It feels good to spend time in the sunshine, especially now in summer, but it can take a toll on your skin. That’s because the sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) light that damages your skin and causes sunburn.
Over time, these rays can lead to wrinkles, dark spots, and other problems.
The result: You can add years to your looks. Research shows that UV exposure is the reason behind 80% of your skin’s aging. In this article, we are going to clarify the question most people have: Is sun damage reversible?
Fortunately, experts are shedding light on ways you can reverse some problems caused by the sun. It’s not possible to erase all of the damage, but there are some steps you can take for these common conditions.
Rehydrate your skin with a good water-based moisturizer. The sun strips your face of its natural moisture so always rehydrate it after exposing your skin to the sun or to help it recover from sun damage.
Use a chemical exfoliant with glycolic acid to brighten your skin and improve any brown spots. Look for products with a 5-8% concentration of glycolic acid, which you can find at most drugstores.
Apply an antioxidant formula to neutralize the toxins from sun damage. Look for products that contain green tea, copper, and Vitamin C, such as topical Vitamin C cream from your dermatologist. These antioxidants will reduce any skin inflammation, decrease redness, and promote healing.
Use a topical Retinoid A cream to improve skin discoloration and visible sun damage. Retinol A can help to normalize sun-damaged cells. It also plumps up your skin’s topmost layer, revives the collagen and elastin in your skin, increases blood flow to the skin, and help to slough off any dull or dead skin cells.
Exfoliate your skin with a loofah and scrubs every night. The buildup of dead skin can make your skin look blotchy and uneven, especially if it has sun damage. The remnants of self-tanning products can also collect in typically dry areas, like the elbows and knees, causing your skin to lose its natural luster.
Avoid putting harsh products on your skin, especially if it is tender due to sun exposure. Don’t use a product with benzoyl peroxide or any kind of acid on your face, even to treat acne.
Get a facial peel from a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. In this procedure, a chemical solution is applied to your skin, which makes it blister and eventually peel off. The newly exfoliated skin will be smoother, less wrinkled, and have lightened brown spots.
Talk to your dermatologist about laser treatment. Professional laser treatments can improve everything from blotchiness and discoloration to wrinkles.
Avoid the sun if you have a sunburn or visible sun damage. If you are sunburned, you should not be in the sun for prolonged periods of time until your skin is fully healed. If you must go out, be sure to use a high SPF sunscreen.
See a dermatologist if your sun damage is severe. The dermatologist can prescribe several topical remedies and also screen you for skin cancer.
Finally, we can recommend you to protect yourself from future UV harm with sun-safe habits!
Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and wear protective clothing and a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
In Quirestética we offer the most innovative technics with the best professionals in order to treat your skin for sun damage and many other treatments. Get in touch here to have more information!
