimal discomfort and downtime, making it a convenient option for those looking to restore a clearer, smoother complexion.
Whether you’re dealing with early signs of sun damage or long-term changes in your skin, cryotherapy offers a safe and effective way to refresh and renew your skin’s appearance.
Getting better from sun damage isn’t just about fixing what you can see. It’s also about stopping more damage from happening in the future.
After treatment, it’s important to protect your skin every day with a high SPF sunscreen. This includes cooler months and when you’re inside. When you go outside, wear clothing that covers you, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to keep your skin safe.
Hydration is important—use a good moisturiser with antioxidants to help your skin heal and feel better. Stay out of direct sunlight during busy hours (10 AM–4 PM), and avoid tanning beds completely.
These easy yet effective steps will help your recovery. They will also keep your skin healthy, glowing, and safe over time.
Yes, certain health conditions and factors can increase your risk of developing sun-damaged skin. Here are some key conditions that may make your skin more susceptible:
Fair Skin
People with lighter skin, blonde or red hair, and light eyes (blue or green) are at higher risk of sun damage. Their skin contains less melanin, which provides some protection from UV rays.
History of Skin Cancer
If you’ve had skin cancer in the past, particularly basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, you’re at higher risk of further damage and recurrence with sun exposure.
Immune System Disorders
Conditions like lupus or other autoimmune diseases can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. People with suppressed immune systems (e.g., due to organ transplants or HIV) may also be more vulnerable to sun damage.
Certain Medications
Some medications, including certain antibiotics, antihistamines, and chemotherapy drugs, can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn or long-term damage.
Previous Sunburns or Excessive Sun Exposure
If you’ve had frequent or severe sunburns in the past, your skin is more prone to lasting damage, such as wrinkles, age spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Age
Older adults are more likely to have sun-damaged skin due to cumulative sun exposure over the years. Additionally, their skin’s ability to repair itself becomes slower with age.
Genetic Conditions
Some genetic conditions, like xeroderma pigmentosum, make the skin extremely sensitive to UV light, leading to increased risk of sunburns and skin damage with even minimal exposure.
If you have any of these conditions, it’s essential to take extra precautions when spending time in the sun, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding prolonged exposure, especially during peak sunlight hours.