As the summer sun spends more time in the sky, we enjoy its warm glow throughout the day. Its light beaming down on us covers us in a feeling of comfort, allowing us to savour these months and the memories that we make during them.
The one downfall of having the sun out and stronger than ever? Sun damage. When our skin is exposed to the harmful UV rays emitted by the sun constantly, it becomes more prone to developing sun damage. This may include sunspots, dark spots, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and premature ageing, among other issues. Not only does this alter one’s physical presence, but it may also negatively affect one’s health. The risk of cancer heightens with increased sun exposure, which is a large reason to protect oneself from the rays.
Luckily, sun damage may be reversible! With the right steps and products, you can remove those dark spots and damage and clear your skin. These said products can be natural, artificial, or even cosmetic. So, if you are suffering from sun-damaged skin and want to rid yourself of the hassle, follow our tips on how to do so effectively!
1. Cosmetic clinic
A highly effective sun spot removal treatment for sun-damaged facial skin would be to get it cosmetically treated. Some cosmetic options are getting facials, laser treatments, or micro-needling.
Facials would probably be the least invasive method of the three, as it is free from pain. This involves some exfoliation and input of minerals and vitamins, leaving your face feeling fresh, moisturized, less inflamed, and fresher than ever before!
2. Laser treatments
Laser treatments use a targeted laser that focuses on breaking the hyperpigmentation on your face apart. This significantly reduces dark spots and sets your skin on its healing journey.
3. Microneedling
Microneedling is when small, fine needles are penetrated your skin to activate the healing process. It lightens your skin and boosts collagen production, which aims to get your skin looking as it once did!
4. Sunblock
After noticing sun damage, one of the first steps you should take is lathering your face with sunblock lotion. Prevention is one of the best defences, as this disallows the damage from worsening.
Layers of sunblock on your skin make it difficult for the UV rays to penetrate through and harm it by reflecting and absorbing some of it for you.
Simply applying sunblock once during the day does not cut it, however! Applying sunblock throughout the day is crucial, typically once every two hours. This ensures a constant shield securing your health against the glaring sun.
Keep up this routine, and you will surely notice a great reduction in your sun-damaged skin!
5. Aloe vera
Aloe vera seems as though it could cure absolutely anything. While this is not technically true, it is a great help regarding sun-damaged skin. The cooling sensation of this thick, transparent gel allows your inflamed skin to calm down, reducing redness and dryness. Its anti-inflammatory antioxidants make this possible.
Not only should this gel be relatively easy to find, but it should also be a cost-effective solution that provides highly reliable results!
6. Vitamins C and E
Vitamins C and E are two other godsends that will help you fight off your sun damage. The natural antioxidants within them protect your skin from the sun’s rays by promoting collagen production. They absorb the rays and create a safe barrier around your skin.
Some examples of Vitamin C-containing products that you should consider purchasing are citrus fruits, oils, and supplements. Vitamin E can be found in oils, sunflowers, almonds, peanuts, and pumpkins, among many other sources.
You could use either one of these vitamins, but using them together would provide you with the most optimal results.
7. Green and black tea
Put your kettle on the stove and get ready to make a warm, delicious cup of tea to soothe your mental state from the worries of sun damage. But be sure not to throw out your tea bags! This may surprise you, but green and black tea are incredible for reversing some of your sun damage.
The tea’s caffeine content helps break down the hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage and restore some of the harmed skin.
Place the used tea bag on the affected areas of your face, sit back, sip on your tea, and allow it to work its magic!
8. Take cover
As your skin continues to heal, aid the process by hiding it from the sun.
One way to do this is by avoiding the outdoors during the sunniest hours. This would most typically be from late morning till the afternoon, as the sun would be strongest. Avoid walking outdoors or sitting in unshaded areas during these times, as this could aggravate the already harmed skin.
We realize that this level of protection may be too stringent and impossible at times, so we have an alternative solution all set! Wear covering clothing, such as hats or scarves, to protect your face from the sun. This way, you can venture outside without fearing worsening your condition.
These methods fast-track the healing process and help you achieve sun-damaged-free skin faster than organic and non-cosmetic products.