We all know the basics on how to protect your skin from the sun – you are equipped with sunscreen every time you go out, you use a chapstick, you use a moisturiser with SPF in it. But did you know that there is most probably quite a bit of sun damage left over from years ago when you were not so meticulous with your skincare routine?
Sun damage is skin-deep – UV radiation actually alters DNA of your skin cells, causing lines, wrinkles, discoloration, sagging and even cancer. The good news, however, is that you can reverse this damage. Throw in this four-step treatment, and you are well on your way to some serious skin recovery. Follow these top tips for reversing sun damage.
Copyright: bunwit
#1 Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate!
The buildup of dead skin cells on the outermost layer of skin can make skin appear rough, blotchy, spotty and uneven. Scrubs, Loofah, Konjac Sponges, Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) cleansers and home microdermabrasion kits can remove dead and damaged brown skin cells from your body, leaving skin looking smoother and less damaged.
Copyright: stefanoventuri
#2 Start Loading Your Plate Up With Veggies
A lot of sun damage can be cured by what you put not just on your body, but into your body as well. If you want to reverse sun damage, it’s time to hit the salad bar. Load up your meals with sides of Green Leafy Vegetables that are high in antioxidants, which heal your skin cells and protect you against free radicals
#3 Get Rid Of Those Brown Spots!
If you notice brown blotches (formally known as Solar Lentigo) on your skin; a key sign of sun damage, it is time to get rid of them. These spots can be naturally treated with an over-the-counter product that contains bleaching ingredients such as kojic acid, bilberry, Vitamin C, or mulberry leaf extract. These bleaches will have the final effect of lightening the brown blotches on your skin, but will do so by stopping the skin’s uneven production of melanin (brown pigment) that your skin starts to produce when it tries to fight UV radiation.
Copyright: vektoria
#4 Stay Well Hydrated
Long-term exposure to the sun, chlorine in swimming pools and salt water from the sea can dry out the skin crazy amounts – including the heels of your feet. Use a hand and body cream for most of your body, and for places such as the elbows, knees and heels, use a moisturising foot cream. A moisturiser containing AHA or facial serum with hyaluronic acid can plump up the dry skin around the eyes, making the skin instantly appear less tired and wrinkled. Continued usage of these products may help stimulate the production of new collagen, a protein that helps give skin its texture, elasticity, and firmness. As always recommended, ensure that you are drinking enough fluids throughout the day as well. This means water, and not soda or juice!
#5 Utilise even More Sun Screen – You Heard Us Right!
Even if you are already using sunscreen on your skin, it is beneficial to read up a little more on the different kinds of sunscreen available in the market these days. It is recommended that one should use sunscreen that is labelled as a broad spectrum (meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with SPF values of 15 or higher. To maximise the protection your sunscreen is giving you, apply it 30 minutes before exposure to sunlight and reapply again at two to three-hour intervals.
#6 Make an Appointment with Your Dermatologist
If you feel like you have accumulated a fair amount of sun damage on your skin, you may want to consult a dermatologist about your skin issues. Medical grade skin care products that contain Retin-A and/or Hydroquinones are often prescribed for sun damaged skin. These topical creams can reverse the thymine dimmers and make the skin cells healthier again as well as reduce age spots and skin pigmentation.
If you are worried about the condition of your skin or sun damage, do not forget to follow these expert tips on reversing sun damage by Medical Aesthetic Laser Clinic. Prevention is key, but it is never too late to start trying to reverse any damage that you have already accumulated. Healthy skin, healthy life, healthy you!
My New Favorites from Know Your Ingredients Whipped Shea Butter (Review)
It’s good to know that we can actually reverse the sun damage we have experienced over the years. I’ve been on a lot of beach trips for the past few months and I’m not surprised that my skin is too burnt and damaged because of UV rays. For better results, I think it would be better to consult an expert who can prescribe a personalized skincare routine for me.