As the seasons shift, many people look for ways to reverse the effects of summer sun exposure while maintaining a radiant glow. In this article, aesthetic medicine specialist Dr Alek Nikolic explains what happens to the skin during summer, how skin damage manifests, and which treatments he recommends to repair and rejuvenate the skin. From pigmentation and fine lines to sagging and spider veins, he offers professional solutions and at-home care tips for long-term skin health.

As summer fades, so does the golden glow we’ve enjoyed. However, prolonged sun exposure can leave its mark, manifesting as pigmentation, fine lines, and uneven skin texture. While the sun is essential for your overall well-being, its effects on the skin require proactive treatment to restore its health.

Understanding summer skin damage

Before we look at ways to treat sun damage, it is important to understand what causes the damage. Sunlight consists of a spectrum of rays of varying wavelengths. The longer wavelengths penetrate deeper into the skin. The short wavelengths interact with skin cells and generate highly reactive free radicals that cause cell damage.

Sunlight comes in three forms, each affecting the skin differently. These are ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). UVA and UVB both contribute to skin damage, while UVC is blocked by the earth’s atmosphere and doesn’t reach your skin.

The effects of sun damage

Environmental stressors strip the skin of its protective lipids, leading to dehydration, increased fine lines, loss of elasticity, and hyperpigmentation. The UV radiation emitted by the sun penetrates the skin and triggers changes at a cellular level. UVB rays primarily affect the skin’s surface, causing sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deeper, accelerating collagen breakdown and premature ageing. Depleting the skin’s protective lipids leads to dehydration, loss of elasticity, and hyperpigmentation.

Professional treatments to treat common sun damage effects

Without proper sun protection, your skin will be damaged over time. As the damage builds up, you will start noticing changes to your skin, which will result in you looking older than you are. Below, I’ve highlighted the visible signs of sun damage and the treatments I frequently recommend to reduce these effects.

As signs of ageing are the most common effect of sun damage, I often use more than one type of treatment to target the different concerns effectively. My goal is always to give you a natural and healthy appearance.

Wrinkles and fine lines

There are several ways I treat wrinkles and fine lines, depending on how severe they are. I often recommend injectables such as fillers, botulinum toxin, skin boosters, and microneedling devices such as Dermapen.

Microneedling is a versatile treatment that improves skin texture, tone, and elasticity while addressing concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation. This treatment stimulates collagen and elastin production, promoting natural healing and visible skin improvement.

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Dark spots and age spots

Dark spots develop due to the skin producing an excess of melanin or pigment, and most are the result of sun exposure. Age spots are similar but appear after long-term sun damage. Although anyone can develop them, those with fair skin are more at risk, while people with darker skin may be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Sun damage can leave behind stubborn pigmentation and uneven texture, but IPL (intense pulsed light) photo facial treatments offer a precise way to address these concerns. With targeted pulses of light, we can break down excess melanin while stimulating collagen production for a smoother, more even complexion.

IPL treatments offer a minimal-downtime approach to skin rejuvenation, making them an effective solution for those looking to revive their skin.

One of the best ways to refresh sun-exposed skin is with superficial medical chemical peels. These treatments work by gently exfoliating the skin’s surface, revealing a brighter and more hydrated complexion without the downtime of deeper peels. Glycolic and citric acid peels can help reduce pigmentation, improve hydration, and enhance skin radiance, making them a great post-summer recovery treatment.

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Loose and sagging skin

Sun damage causes both elastin and collagen production to decline. There are non-invasive treatments that can improve the tone and elasticity of sagging skin.

In my practice, I use ReFirme Skin Tightening, which employs Elōs technology – a combination of radiofrequency and infrared light energies – to stimulate collagen production in the skin’s deeper layers. This collagen boost tightens the skin, reduces the appearance of sagging, and promotes a more lifted look.

Spider veins

Sun damage causes skin cells to make less collagen. As the skin becomes thinner, blood vessels that were once hidden become visible, causing spider veins. Sun exposure may increase the appearance of spider veins, particularly around the nose and upper chest.

Laser vein removal is a non-invasive and highly effective procedure designed to diminish the appearance of unwanted veins. During the treatment, a focused laser beam targets the pigment in the veins, generating heat that causes the blood vessels to thicken and eventually collapse. As a result, the vein gradually fades.

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Final words

Repairing sun damage requires a combination of professional treatment and at-home care. A good skincare routine with hydration, antioxidants, and daily SPF is as important as in-office treatments. Sun exposure accumulates over time, so consistent care is key to maintaining healthy, youthful skin.

Dr Alek Nikolic

+27 21 797 0960 | info@aestheticfacialenhancement.co.za | Website

MBBCh (WITS) ATLS (ACS) MBA (UCT)

Dr Alek Nikolic is a doctor with a special interest in aesthetic medicine and is at the forefront of the latest developments in his field. With a focus on skin care, skin ingredients, and cosmetic dermatology treatments such as lasers, chemical peels, Botulinum toxin, and Dermal Fillers, he has performed over 20 000 procedures to date and is responsible for training many medical practitioners both locally and internationally. After receiving his MBBCh from the University of the Witwatersrand (1992) he went on to do an MBA at the University of Cape Town (2000). With over 24 years in private practice, he has lectured and performed live demonstrations across the globe, including Bangkok, Rome, Paris, Monte Carlo, Prague, and Warsaw.

Some of his accolades include: Owner of Aesthetic Facial Enhancement, Owner of online skincare store SkinMiles.com, Owner and formulator of Skin Ingredients (sk.in): www.skiningredients.com, Founding member of the South African Allergan Medical Aesthetic Academy, Advisor to Allergan Local Country Mentor in Facial Aesthetics, EXCO Member of the Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine Society of South Africa (AAMSSA), and is an Associate Member of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS).