Sunspots are one of the commonest signs of ageing.
The medical term is ‘solar lentigines’ and these are one of the earliest signs of ageing as they are precipitated by overexposure to the sun. These areas of pigmentation are caused by sun damage from UVA and UVB rays in a process known as ‘photoageing’. As well as pigmentation, the skin can also appear rough, wrinkled or loose and thread veins may be more apparent.
Sunspots in Winter
While sunspots are associated with summer, they can be more problematic during the winter, when the contrast between pale, untanned skin and the blotchy pigmented areas is at its greatest.
Winter is therefore a great time to look at having sunspots treated, as they are so easily identifiable. It also means that the skin is less vulnerable to further sun exposure so it can recover more easily with less concern about further sun exposure, although sunscreen must still be worn in order to protect the newly treated skin from further damage.
Sunspot Treatments
Traditionally, sunspots were quite difficult to treat, with lightening creams or cryotherapy (freezing) being considered the main options, neither of which are entirely satisfactory. However, the latest technological developments give practitioners a number of options for treating sunspots with options including laser and IPL. Laser treatment has significantly improved the results of sunspot treatment, offering an option which is effective but also safe in the right hands.
- Laser treatment: Laser energy works to break down the excess pigment within the sunspot.
- IPL treatment: Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment can be effective on smaller sunspots or freckles.
- M22 Multiple Skin Technology: Combines IPL, fractional non-ablative skin resurfacing (ResurFX™), Multi-Spot™ ND:YAG and Q-Switched Nd:YAG for a highly effective and comprehensive treatment. This high tech solution arrived at Quinn Clinics during Spring 2017 and has become a firm favourite.
- Dermaroller micro-needling: The creation of mini ‘wounds’ boosts the skin’s own regeneration, promoting healing while also tackling pigmentation.
- Exfoliation: Skin peels or microdermabrasion not only erase fine lines and stimulate the skin’s regeneration, but can also improve skin tone and evenness.
Quinn Clinics based in Bristol has a range of advanced skin technology and exfoliation treatments that can help to tackle sunspots.
About Quinn Clinics
Advanced Skin Treatment Clinic, Bristol
Quinn Clinics based in Clifton, Bristol, was established in 2006 and offers a full range of cosmetic, medical and laser skin treatments. As well as anti-ageing injections, the clinic can offer the latest laser technology including IPL laser and CO2 fractional laser and the new M22 multiple skin technology platform (IPL, ResurFX™ – fractional non-ablative, ND:YAG).
Dr Quinn is a qualified aesthetic doctor with specific expertise in dermal fillers and BOTOX®, based at his own clinic, Quinn Clinics in Clifton, Bristol.
Call 0117 924 4592 or email info@quinnclinics.co.uk for further information.