It’s that time of year again in the Northern Hemisphere anyway, when sun damage is a real concern that is on our minds! In Arizona, where Skin Actives Scientific is located, we have a lot of experience with the sun, and sun damage. It’s really easy to get into good habits like wearing sunscreen when you have an average of 299 sunny days per year!

But if you’ve been caught in the trap of over-exposing your skin to the sun, what next?

Fortunately, Skin Actives is here for you.

What Causes Sun Damage and Skin Aging?

As usual, we’re looking at our old adversary Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Ultra violet light is broken up into two types: UVA and UVB. UVA is mostly harmless, but UVB can really hurt us. And not just with sunburn either. Damage from UVB light penetrates deep into our skin and not only ages us prematurely, but can cause mutations to the fabric of our DNA that will manifest later as cancer.

Now, some people will talk about damage from the sun and aging like they are two separate things. But here is something to keep in mind: up to 80% of visible aging is actually caused by exposure to the sun! That’s right, aging, and sun exposure are the same thing! At least, 80% of it is. So don’t let people decouple the idea of aging from the idea of sun damage. The next time you are laying in the sun by the pool trying to get tan, what you are actually doing is aging yourself!

How to Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage

The Best Defense is a Good Defense

You can probably guess where we are going with this:

You need to be applying sunscreen daily.

That’s right, the key to preventing damage from exposure to the sun is the daily application of an SPF 30+ sunscreen. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, or where in the world you are, you need to put on your sunscreen! 

But if the damage is already done you have some options.

In order to address the damage from abundant exposure to ultraviolet light, you are going to want to use skin care products with the following ingredients:

Niacinamide - Niacinamide is going to cover a lot of bases for you. For one, it’s an antioxidant, and that’s the kind of component you need to battle ROS in your skin. It also improves the function of the epidermis as a barrier to help keep these unwanted intrusions out. It decreases hyperpigmentation and also fine lines and wrinkles that are a direct sign of the aging process. Meanwhile it will improve elasticity and color.

Retinols (Vitamin A) - Vitamin A is great because it pushes the turnover of cell on the epidermal level. This decreases the hyperpigmentation that is associated with sun damage, such as dark spots and light spots, creating a smooth, even skin tone.

Vitamin C - A classic standby for overall health, topical application of products with vitamin C is  going to enhance your skin’s ability to repel damage and fight free radicals. Keep in mind this is not a substitute for sunscreen, or a “natural” solution! Vitamin C is only going to be able to do its job if it’s combined with a great sunscreen already. Meanwhile vitamin C stimulates collagen production which is important for skin strength and elasticity.

How To Reverse Sun Damage

First, if you are suffering from too much sun, assess the level of damage to your skin. Skin damaged by UV is going to be parched and dehydrated and be thirsty for nutrition. 

If you are badly sunburned, try applying Sea Kelp Coral instead of the traditional aloe vera. Sea Kelp Coral is nutrient dense and does not contain alcohol as a preservative! If your skin is dry, wrinkly or leathery, but not necessarily burned, you can apply our Every Lipid Serum to feed it back to health!

Lock in these healing nutrients with Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer if you have normal or combo skin. Use our Ultimate Moisturizer if your skin is a naturally dry type.

Skin Care Routine For Sun Damaged Skin

As you continue your recovery process, you can add these simple steps to your day and night routines:

Day - After cleansing, start with a nice layer of Collagen Serum on your damaged skin. If you need some extra moisture, use the Antioxidant Day Cream,  Then use a layer of our SPF 30 Advanced Protection Sunscreen to keep you safe as you go about your business over the course of the day. Remember to reapply sunscreen every three hours for best results.

Night - Cleanse first, then reapply Collagen Serum before heading to bed. Lock it in with a layer of our UV Repair Cream. Adding a UV Booster will create a strong smell for the cream, but it will do a lot more work!  Spot treat any dark spots with Skin Brightening Cream.

Skin Actives' Sun Damage Defense Skincare Products

Right now Skin Actives has its entire array of Daily Defense products on sale for 10% off until 7/12/2020. That should help you with your poolside adventures this year! You’ll find our Advanced Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen there as your first line of defense. Then follow up with our Skin Brightening Cream and UV Repair Cream. Add in a UV Booster, to any cream for even more UV fighting power!