Core Aesthetics · Oakleigh
What can you do about sun-damaged skin?
You can reduce further sun damage with consistent UV protection, and some changes in texture or pigmentation can improve with appropriately chosen care. But a new, changing, bleeding or non-healing spot needs a doctor’s assessment before cosmetic treatment. Start by separating a general skin-care concern from an individual spot, then choose the right help for each.
What does long-term sun damage look like?
Photoageing means skin change caused by repeated ultraviolet exposure. It can include patchy brown pigmentation, wrinkles, rough texture and more visible small vessels. The Skin Hospital describes these signs. UV also damages the skin’s supporting fibres; in solar elastosis, abnormal elastic tissue accumulates and the skin can look thickened or yellowish. DermNet explains solar elastosis.
These descriptions explain common patterns, but they are not a way to identify a spot at home. Not every brown mark, red patch or rough area has the same cause.
Which skin changes should a doctor check?
Arrange medical assessment for a spot that changes in size, shape, colour or texture; looks different from your other spots; bleeds or itches; or becomes a sore that does not heal. Healthdirect explains the warning signs and skin-check process. Do not wait for a cosmetic appointment to have one checked.
Core Aesthetics does not provide a substitute for a medical skin-cancer check. A photograph or a previous reassuring check does not clear a new change. When booking a skin check elsewhere, confirm that the appointment is for medical examination of the concern, not only cosmetic skin analysis.
A practical sun-protection routine in Melbourne
Use the UV Index, not how hot or bright the day feels, to plan protection. When UV is 3 or above, combine covering clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, shade, sunglasses and broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen. Cool or cloudy weather does not reliably mean low UV. These are Cancer Council’s sunscreen and protection recommendations.
Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors.
For an adult, use approximately one teaspoon for the face, neck and ears together; a whole-body application is about seven teaspoons.
Reapply every two hours outdoors, and after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
Do not use sunscreen to extend your time in the sun.
Check the day’s UV forecast when planning outdoor work, sport or errands. Keep a hat and sunscreen where you will remember them; a plan that fits your day is easier to maintain.
Can existing sun damage improve?
Some visible changes can improve, but “sun damage” is too broad to choose one treatment. Dryness, uneven pigment, enlarged vessels and a scaly lesion need different decisions. A dermatologist may consider options such as laser resurfacing or a chemical peel for selected appearance concerns after assessment; these are not recommendations or a statement that Core Aesthetics offers them. DermNet outlines possible approaches and their limits.
Before paying for cosmetic care, ask what finding is being addressed, what improvement is realistic for your skin and whether any area needs diagnosis first. A change in appearance does not remove the need for ongoing sun protection or checking new skin changes.
What if the skin is sunburnt or irritated now?
Tell the clinic before an appointment if the area is sunburnt, peeling or sore. Do not try to prepare it by scrubbing or applying a stronger exfoliant. Seek advice for significant or worsening symptoms. Cosmetic planning can wait until the skin concern has been addressed.
For stable dryness, texture or uneven colour after medical concerns are resolved, see the skin-quality consultation page. Bring your existing routine and the question you want answered. The initial Core Aesthetics consultation in Oakleigh is free and usually takes 30 minutes.
Questions you may still have
Is it too late to use sun protection if I already have sun damage?
No. Protection reduces additional UV exposure. Existing change is a reason to improve your routine, not abandon it.
Do I need sunscreen on a cool Melbourne day?
Check the UV Index rather than the temperature. Use combined sun protection when UV is 3 or above. Cancer Council also advises protection below 3 for prolonged outdoor exposure or highly reflective settings.
Can I fade a new brown spot before having it checked?
Have a new or changing spot medically assessed first. Do not assume that a mark is harmless sun pigmentation simply because it is brown.
Does a cosmetic consultation include a skin-cancer check?
Not at Core Aesthetics. Book an appropriate medical skin assessment for a concerning spot or a skin-cancer check.
Discuss your concern in Oakleigh
Core Aesthetics, 12A Atherton Road, Oakleigh VIC 3166, within BeautyTHEQUE. Initial consultations are free and usually take 30 minutes. Check live appointment availability or call 0491 706 705.