Katie Price's Instagram tan prompts ageing fears – how can YOU stop wrinkles and sunspots?

Katie was in the Maldives holidaying with her family, but has come under attack from her followers on social media after posting a series of snaps of her deep tan.

The backlash began as followers of the 38-year-old took issue with the mum-of-five boasting about “topping up” her tan alongside a photo of her bronzed skin, and an up close shot of her face. 

One fan commented, “It’s not your clothes that will be falling off, it’s your skin. Put some sun cream on!” while another said: “You look beautiful Katie but think of your poor skin in the long run.”

Cosmetic expert Dr. Dev Patel, the Medical Director or Perfect Skin Solutions in Portsmouth, explained exclusively to Express.co.uk the effects overexposure to sunshine can have on the skin, as well as how to improve the most common related ageing concerns.

How does sun damage to the skin occur?

The sun gives off UVA and UVB ultraviolet light that damages skin and causes sunburn. Over time, the UVA rays can lead to wrinkles, dark spots, and other problem areas. The result? You can add years to your looks. 

Scientific research has even revealed that UV exposure is the reason behind 80 per cent of your skin’s ageing.

What else can contribute to skin damage to the skin caused by the sun?

Extensive sun bathing extends exposure to the sun and cause further ageing. 

Dr Patel said: “Most of us like the apparent “healthy” glow of a tan, and of course it does feel nice to get some rays on your face and body from time to time.” 

“However, one has to draw a sensible line between what feels and looks good and the clear damage we are doing in the short and long term. Just take a look at those in their 50s and 60s who have been sun worshippers and my point is made,” the Portsmouth skin expert concludes.

The popularity of treatments such as Botox often causes people to neglect the more traditional aspect of good skincare, according to the doctor. 

Can you reverse sun damage?

“The best way to avoid sun damage is to use SPF and avoid over-exposure to the sun’s harmful rays, but in many cases aesthetic treatments can provide some relief from the cosmetic concerns patients associate with sun damage,” says Dr. Patel. 

Dr. Patel recommend three treatments that each treat a different sun damage concern, including age spots and hyperpigmentation, sagging skin and fine lines.

Chemical skin peels

Which to choose? PQAge Peel

Best for? Age spots and hyperpigmentation 

What does it do? Chemical skin peels are a reliable and safe method of skin rejuvenation that have been used for decades to improve the signs of ageing we associate with sun damage. Whilst many skin resurfacing peels only concentrate on the face, the PQAge Peel is unique in that it can reduce fine lines and erase hyperpigmentation – like age spots – from the hands, chest and arms, as well as the face. 

What’s the treatment like? There are various strengths of chemical skin peel available. A superficial skin peel is ideal for basic skin rejuvenation, whereas a deep peel is usually recommended for more substantial sun damage concerns. An acidic substance is applied to the skin and in the days and weeks new, fresher skin will replace damaged skin. Treatment isn’t painful but may require recovery time away from work to allow the skin to heal.

Energy-assisted skin tightening 

Which to choose? Lipofirm Pro

Best for? Lax, crepey skin 

What does it do? Offering both initial skin lifting and firming, as well as long-term facial rejuvenation results and skin tightening benefits, this form of non-surgical facelift has been making the headlines for its impressive anti-ageing benefits. Treating the signs of sun damage with Lipofirm Pro means you can improve the skin’s firmness and texture, as well as boost collagen production. 

What’s the treatment like? During this skin tightening treatment, a hand piece is moved gently across the face and neck allowing heat energy to penetrate deep within the dermis; as the energy is omitted collagen production is stimulated and an initial skin tightening affect can be achieved. It’s entirely pain-free, can be performed in your lunch hour, and you can head straight back to work. 

Matrix repair cosmeceuticals 

Which to choose? Toskani Matrix Repair Cream

Best for? Fine lines 

What does it do? It’s not just treatments you can turn to for help treating sun damaged skin. Cosmeceutical skincare may provide a solution to fine lines as a result of overexposure to strong rays, and the good news is you no longer have to visit a cosmetic clinic to grab some. Toskani Matrix Repair Cream is available online via Vida Essential and can rejuvenate and illuminate the skin, improving it at a cellular level, as well as minimising fine lines. 

What’s the treatment like? Used in the same way as an over-the-counter moisturiser, the enriched cream is gently rubbed into the skin once a day. Results are visible in the weeks after, so while it’s the easiest option it may not the fastest. 

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