Reverse Sun Damage: 5 Expert-Suggested Ways to Restore Your Skin

Who doesn’t love basking in the glorious summer sun? We know we do. However, prolonged exposure to the sun has a downside – damaged skin in the form of wrinkles, burns, pigmentation, and more. If you are also struggling with stubborn sun damage, scroll ahead for 5 expert-approved ways to reverse it. But before we get to this cheat sheet, let’s understand sun damage at a cellular level. 

What Is Sun Damage?  

Two types of radiation prove detrimental to skin – UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays affect the epidermis or skin’s outermost layer, leading to burns and damaged cellular DNA. On the other hand, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin (the dermis) to deplete Collagen and Elastin fibers – resulting in premature aging.  

Treating sun damage early on prevents cosmetic and chronic skin issues in the long run. So, consult with a board-certified dermatologist to restore your skin to its former glory.   

What Are The Signs Of Sun Damaged Skin? 

Wonder if your skin is sun damaged or not? Keep a close eye for the following signs -

1. Hyperpigmentation and sunspots: Continued exposure to UV rays cues the overproduction of melanin in the skin cells, leading to hyperpigmentation and sunspots. So, if your complexion has been looking blotchy and dull after that beach trip – you know why.

2. Wrinkles and fine lines: As touched upon in the intro, UVA rays penetrate and affect the dermis or skin’s second layer. This leads to the formation of free radicals a.k.a. unstable molecules with one free electron each, resulting in oxidative stress to the skin. For those unaware, oxidative stress damages the Collagen and Elastin in your skin cells, often causing an early onset of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging.

3. Visible blood vessels (telangiectasia): Incessant solar exposure dilates the blood capillaries under the skin, leading to small red, blue, and purple lines on the face. 

5 Expert Suggested Ways To Reverse Sun Damage  

If you have burns, visible blood vessels, sunspots on the face, here are some expert-recommend ways to reverse this sun damage-

1. Use Retinol and Vitamin A derivative  

Retinol is most popular for its anti-aging benefits, but did you know it also reverses sun damage? Topical application of the Vitamin A derivative ensures healthy cellular renewal and boosts Collagen production. Results? Bright, even tone skin. 

How to use it: Retinol is an efficacious yet highly reactive ingredient. Use it 2 to 3 times weekly in your PM routine for best results.

2. Incorporate antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Niacinamide in your routine  

Continued sun exposure creates free radicals, which in turn damage the protein and elastin in the skin cells. This is where antioxidants come into the picture. Ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Niacinamide neutralize free radicals and defer premature aging like fine lines and wrinkles.  

How to use it: Since antioxidants shield your skin against UV rays, pollutants, and other aggressors – we recommend using them in your morning routine. In fact, layering a Vitamin C serum with your sunscreen boosts the latter’s efficacy.

3. Chemical peels and exfoliation  

Exfoliation is an efficient way to remove sun-damaged skin cells. If you have severe sun damage, we recommend opting for chemical peels under a professional’s guidance. The process buffs away damaged cells with a high concentration of Lactic or Glycolic Acid – revealing newer, healthier skin cells.  

How to use it: Go for an exfoliating treatment 2 to 3 times a week at night – syncing the treatment with the skin’s natural renewal and regeneration. If you’re opting for chemical peels, speak to a board-certified dermatologist about the down time and preventative care.

4. Laser treatment 

Laser treatments like Fractional CO2 and Intense Light Therapy shed damaged cells, trigger healthy turnover, and boost Collagen production – combating sunspots, ageing, and redness. 

How to use it: Get in touch with your dermatologist to learn the pricing, recovery time, and other preventative measures for this process.

5. Hydration and barrier repair 

Harmful UV rays dehydrate the skin, cause inflammation, and weaken the barrier. This is where ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides come into play. Humectant HA soothes inflammation, accelerates healing, and binds water molecules to the skin – reversing signs of damage. Moreover, Ceramides seal this hydration, avert free radicals, and bolster the barrier, preventing these episodes in the future. 

How to use it: Layer a Hyaluronic Acid serum with a rich, Ceramide cream for best results. 

If you are new to these ingredients, we recommend conducting a patch test to minimize flareups. 

How To Prevent Further Sun Damage? 

To prevent sun damage in the first place, swear by these tips and tricks -

1. Apply broad-spectrum SPF daily: To prevent burns, tanning, pigmentation, and premature aging – use sunscreen every day. Pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more to shield the skin against UVA and UVB rays.

2. Wear protective clothing, hats, and scarves: To double down on efforts for sun protection, wear full-length clothing, hats, and scarves while outside.

3. Avoid direct sunlight between 10 AM to 4 PM: Avoid the wrath of direct sunlight between 10 AM to 4 PM to keep sun damage at bay.  

FAQ 

1. Is it possible to completely reverse sun damage? 

Unfortunately, sun damage in the form of DNA mutations can be completely reversed. Having said that, you can reduce the appearance of damage with topical and professional treatments.

2. How long does it take to see results from treatments? 

The time to see noticeable improvement depends on the severity of damage and the remedy. Minor burns, pigmentation, and inflammation should be reduced in 4 to 6 weeks with topical treatments.

3. Are natural remedies effective for sun damage repair? 

Natural remedies like aloe vera, green tea extracts, honey, yogurt, and milk help reduce the appearance of minor sun damage. However, for swift and long-lasting results, we recommend topical treatments (re: Retinol, AHAs etc.) and professional procedures.