Skincare Care For Sun Damage

It is not possible to prevent all sun damage, but a few smart skincare habits can help you minimize visible signs of aging. This includes wrinkling; pigmentation changes, including sun spots (solar lentigines), freckles and darkening of the skin; rough and uneven skin texture; and skin laxity from decreased collagen.

1. Use a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

Using an effective sunscreen daily is one of the best preventative measures that you can take to reduce the risk of sunburn and premature signs of aging. It can also dramatically decrease your risk of skin cancer. Look for broad spectrum protection that shields the skin from UVA and UVB rays, which are both known to cause damage.

Whether you are looking for a mineral or chemical formula, a broad spectrum sunscreen that contains a physical blocker (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) is the best option for all skin types. These sunscreens sit atop the skin and work by blocking or reflecting sunlight. These ingredients are less likely to irritate or clog pores and tend to be lighter in texture and less greasy than other chemical sunscreen ingredients.

If you have oily skin, it is important to find a sunscreen that won’t exacerbate the problem. Look for a lightweight, non-greasy formula that is labeled as “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic,” to avoid potential clogged pores and breakouts. Those with dry skin will want to look for a sunscreen that offers hydration and is formulated with ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and other moisturizing agents. Those with sensitive skin should use a non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic sunscreen with a gentle chemical absorber (avobenzone or octisalate). They should avoid chemical sunscreens containing perfumes and dyes, which can cause irritation.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

The skin needs water to hydrate and support its natural barrier. In addition, it can help flush out toxins that could be aggravating sun damage. In one study, women who drank plenty of water had more even skin tone and less sun damage than those who didn’t drink enough.

A diet rich in vitamin C can also make a difference. Foods that Skincare care for sun damage contain this powerful antioxidant—such as tomatoes, strawberries, leafy greens and broccoli—help prevent skin aging and promote a healthy complexion. Vitamin C can even help reduce the appearance of dark spots, fine lines and wrinkling caused by overexposure to UV rays.

Adding a serum with retinol to your skincare routine can be another way to reverse the appearance of sun damage. This ingredient encourages cell turnover and boosts collagen production, which can help to smooth and plump thinning or sagging skin. Retinol is available in both prescription and over-the-counter strengths, and it can be used to combat almost all of the signs of sun damage.

If you have serious sun damage or notice changes in your skin color, texture or elasticity, it’s important to consult a board-certified dermatologist for treatment recommendations. A professional can suggest a regimen that may include prescription or over-the-counter retinoids, laser treatments, compounded lightening creams and more. In some cases, surgery and other procedures such as dermal fillers, PRP, neurotoxin injections and photofacials may be recommended.

3. Apply a Retinol Cream

Retinoids help reduce wrinkles, discoloration and fine lines and can boost hydration and improve skin tone. They also accelerate cell turnover and can reduce acne, dark spots, pore size and discoloration, as well as increase skin elasticity. But because they can be a bit harsh on the skin, it’s important to introduce body care company them slowly into your routine. “If you apply too much too soon, it can be very irritating and dry your skin,” says dermatologist and skincare expert, Dr. Garshick. “The best way to avoid irritation is to start with a low percentage over-the-counter retinol and only use it two or three times per week, focusing on areas where you have sun damage.”

Retinol can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun so it’s essential to wear sunscreen when using one. She recommends a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher and reapplying often. She also recommends adding a moisturizer with added hydration like hyaluronic acid, ceramides or aloe vera to prevent irritated and flaky skin.

For those with sensitive skin, Busso suggests choosing a retinol cream that’s formulated with calming ingredients like chamomile, licorice root extract, seaweed and caffeine to reduce redness and irritation. She also recommends trying a time-release retinol formula that slowly releases the active ingredient over time. These can be particularly good for those with skin prone to breakouts or who have undergone in-office treatments that can trigger redness and irritation.

4. Avoid Sunlight

It’s nice to get some sun, but too much of it can cause wrinkles, dark spots, rough texture and redness. Even worse, too much sunlight can lead to skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the United States. The good news is that there are plenty of steps you can take to prevent and treat sun damage.

Sunlight is a mixture of visible and invisible rays, or waves. The rays that are visible, called UVA and UVB, are what give you a sunburn. The invisible rays, however, penetrate deeply into the skin and can cause problems like age spots and hyperpigmentation.

Over time, the sun’s damaging rays can break down collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. They can also trigger an overproduction of melanin, causing dark spots and uneven skin tone. The sun’s rays can also stretch out small blood vessels, giving the skin a red or blotchy look.

Prevention is easier than reversal when it comes to sun damage, but there are several products and treatments that can help fade the appearance of aging signs caused by too many summers spent catching some rays. For example, a product with niacinamide can help decrease the appearance of dark spots and blotchiness. If you want to try one of these treatments, we recommend consulting with a dermatologist or skincare professional to ensure the best results and safety.