By taking care of our complexions, we can prevent signs of ageing for longer, maintain healthier skin and save £££ on future corrective treatments! Dr Hanson Yu, Aesthetic Doctor (drhanson.co.uk) talks us through all things tanning…

Summer is finally here – bringing about sunny rays, summery days and a surge in people booking holidays, seeking the sun (and a tan!) Flocks of holiday makers head to the beach every year to soak up the sun and achieve a sunkissed glow… without realising what the sun is really doing to their skin. Not to mention the increased use of sunbeds during the summer months, particularly before jetting off overseas… with a fifth of women admitting to using sunbeds to ‘build a base tan’ before their holidays. 

Dr Hanson Yu, Aesthetic Doctor and founder of Harley Street Clinic Dr Hanson Aesthetic Medicine, talks us through the real cost of UV exposure – a tan is temporary, but the damage to your skin (and future corrective procedures you may need to shell out for!) is permanent.

What damage can sunbeds, and sun exposure, do to our skin?

Is skin damage from sunbeds – and over exposure to the sun – really a thing? Well according to Dr Hanson, the answer is a resounding yes… and it’s becoming more and more common.

“I’ve definitely noticed an increase in the number of patients coming to me for help after damaging their skin via sunbeds and excessive sun exposure,” Dr Hanson reveals. “Despite the popularity of tanning beds and achieving a ‘sunkissed glow’, these trends in reality pose significant risks to the skin and can lead to a range of issues; requiring specialised treatment.”

Dr Hanson offers a variety of treatments to address specific concerns arising from sunbed damage at his clinic. The issues he sees most commonly range from signs of ageing (wrinkles, fine lines, crepey skin etc) to hyperpigmentation and melasma. 

“As a medical professional, I emphasise the importance of prevention and responsible sun exposure with all my patients,” Dr Hanson says. “We educate our patients about the risks of sunbeds and advocate for safer alternatives; such as sunless tanning products or professional spray tans. Furthermore, we encourage the diligent use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimise the risk of sun damage and related complications.”

What are some of the most common issues arising from UV damage – and how can we treat them?

A few examples of the issues Dr Hanson sees – and the corresponding treatments provided, include:

• Premature signs of ageing: Sunbed use and sun damage can accelerate the ageing process, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tones and texture irregularities. “We address these concerns through advanced treatments such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels, microneedling, skin boosters and radiofrequency therapies,” Dr Hanson reveals. “These procedures help stimulate collagen production, promote skin rejuvenation, and restore a more youthful appearance.”
  
• Hyperpigmentation, sun spots and dark spots: Excessive exposure to UV can cause dark spots or hyperpigmentation to develop. “To treat these common skin conditions, we typically offer our patients treatments such as intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, chemical peels and specialised topical products containing ingredients such as hydroquinone, kojic acid & vitamin to even out the skin tone,” Dr Hanson explains.
  
• Melasma: Sunbeds in particular can trigger or worsen melasma; a condition characterised by brown or greyish patches on the face. “Our clinic offers customised treatment plans to help combat Melasma,” Dr Hanson says. “These may include a combination of topical creams containing hydroquinone, non-ablative laser treatments, chemical peels and strict sun protection measures; to manage and reduce melasma.”

The bottom line…

By being sun aware and wearing SPF daily, we can help prevent premature signs of ageing, keep our skin healthier and save ourselves some serious £££ in the long-run. Health is wealth, and prioritising your skin health is key. If you’re concerned about your skin or sun damage, be sure to seek guidance from qualified professionals to ensure the best possible care. 

“At our clinic, we strive to deliver personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs, helping them restore and maintain their skin’s health and beauty,” Dr Hanson concludes. And that sounds pretty good to us!