Summer is a time to soak up the sun and enjoy some much-needed vitamin D. But, while we all love basking in the warmth of those golden rays, too much unprotected exposure can wreak havoc on our skin. Sun damage isn’t just limited to painful sunburns – it can show up years down the line as dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and even an increased risk of skin cancer.
So, how to treat sun damaged skin? With a few key lifestyle tweaks and expert-approved tips for treating sun damaged skin at home, you can repair past damage and protect your skin from future harm. Here are five essential tips to get started!
Introduction: What is Sun Damage?
When it comes to sun damage, there are two types: first-degree and second-degree. First-degree sun damage is when the skin turns red but there is no permanent damage to the skin cells. Second-degree sun damage is when the skin not only turns red, but also forms blisters and can lead to scarring. Sun damage occurs when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
UV radiation penetrates deep into the skin, causing DNA damage to skin cells. This DNA damage can lead to skin cancer. There are three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Of these, UVC rays are the most harmful, but thankfully they are mostly absorbed by the ozone layer.
However, both UVA and UVB rays can cause sun damage, too. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and are responsible for wrinkling, aging, and leathering of the skin. They can also contribute to the development of skin cancer. UVB rays are shorter in wavelength than UVA rays and don’t penetrate as deep into the skin. However, they are more intense and are responsible for burning of the outer layer of skin (epidermis).
A bad sunburn can lead to blistering and peeling of the skin, as well as an increased risk for developing skin cancer. So, how to treat sun damaged skin?
Tip 1: Use Sunscreen Regularly
Prevention is better than cure, so before diving in to how to treat sun damaged skin, let’s look at how to prevent it in the first place: sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen.
There’s no doubt that the sun’s UV rays can damage your skin, causing hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines, and even skin cancer. That’s why it’s so important to always use sunscreen if you’re spending time outdoors. But with so many sunscreens on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Make sure the sunscreen is broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of skin, and reapply every 2 hours (or more often if you’re swimming or sweating).
There’s no excuse not to protect your skin from the sun! Below are two great options for your face:
Tip 2: Invest in Quality Moisturizers
When it comes to sun damaged skin, or damaged skin in general, one of the best things you can do is invest in quality moisturizers. This will help to keep your skin hydrated, promote healing, and prevent further damage. Look for products that contain hyaluronic acid or aloe vera, as these ingredients are especially beneficial for sun damaged skin.
Here are some great moisturizers:
Tip 3: Use Antioxidants to Repair Skin Cells
When it comes to repairing sun damaged skin cells, antioxidants are your best friend. Antioxidants help to repair damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to premature aging, fine lines and wrinkles, and even skin cancer. Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause cellular damage and can be found in both environmental and internal sources, such as stress and inflammation.
There are many different types of antioxidants available, but some of the best for sun damaged skin include vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea extract. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also helps to boost collagen production, which is essential for healthy, youthful-looking skin.
Vitamin E is another great antioxidant for sun damage because it helps to protect and repair skin cells from damage. Green tea extract is known for its anti-aging properties, as it contains a powerful antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This antioxidant helps to reduce inflammation and improve overall skin health.
Tip 4: Apply a Topical Vitamin C Serum
Even if you wear sunscreen every day, sometimes sun damage can still happen. If you have sun damaged skin, there are a few things you can do to help treat it.
One treatment option is to apply a topical vitamin C serum. Topical vitamin C serums can help improve the appearance of sun damaged skin by helping to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, so it can help protect the skin from further damage.
When choosing a vitamin C serum, look for one that contains at least 10% vitamin C and is in a water-based formulation.
Apply the serum to clean, dry skin once or twice a day.
-
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster$ 71,76
Tip 5: Incorporate Natural Remedies into Your Routine
How to treat sun damaged skin with natural remedies?
There are a number of natural remedies that can help to treat sun damaged skin. Aloe vera is a popular choice as it is known for its healing properties. You can apply aloe vera gel directly to the skin or add it to your moisturizer. Another option is to use coconut oil, which can help to repair and nourish the skin.
Rosehip oil is also beneficial for treating sun damage as it contains Vitamin C, which can help to brighten the skin. You can apply rosehip oil directly to the skin or add a few drops to your moisturizer.
Conclusion: How To Treat Sun Damaged Skin
With the right care and attention, sun damaged skin can be taken care of. The five essential tips we’ve discussed here are a great way to get started with treating your sun damaged skin. From applying sunscreen regularly to eating the right foods, these tips will help you keep your skin looking healthy and young. With regular protection from UV rays and proper hydration, even severely sun damaged skin can make a remarkable comeback! We hope this article helped you understand how to treat sun damaged skin.