It’s no secret that the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are the number one cause of premature ageing, also known as sun damage. Some sunlight is alright as long as you have proper protection from overexposure and aren’t stingy on the sunblock!
However, too much exposure to the sun’s UV rays might mean eventual sun damage. These UV rays can penetrate the skin in the deepest layers, damaging and killing the skin cells. It can even alter your DNA! This can negatively affect your ageing process and cause premature skin ageing. This often manifests as brown spots, wrinkles, fine lines, loss of elasticity, uneven skin tones and even skin cancer. [1]
It’s important to note that no matter how much sun damage your skin has suffered, much of it can still be reversed.
If you haven’t already been using sunblock, then start as early as you can. Getting the right protection for your skin can help reverse sun damage as your skin naturally repairs itself - producing healthy skin cells and collagen. Apply two fingers’ amount of sunblock 30 minutes before heading out.
If you’re not pregnant, vitamin A is a definite must-have in your fight against sun damage. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and helps increase collagen production and encourages cell turnover [2], both of which help reverse sun damage and treat sun spots.
When frequently used, it can retexturise your skin, even out dark spots and smoothen out wrinkles. Be careful with retinol as it can lead to irritation - so start with a lower dosage.
Stock up on antioxidants like Vitamin C to combat the harmful effects of sun damage. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and sun spot removal treatment that can help combat hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles. It can contribute to the acceleration of collagen and elastin production, and you’d be able to revitalise your complexion. With time, you may reverse the effects of sun damage.
Heard of BHA and AHAs? Chemical peels improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin to speed up the process of skin renewal. By exfoliating the skin, the new skin underneath may appear smoother, less dull and pigmented and reduce fine lines. As it is a form of chemical exfoliant, be gentle with the products you choose - Carry out a patch test first before applying it on your face.
Besides adding skincare products to try to treat sun spots and reverse the effects of skin damage, you can also consider popping by to a dermatologist or medical aesthetic studio for an extra boost of anti-ageing treatments. For example, the JetPRO at Cambridge Therapeutics. Using advanced skincare jet propulsion technology, it works deep into the dermis while being non-intrusive and pain-free.
By using the patented JetPRO handpiece, the jet streams place vigorous pressure on the skin surface to exfoliate the skin with water-based microdermabrasion. The skin will also be stretched to create microchannels and enable hydroporation to distribute a unique blend of nutrient-rich serums into the skin. This is all done while ensuring the client is comfortable and achieving visible results. Some helpful boosters are:
This procedure helps sun-damaged skin by renewing skin growth, enabling better product absorption and healthier skin. A minimally invasive procedure, microdermabrasion helps exfoliate dead skin, improve skin tone, and texture. Instead of using a blade, fine particles are used to create a mild surface for exfoliation.
For a softer approach, the AquaJet Microdermabrasion Facial is a 3-step Korean Therapy that can renew skin while providing it with nutrients for a natural glow. Using a gentler jet water stream and extremely fine aluminium oxide powder, it is safer than your usual microdermabrasion. By delivering a blend of skin solutions, it will effectively deep cleanse your pores without damaging the skin while at the same time improving your complexion, smoothening, and tightening it.
As with all medical issues, prevention is better than cure and the same applies to sun damage. Always remember to apply sunblock or sunscreen religiously, especially if you know you’ll be out and about under the sun. It’s also important to note that sun damage isn’t final and you can still take steps to improve the condition of your skin by giving it a little more lovin’ with a proper skincare routine and consulting your doctor.
References