Australia has some of the highest rates of sun damage in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. With around 2,600 to 3,200 hours of sunshine annually in most parts of the country, Australians are exposed to UV radiation levels that can be up to three times higher than those in Europe or North America.
The result? Sun-damaged skin is incredibly common across the Australian population, affecting people of all ages and skin types.
Sun damage manifests in various ways, from premature wrinkles and age spots to more serious concerns like actinic keratoses and skin cancer. The good news is that Australia’s world-leading dermatology sector offers a comprehensive range of treatments to address sun-damaged skin, helping restore your skin’s health and appearance.
This guide explores the sun damage treatments available in Australia, from clinical procedures to professional skincare solutions.
Understanding Sun-Damaged Skin
Sun damage occurs when ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun penetrates the skin, causing both immediate and long-term changes at the cellular level. The two types of UV radiation that affect skin are UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the dermis and cause premature ageing, and UVB rays, which affect the skin’s surface and cause sunburn.
Over time, this UV exposure leads to photoaging, a process that accelerates the natural ageing of skin and creates visible changes including fine lines and wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and age spots, rough or leathery texture, broken capillaries and redness, loss of elasticity, and enlarged pores.
In more severe cases, sun damage can lead to precancerous lesions called actinic keratoses, which appear as rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas.
Clinical Treatments for Sun-Damaged Skin
Australian dermatology clinics and medical spas offer several evidence-based treatments for sun-damaged skin. These clinical procedures are typically performed by qualified practitioners and can deliver significant improvements.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser treatments use concentrated light energy to remove damaged skin layers and stimulate collagen production. Two main types are available in Australia: ablative lasers, which remove the outer layers of skin for dramatic results but require longer recovery time, and non-ablative lasers, which work beneath the skin’s surface with minimal downtime.
Popular laser treatments include fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, which addresses deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, and uneven texture, and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), which targets pigmentation, redness, and broken capillaries.
Laser treatments typically require multiple sessions, with costs ranging from $300 to $3,000 per session, depending on the technology and treatment area. Results can be impressive, with significant improvements in skin tone, texture, and the appearance of sun damage.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin, causing controlled damage that prompts the skin to regenerate. They’re classified by depth: superficial peels use mild acids like glycolic or lactic acid for subtle improvements, medium peels penetrate deeper using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to address moderate sun damage, and deep peels use stronger formulations for severe damage but require significant recovery time.
For sun-damaged skin, medium-depth TCA peels are particularly effective at reducing age spots, smoothing rough texture, and improving overall skin tone. Multiple treatments spaced several weeks apart typically deliver the best results.
Chemical peels are widely available across Australia, with costs ranging from $150 for superficial peels to $1,500 or more for deep peels.
Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that uses fine crystals or a diamond-tipped wand to exfoliate the skin’s surface. It’s suitable for mild sun damage and can improve skin texture, reduce minor pigmentation, and promote cell turnover.
Dermabrasion is a more aggressive version performed under anaesthesia, suitable for more severe sun damage. While less commonly used today due to laser alternatives, it can still be effective for certain cases.
Microdermabrasion sessions typically cost between $100 and $200, with a series of treatments recommended for optimal results.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic therapy is a treatment specifically designed to address sun-damaged skin and actinic keratoses. The procedure involves applying a photosensitising agent to the skin, which is then activated by a special light source.
PDT effectively treats precancerous lesions while also improving overall skin texture and tone. The treatment causes temporary redness and peeling but offers the benefit of targeting damaged cells while leaving healthy skin intact.
Medicare rebates may be available for PDT when treating actinic keratoses, making it a cost-effective option for medically necessary treatments.
Injectable Treatments
While not treating sun damage directly, injectable treatments can address the visible effects of photoaging.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers restore volume lost due to sun damage and ageing. Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most common, used to plump deep lines, restore cheek volume, and improve overall facial contours.
Results are immediate and typically last six to 18 months, depending on the product and treatment area.
Anti-Wrinkle Injections
These injections work by temporarily relaxing facial muscles that create expression lines. While they won’t reverse sun damage, they can significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles exacerbated by photoaging, particularly around the forehead, eyes, and mouth.
