sun damage

How Can UV Radiation Damage Skin?

It is now fairly well known that UV radiation from the sun can damage the skin and increase the risks of skin cancer, but many people don’t understand exactly how it works. 

UV radiation stimulates a range of bodily responses which can literally damage the skin at cellular level. There are a range of potentially damaging issues:

  • Sunburn – the body’s first reaction to excessive UV rays. Cell apoptosis is where keratinocytes (barrier cells) are broken down in an attempt to minimise the risk of skin cancer. It has been described as ‘cell suicide’
  • Immunosuppression – altering the activity and distribution of certain cells responsible for immune responses
  • DNA damage – UVB light causes a disruption in the DNA strand, where adjacent and in-sequence thymine base pairs bond together
  • Reduced collagen – UVA is absorbed by fibroblasts in the skin which stimulates breakdown of collagen, leading to wrinkles, loss of volume and looser skin.
  • Free radicals – unstable oxygen molecules that lack 1-2 electrons and therefore try to ‘steal’ electrons from other cells, causing cell damage and increasing the risk of skin cancer

The message is clear – it is really important to protect the skin from UV damage.

Year-Round Sun Protection Advice

  • Use sunscreen SPF 30 or more every day of the year. Wear SPF50+ if outdoors a long time, in hot countries etc
  • Apply sunscreen before going out so that it has time to sink in and provide protection
  • Wear a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing wear possible
  • Avoid the sun at its peak times of day by returning indoors

Suspicious Moles

Advice from the WHO (World Health Organisation) says that if you are concerned about an unusual mole, freckle or spot, see a doctor or dermatologist, explaining:

“It may well not be a melanoma; however, if it is a melanoma, it is crucial that it is recognised and treated early.

“Check regularly for any mole that grows, changes shape or colour, is inflamed or itchy, weeps or bleeds.”

Cosmedics Skin Clinics’ team of mole removal doctors advocate regular self-checks to spot any suspicious blemishes as early as possible.  Dr Ross Perry refers to it as the ‘ugly duckling’ syndrome – a skin lesion or blotch that looks odd or different from the others.

Skin Surgery Laser Clinics

Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer private mole removal at a selection of clinics based in London and Bristol. Moles are removed using the latest surgical techniques including laser mole removal; with trained doctors and surgeons.

Our team of qualified and experienced doctors and surgeons also treat other skin blemishes, including sebaceous cysts, skin tags, warts and lipoma using  freezing, laser or surgical techniques.

For ultimate peace of mind, Cosmedics Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer a thorough top to toe mole check carried out by their trained and experienced doctors.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics was founded in 2003 by Dr Ross Perry, a qualified and experienced London GP who has an excellent reputation in skin treatments and has removed thousands of lesions/blemishes in his career.

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.