The sun’s UV rays wreak havoc on the skin and are responsible for 80% of visible aging. Reverse sun damage with these simple skin care hacks for a vibrant, healthy appearance.
Published: June 21, 2021
It’s no secret that the sun’s rays cause damage to our skin in a myriad of ways. From skin cancer to age spots and everything in between, long-term exposure to the sun harms the skin. Dermatologists call sun damage by a variety of names, including photoaging, solar damage, and sun damage.
Sun damage occurs when ultraviolet rays hit unprotected skin and initiate a reaction between two molecules of thymine - one of the many bases that make up DNA. While our cells are efficient at repairing damaged DNA, if damage is extensive, the cell may die.
Photodamage occurs in the dermis (deepest layers of the skin) so we cannot immediately see the effects with our eyes. Over time, sun damage becomes visible in the form of age spots, wrinkles, lost elasticity, and hyperpigmentation. Approximately 80% of visible aging is caused by the sun’s harmful rays and much of that could be avoided by reducing sun exposure, wearing sunscreen, and using high-quality skin care products.
As previously mentioned, we don’t immediately note sun damage once it occurs. Visual cues may take years to appear, depending on one’s skin composition, sun exposure, and health. The following signs may indicate sun damage has occurred:
You can reverse sun damage in natural, healthy ways. Establishing a set skin care routine that includes sunscreen, antioxidants, moisturizer, and anti-aging products fosters a healthy foundation from which you can work to reverse preexisting sun damage. Employ these tactics to heal your skin and mitigate the effects of the sun’s UV rays.
Also called glycolic acid, products that employ AHA do so because the powerful ingredient reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Most typically, face scrubs, peels, and masks contain glycolic acid and can be added to a skin care routine periodically to reap the benefits.
SUBLIME SKIN Peel Pads. Our single-use exfoliating peel pads work well a few days after sun exposure and are gentle enough for even the most sensitive of skin.
/skin regimen/ Glyco-Lacto Peel This glycolic mask prompts skin renewal through activating ingredients like glycolic and lactobionic acids. Both key ingredients work to smooth out the complexion and add a brightening quality to dull, damaged skin.
BODY STRATEGIST Peel Scrub. Natural silica, orange peel, and 10% alpha-hydroxy acid initiates both mechanical and chemical exfoliation. Dead skin cells can hold on to clumps of brown pigment from sunburns. Exfoliating these dead skin cells away allows room for new skin cells to appear.
The terms retinoid and retinol are often used interchangeably, however, they are not exactly the same thing. “Retinoids” is a catch-all term referencing any product that contains any vitamin A derivative. Retinol is one type of retinoid. Retinol spurs collagen production, speeds up cell turnover, and stimulates the production of new blood vessels underneath the skin’s surface.
/skin regimen/ Natural 1.5 Retinol Serum. When applied consistently as part of an evening skin care routine, 95% of users saw a reduction in wrinkles. 100% of individuals reported that the product was delicate on their skin. Powerful retinol improves elasticity, filling out fine lines and wrinkles caused by UV damage.
Vitamin C is notorious for its brightening effects and has been making quite a splash over the past decade in the personal care product industry. When added to consciously-crafted skin care, this essential vitamin neutralizes free radicals, brightens dark or dull spots, and promotes collagen production.
/skin regimen/ 15.0 Vit C Booster. This tiny bottle holds a potent serum that is crucial to reverse sun damage. An effective formulation of vitamin C and [ comfort zone ] Longevity Complex works to brighten lackluster skin, improve the appearance of large pores, and even out skin tone.
Finding an experienced esthetician is key to reversing sun damage. He or she can create a comprehensive treatment plan to accompany your current routine, thus increasing its efficacy and speeding the reversal of sun damage. Use our spa locator to find a knowledgeable practitioner who offers the following treatments.
This process uses a minimally-abrasive tool to lightly scrape away the top-most layer of skin. Manual exfoliation removes dead skin cells that are often darker in color and rough in texture, leaving you with soft, supple new skin.
A monthly facial performed by an experienced esthetician is instrumental in attaining clear skin and working to reverse sun damage. Facials remove trapped dirt, unclog pores, and let skin breathe.
Our skin cells rely on oxygen to live, thrive, and multiply effectively. An oxygen facial infuses our face and neck with heavy doses of the life-giving molecule, prompting cell regeneration, blood flow, and accelerated healing.
Sunscreen is a must to prevent further damage from the sun. Apply sunscreen during your morning skin care routine and reduce exposure by staying out of the sun during peak hours. Use a minimum of SPF 30 on your face and body for daily activity, but increase the SPF if you plan to spend long hours outdoors. If you experience sunburn, take care of your skin with the following products.
Cold water helps tame inflammation and won’t further irritate or dry out the sun-damaged skin. WATER SOUL Eco Shower Gel’s delicate, biodegradable formula is gentle and soothing on sensitive skin.
Apply lotion and aloe before putting on loose fitting clothing. Tight fitting clothing will trap heat and may induce peeling, blisters, and itchiness.
Once sunburnt, the sun-damaged skin has been zapped of water and needs to stay moisturized in order to heal. Products from the [ comfort zone ] REMEDY LINE are made with natural ingredients that trap water and replenish dry skin.
Diagnosing skin cancer early is a huge step in surviving a battle with it. Mole checks, biopsies, and routine visits to a dermatology office help manage potential hazards from sun exposure.
Cover up when outside during peak sun exposure hours. When working out, gardening, swimming, or hiking, opt for fabric that is UV rated, which offers even more sun protection than regular cloth.
Routine skin maintenance is the best way to protect against the signs of sun damage, including anti-aging, and can assist in reversing any damage that has already occurred. Select high-quality, clinically-tested products that work with the skin’s natural barrier and microbiome.
[ comfort zone ] skin care products prioritize the people that use them and the planet. Decades of research and natural skin care ingredients go into each [ comfort zone ] product. We don’t test on animals and, as a certified B Corp, will continue pushing for sustainable practices across the personal care industry to ensure the natural world we love lasts for millennia to come.
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An oxygen facial treatment provides a host of anti-aging benefits including reduction of fine lines and increased hydration.