Results last approximately three to four months, with regular maintenance treatments recommended.
Professional Skincare Treatments
Several non-invasive treatments can improve sun-damaged skin through professional skincare approaches.
Medical-Grade Skincare
Dermatologists and cosmetic clinics can prescribe or recommend medical-grade products containing higher concentrations of active ingredients than over-the-counter options. Key ingredients for sun-damaged skin include retinoids, which increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, vitamin C serums, which brighten skin and protect against oxidative damage, and niacinamide, which reduces inflammation and improves barrier function.
These products require consistent use over several months to deliver noticeable results.
LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity. Red light therapy is particularly beneficial for sun-damaged skin, promoting collagen production and reducing inflammation.
While individual sessions provide temporary benefits, a series of treatments delivers more lasting improvements in skin texture and tone.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Selecting the most appropriate treatment for your sun-damaged skin depends on several factors. The severity of damage plays a crucial role, with mild to moderate sun damage responding well to chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and professional skincare, while severe damage may require laser resurfacing or combination treatments.
Your skin type matters too, with darker skin tones requiring extra caution with certain laser and peel treatments to avoid pigmentation issues. Recovery time and budget are practical considerations, as more aggressive treatments deliver better results but require longer downtime and higher costs.
The best approach is to consult with a qualified dermatologist or cosmetic doctor who can assess your skin and recommend a personalised treatment plan. Many practitioners offer combination approaches, using multiple treatments to address different aspects of sun damage.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery times vary significantly depending on the treatment. Superficial treatments like microdermabrasion and light peels may cause only minor redness for a day or two, while medium-depth peels typically involve several days of peeling and sensitivity. Laser resurfacing can require one to two weeks of downtime, with redness and swelling gradually subsiding.
During recovery, sun protection is absolutely critical. Your skin will be more vulnerable to UV damage, so staying out of direct sunlight and using broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen is essential.
Long-Term Sun Protection
Treating existing sun damage is only part of the equation. Preventing further damage is equally important for maintaining results and protecting your skin health.
Daily sun protection should include broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+ applied every two hours, protective clothing including wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves, seeking shade during peak UV hours (10am to 3pm), and wearing UV-protective sunglasses.
Many Australians develop sun damage during childhood and adolescence, making prevention a lifelong commitment.
The Cost of Sun Damage Treatments in Australia
Treatment costs vary widely depending on the procedure, provider, and location. As a rough guide, microdermabrasion sessions cost $100 to $200, superficial chemical peels run $150 to $300, IPL treatments range from $300 to $600 per session, fractional laser treatments cost $800 to $2,000 per session, and deep chemical peels or ablative laser resurfacing can exceed $3,000.
Most cosmetic sun damage treatments are not covered by private health insurance or Medicare unless there’s a medical necessity, such as treating precancerous lesions. However, some treatments for actinic keratoses may qualify for Medicare rebates when performed by a dermatologist.
Many clinics offer payment plans to make treatments more accessible.
Finding a Qualified Provider
When seeking treatment for sun-damaged skin, it’s crucial to choose a qualified, experienced practitioner. Look for dermatologists with specialist training and AHPRA registration, cosmetic doctors who specialise in skin treatments, or registered nurses working under medical supervision in accredited clinics.
Check credentials, read reviews, view before-and-after photos, and ensure the clinic follows proper hygiene and safety protocols. Don’t be swayed by discounted treatments if the provider lacks proper qualifications.
Moving Forward
Sun-damaged skin is a common concern for Australians, but effective treatments are readily available. From advanced laser technologies to chemical peels and professional skincare, Australian clinics offer solutions for virtually every type and severity of sun damage.
The key is to seek professional advice, commit to ongoing sun protection, and be realistic about treatment expectations. While results can be impressive, completely reversing decades of sun damage isn’t always possible. Most people, however, see significant improvements in their skin’s appearance and health with the right treatment approach.
If you’re concerned about sun damage, schedule a consultation with a qualified dermatologist who can assess your skin and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.
