Is it Possible to Reverse Sun Damage?
Now that it is officially fall, are you – like me – evaluating the damage to your skin from the summer months of outdoor activities? Even with sunscreen, there are spots that were missed, washed off, sweated off or rubbed off, leaving skin vulnerable to sun damage. Sun exposure is the biggest environmental factor affecting aging of the skin.
Sun damage is rooted deep in the skin, in the dermal layer. When you’re in your teens and twenties, you may not see the damage so think you aren’t damaging your skin. Unfortunately, it does show up years later in the form of age/dark spots, wrinkles, and crepey skin. Sun damage also breaks down the collagen and elastin in your skin which causes your skin to thin and sag or become loose prematurely.
You might be surprised to know, that it is possible to reverse sun damage. It requires diligence and consistency, but you can visibly reverse sun damage rather quickly depending on how you approach it.
Before we can reverse sun damage though, we need to take steps to prevent further sun damage. Be sure you’re using sunscreen with a SPF of 50 (one that includes zinc or titanium dioxide) on all exposed skin and UV protection like wide brimmed hats and clothing, as well as sunglasses that cover the delicate skin around the eyes, and avoid the sun during peak hours.
Here are 5 ways to reverse sun damage:
PRODUCTS
Pigment inhibitors
Pigment inhibitors are used to reduce or minimize future pigment damage by blocking the Tyrosinase enzyme responsible for melanin production in the skin. As the melanin production is blocked, it reduces the visibility of the active or existing pigment damage. The pigment inhibitor I recommend is Fade Bright Lightener, by Platinum Skin Care
Retinols
Most people have tried and use retinols or have at least heard of retinols. Also known variations are retinoid and retinal, this is Vitamin A. Countless studies over decades have confirmed the efficacy of retinols in reversing signs of aging, sun damage as well as clearing acne, reduce pore size, increase elasticity, etc. The issue with retinols is they can be difficult for the skin to tolerate. If you are someone who has had this issue, or are considering switching your retinol for more efficacy, Platinum Skin Care has some great no nonsense information on retinols and their product Fusion A Retinoid Concentrate, and even a quiz to determine strength of retinol based on your individual needs.
DNA Repair Enzyme Serums
DNA repair enzymes are naturally derived enzymes which mimic the body’s natural response to repair damaged skin cells. With Photozyme MD, the enzymes are encapsulated in a proprietary liposome, which allows them to penetrate deep into the skin where they need to go to work, stimulating the body’s natural process to repair. The enzymes search and adhere to the damaged DNA strand only. The cell’s natural process takes over, extracting the damage and replicating a healthy DNA strand. This is such a game changing product! To learn more check out this post: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/product-spotlight-photozyme-dna-youth-recovery-serum/
Or visit: https://photozyme.com/dna-youth-recovery-bestbeautyhacks
TREATMENTS
IPL
An IPL is a laser treatment that rejuvenates skin by bringing damage like age spots to the surface and then sluffing off. IPLs are great for collagen induction and cell turn over. While the in office IPL treatments are very effective, they are expensive and there’s a bit of down time. The at home devices will need consistent treatments as they are not as effective, but they are much less expensive with no down time. If you have a lot of sun damage that you want to get quick results, you could do a series of IPL treatments in office, and then manage with at home treatments as needed. Here is the IPL device I use at home: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/faustina
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are very effective for reducing sun damage, anti-aging, collagen induction and cell turn over. There is some down time depending on the type and depth of peel, but it’s worth it as the results are significant, even with the at home chemical peels. For at home peels, I recommend Platinum Skin Care. They have such a comprehensive site with a quiz to determine what peel is right for you, Peel University so you can confidently and safely do a peel at home, and a full range of professional grade peels for every part of your body, including the eyelids (yes!), underarms and intimate areas. Check out this article for more info: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/diy-chemical-peel/ and visit: Platinum Skin Care for a discount.
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*Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. The statements made about specific products throughout this blog are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home, consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you.
*Disclosure: some links may be affiliate links where I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you.