Sun Damage & Age Spots
Sun Damage Doesn't Have
to Be Permanent.
Years of Australian sun leave their mark. Those brown spots on your cheeks, the uneven tone across your forehead, the rough texture that foundation can't quite smooth over — it's the cumulative effect of UV exposure, and it's one of the most common concerns we see at our Dural clinic.
The good news is that sun damage responds remarkably well to professional treatment. With the right combination of clinical technologies, we can fade age spots, restore a more even complexion, and strengthen the skin's ability to protect itself going forward.
But it starts with understanding what's happening beneath the surface — and that's exactly what a proper skin assessment is for.
Understanding Your Skin
What Causes Sun Damage?
Every time your skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation — even on overcast days — it triggers a defensive response. Melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells deep in your epidermis, release melanin to absorb UV rays and protect your DNA. Over time, this defence mechanism becomes dysregulated. Melanin deposits unevenly, creating the brown spots, freckles, and patchy discolouration we recognise as sun damage.
There are several forms of photodamage, and understanding which type you're dealing with matters for treatment:
- circle Solar lentigines (age spots) — flat, well-defined brown patches caused by chronic UV exposure, most common on the face, hands, and chest.
- circle Diffuse photodamage — widespread uneven tone, rough texture, and loss of clarity across larger areas of skin.
- circle Poikiloderma — a combination of pigmentation, redness, and skin thinning, often on the neck and chest from years of sun exposure.
Over-the-counter creams can help maintain results, but they rarely penetrate deep enough to address established pigmentation on their own. Clinical treatments work at a deeper level — targeting the melanin deposits directly or accelerating the skin's natural turnover to bring fresher, undamaged cells to the surface.
The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) classifies sunscreens as therapeutic goods for good reason — sun protection is a medical necessity in our climate, not a cosmetic preference.
Your Treatment Pathway
How We Treat Sun Damage at Eternity
There is no single best treatment for sun damage — the right approach depends on the type, depth, and extent of your pigmentation. Here is the pathway we most commonly recommend.
DEKA Laser Pigmentation
Our DEKA laser targets melanin deposits with precise wavelengths, shattering concentrated pigment so your body can naturally clear it. This is the most effective option for defined sun spots and age spots that have resisted other treatments.
- schedule 30-45 minutes per session
- replay 2-4 sessions, 4-6 weeks apart
- trending_up Visible fading from first session
Clinical Chemical Peels
Medical-grade peels accelerate cell turnover, lifting pigmented surface cells and revealing the clearer, more even-toned skin beneath. We use targeted acid formulations at concentrations not available over the counter, calibrated to your skin type and sensitivity.
- schedule 30-40 minutes per session
- replay 3-6 sessions, 2-4 weeks apart
- trending_up Progressive improvement over series
HydraFacial
The HydraFacial combines deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation, and targeted serum infusion in a single session. For sun-damaged skin, we use brightening serums that inhibit excess melanin production while simultaneously hydrating and nourishing compromised skin cells.
- schedule 45-60 minutes per session
- replay Monthly maintenance recommended
- trending_up Instant glow, cumulative brightening
Medical-Grade Skincare
Professional-strength vitamin C, retinoids, and tyrosinase inhibitors form the foundation of any sun damage protocol. These products work between clinic visits to suppress melanin overproduction and protect the results of your in-clinic treatments.
- schedule Daily home routine
- replay Ongoing as maintenance
- trending_up Supports and extends clinical results
The right combination depends on your skin. A consultation lets us assess your pigmentation type, skin tone, and health history before recommending a pathway.
Treatment Pathway
Matched to Your Severity
| Severity | What You See | Recommended Approach | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild | Light freckling, slight unevenness, early sun spots | HydraFacial + medical skincare | 4-8 weeks |
| Moderate | Visible age spots, patchy tone, noticeable texture changes | Chemical peels + HydraFacial + homecare | 2-4 months |
| Significant | Dark, defined spots, widespread discolouration, rough texture | DEKA laser + peels + medical skincare | 3-6 months |
Your Journey
What to Expect
Consultation & Skin Assessment
We examine your skin under clinical lighting, discuss your history of sun exposure, and identify the type and depth of pigmentation. This determines which treatments will work and which to avoid for your specific skin tone.
Personalised Treatment Plan
Based on your assessment, we map out a treatment pathway — which technologies to use, in what order, and how many sessions to expect. We also prescribe medical-grade homecare products to begin preparing your skin.
Treatment Sessions
Each session builds on the last. You'll see progressive clearing as pigment is broken down and fresh skin cells replace damaged ones. We document your progress with clinical photos so you can see the transformation objectively.
Aftercare & Maintenance
Sun damage treatment doesn't end at the last session. We transition you to a long-term maintenance plan centred on SPF 50+ protection, antioxidant serums, and periodic HydraFacial sessions to keep your skin clear and healthy.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
While sun damage cannot be entirely erased at the cellular level, the visible signs — brown spots, uneven tone, rough texture — can be dramatically improved with professional treatments. At Eternity Laser & Aesthetics in Dural, we use a staged approach combining laser pigmentation therapy, clinical peels, and medical-grade homecare to progressively restore even, healthier-looking skin. Most clients see significant improvement within three to six sessions.
The most effective treatment depends on the depth and type of pigmentation. Superficial sun spots respond well to chemical peels and HydraFacial protocols, while deeper age spots often require targeted laser therapy such as the DEKA pigmentation laser. At Eternity in the Hills District, we perform a thorough skin assessment before recommending a treatment pathway tailored to your specific pigmentation type and skin tone.
Most clients need between two and five laser sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, depending on the severity and depth of damage. Lighter sun spots may respond after a single treatment, while stubborn or widespread damage typically requires a structured series. Your clinician at Eternity will set realistic expectations at your initial consultation and adjust the plan as your skin responds.
Downtime varies by treatment type. A HydraFacial has zero downtime — you can return to your day immediately. Chemical peels may cause mild flaking for two to five days. Laser pigmentation treatment can result in darkening of the spots for five to ten days before they flake away, revealing clearer skin beneath. Eternity Laser & Aesthetics provides detailed aftercare instructions and support throughout your recovery.
Treated sun damage will not return in the same spot, but new damage can form if the skin is not protected. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+ is essential after any pigmentation treatment. At Eternity, we prescribe medical-grade sunscreen and vitamin C serums as part of every sun damage treatment plan to help maintain results and protect against future UV-induced pigmentation.
Your skin tells a story —
let us help you rewrite it.
A complimentary skin assessment is the first step. We will examine your sun damage, explain your options, and build a treatment plan that works for your skin, your lifestyle, and your goals.
Serving Dural, Castle Hill, Bella Vista, Kellyville, Baulkham Hills and the wider Hills District.