Spending too much time under the sun can be harmful to our skin, leading to what we call sun damage. It disrupts collagen and elastin production which are the building blocks that keep our skin youthful.
Sun damage can show up in different ways. We’re talking wrinkles, age spots, pigmentation, or those patches of uneven skin color.
But no worries! We’re here to help you figure out the ten types of sun damage and some laser skin treatments to get your skin’s radiant glow back.
Wrinkles and Fine Lines
One of the most common signs of sun damage is visible on areas like the face, neck, and hands, as these are the most exposed skin to the sun. Extended exposure to UV rays can ultimately compromise our skin’s collagen and elastin, making it less firm and elastic, causing wrinkles and fine lines.
Skin Discoloration
Sometimes, our skin produces more melanin to protect itself. This causes blotchy pigmentation and uneven skin tone, most commonly known as hyperpigmentation. Watch out for it in areas including the face, neck, and hands. Fortunately, laser therapy can help fix that. Consult with a skin care clinic near you to get an assessment before undergoing any treatment.
Damage to Darker Skin
While darker skin provides more natural sun protection, it is not completely immune to the sun’s damaging effects. Too much exposure to the sun can still cause wrinkles and uneven skin tone, among other types of sun damage.
Age Spots
Have you noticed those flat patches on the face, hands, or arms that are tan or brown in color? These are called solar lentigines or age spots. They can appear in older individuals as well as in children with fair skin who love spending time under the sun.
Labial Lentigines
Small, benign brown spots may develop on your lips after extended periods of exposure to the sun. These spots are mostly found on the lower lip.
Solar Elastosis
This type of sun damage shows up as deep creases and a yellowish tint in the affected area. But don’t worry, fractional laser resurfacing is a great treatment that can reverse the damage. The laser targets your damaged skin cells, promoting the growth of fresh, healthy ones.

Melasma
Dark patches on the face, known as melasma, are common in individuals with darker skin tones, those who are taking hormone medication, or expectant mothers in their second or third trimester. There are several treatments available to help improve skin recovery, such as topical or oral medications, chemical peels for the face, and laser therapy.
Actinic keratosis
Rough and scaly patches on your skin may develop after extended periods of sun exposure. It is important to monitor these patches, as they could develop into skin cancer.
Lentigo maligna
If you happen to spot a small growth in sun-exposed areas such as your face, arms, or legs, it is vital to keep a close watch on it. Such growths may sometimes have red and white patches and could indicate melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer.
Are you worried about sun damage affecting your skin? Check out laser therapy. At Canada MedLaser, we offer laser skin treatments to address post-summer skin issues such as wrinkles and uneven skin tone that can leave your skin looking fresh and rejuvenated. Let’s enjoy the warmth of the sun while keeping our skin healthy!