Sun Damage and Skincare

As I am writing this the sunshine has disappeared, but that does not mean we should relax on the SPF.

Okay firstly, let us start off with what sun damage is.

The sun emits UV rays that can damage the skin and cause sunburn. Over time these rays can escalate the aging process, contributing to wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin and other problems. By absorbing the UV rays our skin increases melanin production (pigment making molecule) in your skin. Melanin is your skin’s natural response to protect itself from sunlight. Research shows that UV exposure is the main reason behind 80% of the skin’s aging. However, it is important to remember that the sun emits 3 different types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB and UVC. All these types of UV rays have the potential to damage your skin, but each type affects your skin differently.

It is not all bad news! UV exposure has a primary benefit, the production of vitamin D. This vitamin can improve your mood, increase energy levels, aids in the regulation of calcium metabolism, insulin secretion, blood pressure, our immunity and cell propagation. But as I say to my children you can have too much of a good thing.

So how do we protect the skin?

Lotions and potions are indeed available over the counter that claim to protect, resurface, and reverse sun damage creating a younger looking complexion. After trialling lots of sun creams, acids, and oils I have come to realise that a combination of these products in my own skin care regime really make a difference. I have a pale complexion and have certainly noticed the signs of sun damage and aging. As I am reaching 30, I wanted to focus on my skin care routine and seek new and exciting options to really repair and protect my aging skin.

After considerable research, there are many options available. Vitamin E for example, this vitamin combined with Vitamin C can greatly improve your skin’s health. Applying Vitamin E oil offers some protection against sun damage and may even lighten sunspots.

Hey! Here are some products below which address the above skin concerns.

But what about the damage that already exists? How can we reverse or improve the appearance of our skin?

You can protect your skin by using sun cream with a high SPF. Although sun damage is permanent, we can act immediately to improve the quality of our skin.

Let us dive into the ingredients a little further, shall we?

You can find skincare products available online and in stores that claim to protect, re-surface and reverse sun damage, creating a younger looking complexion.

Do they work? How do they work?

Retinoid, Vitamin C, Salicylic Acid, Selenium and Vitamin E are the best ingredients to use within your daily skincare routine regardless of any sun damage concerns. Applying skincare products or treatments containing Vitamin C and antioxidants such as Vitamin E before your sunscreen decreases the activity of Melanosomes and over time this promotes an even skin tone. In fact, everyone would benefit by using antioxidants in their daily skincare regime, antioxidants decrease excess pigment, build collagen, improve texture and of course tone! They help protect against future and repair existing damage, perfect to apply after cleansing your skin.

Fine lines?

This is where Retinoids and Acids fit in. Treatments that focus on re-surfacing the outer layer of skin often have Retinoids or Acids as well as potential collagen and elastin boosters like Peptides. These treatments compliment a skin regime focused on skin concerns surrounding sun damage, anti-aging, and clogged pores because they can remove dead/damaged skin cells promoting a youthful look.

Try these products to re-surface, repair, hydrate and unclog your pores. Personally, I love the Balance Skin Tonic. I suffer with combination skin with monthly breakouts and this product helps to unclog my pores leaving my skin looking clearer for weeks, I fell in love with this product after 2 weeks.

Sensitive and dry skin? No problem!

Face washes are a great way to introduce these marvellous ingredients without the irritation. As we age our skin barrier degrades, which means it loses water more quickly, applying moisturizers or serums with a Hyaluronic Acid base would hold a thousand times its weight in water.

Here are some facial washes to try.

Skincare routine would look like this depending on your skin type and skin concerns.

Some great additional products containing ingredients discussed above can be found here.

With a combination of these ingredients in your skincare arsenal, you will be well equipment to protect and repair your skin.