6 Ways to Repair and Reverse Sun Damage
With beach weather right around the corner, don’t take sun protection lightly. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 90% of skin aging and damage is caused by the sun and guess what else? Slapping on some sunscreen usually isn’t enough to do the job. Here are 6 ways to repair and even reverse sun damage.
The Age Old Sun Screen Method
Yea, yea, yea–of course this one had to be first on the list! You may have half empty bottles of various sunscreen crowding your cabinet, but make sure to check expiration dates and spf levels. Shoot for 15 spf and higher, and don’t limit to just the beach. Slap on a light spf in the morning and wear it all day to reduce prolonged sun exposure. Try some Panama jack 6 oz Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 or Faces Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30.
Exfoliate for Fresh Skin
This is important to get rid of the outermost skin cell layer where dead skin creates a blotchy and uneven appearance. Use gentle cleansers and softly scrub skin with a loofah, or invest in a home microdermabrasion kit to keep skin clean and smooth. When out of the sun for the day, always make sure to wash off self-tanning products or sunscreen to avoid buildup, which can result in break outs.
Hydration is Key
If there is one daily health habit you want to develop, it’s drinking an ample amount of water. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and shoot for at least 8-12 cups a day. Water flushes out the system and keeps skin and hydrated and glowing. Target dry skin by applying a good moisturizer to the face and serum around the eyes where skin is fragile. Consistent use can stimulate the production of the protein collagen, which gives skin a healthy appearance and texture.
Get a Dermatologist
Make a trip to the dermatologist from time to time to get a complete body check done. Cancerous cells can show up in the form of a mole, freckle or other unusual looking patches and bumps. Early detection is crucial when it comes to skin cancer so get up, get out and make it a priority to get yourself checked out pronto!
Eat an Antioxidant Rich Diet
It’s no secret that diet plays a huge role in proper body function, but there are certain antioxidant rich foods that can possibility help with keeping skin at its best and actually protect skin from sun damage. Cherries contain melatonin, which can protect the skin against ultraviolet radiation and repair sunburned skin. Other stand out choices include crimini mushrooms, green tea, pomegranates and salmon–all contain vital nutrients that can aid in repairing sun kissed skin.
Treat Brown Spots by Bleaching
If you have developed stubborn brown spots and discoloration from overexposure to the sun, a simple over the counter cream can help them appear less noticeable. Look for products that utilize kojic acid combined with hydroquine, Retin-A*, or a mild steroid cream.
