From skin texture changes to UV-induced pigmentation, the onset of autumn is the prime time to target those post-holiday skin issues. 

However, when treating sun damage in darker complexions, it is important to be cautious of treatments with potential side effects like hyperpigmentation, explains Dr Dara Suite, The Well’s Medical Director & Aesthetic Doctor.

“The Fitzpatrick scale refers to how much melanin you naturally have in your skin," says Dr Suite. "The lower the number the less melanin present. Melanin is quite protective against sun damage, so skin types that are higher on the Fitzpatrick scale usually experience less sun damage, although everyone can burn! Fairer patients tend to experience visibly red skin, while darker patients may not be visibly red, but could also experience peeling—a definite sign of sun damage.

"There is a plethora of safe and effective advanced skincare options available that can help fight the physical signs of ageing that occur due to sun damage, such as fine lines and an uneven skin tone," Dr Suite continues.

“Superficial sun damage is fairly simple to treat, but deeper sun damage can be harder to reverse, especially in older individuals. Peels, antioxidant facials, vitamin booster IV drips, certain lasers and various collagen-boosting treatments including radio frequency and ultrasound, can help boost the production of collagen."

Dr Suite warns that care should be taken when using lasers to treat high Fitzpatrick skin types. "This is because the laser could have the opposite effect and trigger the production of more melanin, worsening any pigmentation issues. Melanin also absorbs heat, and in patients with naturally darker skin, there is an increased chance of burns. Fillers and Botulinum toxin can be conducted in combination with appropriate lasers to restore youthful contours.”

Treatments to try

Cosmelan: A proven depigmenting method that provides a regulating action to correct the overproduction of pigmentation. The treatment offers both immediate and long-lasting results in improving uneven skin tone.

The Well's Complexion Correction: This treatment harnesses AgeJET plasma technology that is proven to be less likely to produce side effects such as changes in skin texture, pigmentation, skin whitening or scarring. It uses a low energy level that can be controlled and customised to achieve a smoother complexion on the face, upper and lower eye area, chest, neck, hands or body.

GFIT (Growth Factor Induced Therapy): This uses a dermastamp or post-laser system to deliver growth factors to the skin, creating micro-channels or penetration of active ingredients. Improves skin texture, acne, hyperpigmentation, scars, and fine lines by stimulating collagen production.

Endymed Intensif: This skin rejuvenation treatment combines microneedling and radio frequency to improve skin texture. Controlled energy pulses heat deep skin layers to trigger natural healing while maintaining surface temperature. Unlike traditional microneedling, Endymed Intensif is less painful and faster, using thin gold-plated needles.

Mesopeel: Phytic acid, a copper-chelating agent that inhibits tyrosinase activation, is used to treat pigmented lesions and hyperpigmentation,  leading to depigmentation and skin brightening. The chemical peel treatment exfoliates the stratum corneum, stimulates cell regeneration, and boosts collagen and elastin production.