Soothe Your Sun-Damaged Skin: 5 Tips for Choosing a Treatment That Works

by Stacie Reid | Beautiful Skin, Skin Care

You may or may not have heard, but the days of sun baking for hours on end are (and should be) a thing of the past.

In today’s day and age, we are more educated on the adverse effects of sun exposure than ever before. And yet, a huge chunk of the population find themselves fighting the effects of sun damage.

Getting outdoors in the sunshine is 100% healthy, but wearing adequate sun protection is key. If you’re looking to reverse the effects of sun-damaged skin, here are a few options to consider…

How Exactly Does Sun Damage the Skin?

Tanning is big business. Million of dollars are generated by the self-tanning industry every year by those in search of a coveted ”healthy glow”.

In fact, studies show that many people see darker skin as far more attractive than pale skin types. While self-tanning will always be the healthier option, there are still many among us who prefer a natural tan, thanks to the sun.

But what’s important to realize is that your natural tan and the sun freckles than come it are your body’s response to UV damage. Essentially, an increase in melanocyte production that produces tanning pigment is caused by damaged DNA.

Elevated levels of tanning pigment is your body’s way of protecting itself, but only because it’s been signaled to do so by damaged DNA.

To add to this excessive exposure to UV rays leads to the production of enzymes in the skin that damage collagen and elastic fibers. Hello, wrinkles and fine lines!

Effective Treatments for Sun-Damaged Skin

If you’ve been worshipping the sun for a little too long or even looking to prevent the effects of sun damage, all is not lost. There are a number of effective treatments available today; you just have to find what works for your skin type.

Here are five treatments worth considering:

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which helps the skin to regain its suppleness and plumpness while reducing wrinkles and fine lines.

Vitamin C is naturally occurring and found in many fruits and vegetables. So supplementing your diet with foods rich in this compound can help too. Vegetables such as carrots, spinach, and cantaloupe are ideal.

Skincare products infused with vitamin c help to reduce levels of oxidative stress, which helps to restore a healthy glow. You can find Freshen Up antioxidant serum at Beauty Made Simply for $60.

2. Retinoid Skincare

Retinoids can be a little harsh for first-time users, so it’s important to understand how to use retinoids for best results.

Retinoid is extremely effective in boosting the skin’s collagen and elasticity. This compound can be found in a number of creams and serums on the market today.

It’s best to speak to your skincare professional before opting for a retinoid treatment so the proper type for your skin can be assessed, and you are informed as to how to properly use it.

3. Chemical Peel Treatment

Chemical peel treatments are a major skincare trend today and for good reason. If you’re looking to get rid of sunspots and pigmentation, a chemical peel treatment is highly effective.

Skincare products for use at-home help exfoliate the upper layer of skin with alpha-hydroxy or salicylic acid creams. Otherwise, visit your esthetician for a light or medium-depth chemical peel to target sun spots and wrinkles, too.

4. Microdermabrasion Treatment

Much like a chemical-based peel, microdermabrasion removes the outer layer of the skin to reveal smooth, sun-spot free skin. It also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Microdermabrasion is carried out using a tool fitted with tiny grains or crystals. This removes the top layer of the skin and boosts collagen production.

5. Laser Therapy

Laser therapy works to resurface the skin with short pulses of concentrated light. It’s a great treatment that targets very specific and stubborn areas of sun damage on the face.

If you are not a candidate for laser there are additional treatments that may be more suitable for your skin type. These machines deliver a high frequency heat source to targeted areas of the skin.