Are sun spots, fine lines, and dull skin giving you nightmares? Sun damage can affect your skin to no end. But with these tips at hand, you can easily reverse this damage and bring your skin back to normal very soon.
Exposure to the ultra violet rays of the sun for long hours, can produce a number of sun damaging effects on the skin such as discoloration, uneven skin tone, sun spots, fine lines and wrinkles, redness, dryness, thickness, big pores, and dullness. If you indulge in regular skin care and follow the tips mentioned below, then it is possible to avoid, prevent, and even get rid of such kind of skin damage.
Sunscreen
The first thing that you should do is to make sure that whenever you step out in the sun, you wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Even if you are undergoing some treatment to cure your sun-affected skin, wearing a sunscreen is essential so that the skin does not get damaged any further. So apply a thick layer of sunscreen on all the body parts that are exposed to the sun such as your face, hands, neck, upper back, and feet.
Retinoid Creams
Regular application of these creams aid in cell regeneration, i.e., new skin cells are produced faster by the body. The new skin cells are lesser prone to damage compared to the older ones. Retinoid creams are mostly available on a prescription, so you need to consult a dermatologist before starting their course.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is very good for appropriate skin exfoliation. Its application helps in removing the dead skin layer. It also produces collagen, which aids in renewing the skin. So regular application of Glycolic acid solutions is recommended to reverse the effects of to much sun. If your skin is sensitive, then be careful with its application, as Glycolic acid is known to produce certain side effects such as redness, itchiness, and a stinging sensation on the skin.
Creams with Vitamin C
Although there are many products available in the market, you should opt for skin creams that contain vitamin C, as this vitamin helps in neutralizing toxins that are produced in the body due to sun exposure. Such creams benefit the skin in two ways, they slow down the wrinkling of the skin and they reduce the appearance of age spots, too.
Chemical Peels
This is one of the most popularly used procedures to cure sun damaged skin. In this procedure, a chemical is applied to the affected skin, which burns the topmost skin layer. When the upper layer gets destroyed, the fresh skin beneath is revealed which is free of any skin damage. You can consult a doctor or a trained professional to get this procedure done.
Bleaching Creams
To get rid of the brown spots caused by sun exposure, apply skin lightening products that contain Kojic acid, Retin A, and hydroquinone. These creams help in correcting skin discoloration caused by sun exposure and make the skin tone even.
Light-Emitting Diode (LED)
You can purchase a home unit of these electronic light sources and use them according to the instructions given in the manual. LEDs help in the production of collagen, cure acne, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Microdermabrasion
This procedure is performed by a doctor or it can even be undertaken at a spa. In this procedure, the top most layer of the skin is abraded with a machine. The lower skin layer that is revealed is free of any kind of blemishes. Microdermabrasion is ideal for those who have thicker skin, as sensitive skin may get damaged further by this procedure.
To reverse sun damage, prevention is as important as a cure. So avoid going out in the sun during the peak hours, i.e., between 10 am to 4 pm. Wear a hat or a scarf, sunglasses, and long sleeved shirts if at all you need to venture out in the sun. Drink lots of water and apply a thick skin moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated all the time, as dry skin is more prone to damage.