How to reverse summer skin damage
Summer days spent on the beach soaking up the glorious sun can take a toll on your skin, despite reapplying SPF. But, as summer is winding down, it’s crucial to begin creating a plan for damage control. Whether you want to hear it or not, sun damage is cumulative throughout life. That means you should start protecting yourself against future sun damage. Luckily, both over-the-counter skincare products and cosmetic treatments can go a long way when used hand-in-hand.
Here are six expert-approved tips for reversing summer skin damage:
1. Seek out antioxidants
The body is limited in how much it can fight free radicals on its own, which causes premature wrinkles and sagging of the skin. That’s where antioxidants are vital in winning the battle. Seek out skincare products that contain ferric acid, vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, and niacinamide. Good sources include argan oil, rosehip oil, and vitamin C serum. Apply antioxidant serums to the skin at night, right before bed.
2. Use retinol religiously
You can easily improve post-summer skin through retinol. It can help diminish the appearance of brown spots and fine lines. Retinol is made of vitamin A, which supercharges cell turnover and stimulates collagen production. Slowly introduce retinol into your skincare routine to avoid drying out and irritating skin.
3. Invest in energy-based treatments
There are a number of different laser treatments available that can help reverse the effects of sun damage on the skin. Clear + Brilliant is one such treatment with zero downtime that evens out pigmentation and texture in addition to increasing collagen production, softening fine lines and wrinkles. IPL photo facials can also be a worthwhile investment for removing hyperpigmentation and red spots in sun-distressed skin.
4. Don’t forget to hydrate
Proper hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining your skin’s health. Dryness exacerbates the appearance of sun damage, so it’s necessary to keep your skin hydrated. Be sure to use a hydrating moisturizer containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides. These can help your skin maintain its moisture barrier and mitigate sun damage. Also consider getting Hydrafacials regularly, which increase skin hydration and help skincare products work better. For an extra boost of hydration, incorporate hydroserum face masks into your weekly skincare routine.
5. Harness the power of hydroquinone
One potent ingredient to consider adding to your skincare regimen is hydroquinone, a skin-lightening agent that can be especially effective against hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure. It works by reducing the production and increasing the breakdown of melanin pigments in the skin. Over time, consistent use of hydroquinone can visibly fade brown spots and uneven skin tones resulting from sun damage. Like with any skincare regimen, results may take time, but hydroquinone can be a powerful ally in your fight against sun damage.
6. Bonus: prevent future sun damage with SPF
While many associate SPF use primarily with the sunny days of summer, it’s crucial to understand that the sun’s damaging rays are omnipresent, rain or shine, and can penetrate through clouds and windows. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy or snowy days, is a critical step in preventing future sun damage. Apply it first thing in the morning, and don’t forget to reapply every two hours when you’re outdoors for extended periods. This routine ensures continuous protection against UV damage, keeping your skin healthy and youthful for the long haul.
Fight back with an integrative approach
When it comes to reversing accumulative sun damage, using an integrative skincare approach is critical. You should not only invest in high-quality skincare products that contain retinol and antioxidants but also think about getting regular cosmetic treatments to support skin health.
To find out which cosmetic treatments and skincare products are best for you, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with LaserAway today.
References
- “4 Dermatologist-Approved Ways to Reverse Summer Skin Damage,” Vogue, September 2, 2018.
- “How to Reverse Sun Damage, According to Dermatologists,” Town & Country, January 16, 2019.
- “The Skincare Step Most People Are Skipping,” Forbes, October 24, 2017.
