How to Reverse the Effects of Sun Damaged Skin

Most us enjoy nothing more than a long hot sun drenched summer. But while we may all enjoy the benefits of a golden tan and ampule doses of Vitamin D, the sun can come with some unwanted side effects. 

The number-one cause for premature ageing, our love of the sun is causing longe term skin damage. Penetrating the deepest layers of our skin, the sun’s powerful UV rays can alter our DNA at a cellular level, accelerating the ageing process and in some case leading to cancer. 

The problem with sun damage, is that it can hide in plain site and we often don’t notice it until much later down the line. This is because it can take years for the sun damage caused deep down at a cellular level to reach the skin’s surface. Often, it’s only when we see the visible signs of sun damage, such as dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles and lost of elasticity, that we start to rethink out relationship with the sun. 

The good news is, there is something we can do about it and Autumn is the perfect time to reverse the effects of a sun drenched summer. 

The super power house this is antioxidants, is the place to start. Combating the harmful effects of UV rays, antioxidants like vitamin C, will fight the formation of sun spots, fine lines and wrinkle, and firm up slacken skin.  L-ascorbic acid, the active version of vitamin C, is the gold standard and with regular use will contributes to collagen and elastin production, both essential for SPF.

Another antioxidant that you want to be including into your regime is Retinol. Hailed as the Skin’s Cheerleader, Retinol a ’cell communicating’ ingredient, works by ’talking’ to the  skin cells, encouraging healthier, younger cells to to make their way to the surface of the skin. Used frequently retinoids retextures sun damaged skin, evens out skin tone and stimulates the collagen and elastin lost from cellular sun damage. 

When first using a retinol it is not uncommon to experience irritation, redness and flakiness. We would alway advice starting at a lowered dose and gradually building your way up as your skin acclimatises. Alternatively use you retinol once or twice a week at night, gradually building up your usage to every day or every other day. Buffering with a moisturiser can also work wonders for the dryness often associated with a retinol.

Next up. Exfoliants.  Removing the top layer of the dermis, exfoliants help to increase cell turn over, improving radiance, texture and tone.  There are two types of exfoliants, physical, which are your gritty course scrubs, more suited for your body, and chemical, which are your AHAs and BHAS, and our preferred method official exfoliation.  Applying a chemical exfoliation two or three times a week, can help bolster your regime for improved results. 

And of course you should never forgot the importance of a good suncream. For while it may be last on this list, SPF should always be top of yours.

So with summer now firmly behind us, there couldn’t be a better time to rejuvenated your skin. Here are some of our top products to help reverse the signs of sun damage. 

ALUMIER MD

Retinol Resurfacing Serum

Available in strength 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0, Alumier’s Cutting-edge microencapsulated retinol  allow you to gradually work your way up to maximum strength. Dramatically improving fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes and skin texture, hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, honey and sodium hyaluronate, ensures maximal results are achieved in maximum comfort.

SWEAR BY SKIN

LookLit LED Mask £75

 A 100% painless treatment that triggers your skin’s natural healing abilities, it’s no surprise that LED light masks have become all this range. The LookLit LED Mask has three different colour modes of red, blue and yellow (ideal for skin pigmentation and cell rejuvination) and unlike lots of masks, it’s wireless so you can wear it and get on with your day.  

CODEX

Antü Brightening Night Cream £69.30

Steeped in science and powered by plants, Codex’s rich, nourishing night cream features a swathe of antioxidants and plant extracts, to restore the skin barrier and improve skin tone uniformity.

TEOXANE

 AHA Cleansing Gel £35

This rinse of cleanser gently purifies, exfoliates and renews skins, for better product absorption and a radiant complexion. 

DR MICHAEL PRAGER

Anti-Oxidant Serum with Vitamin C £90

Hailed as the Free Radical Catcher, this Anti-Oxidant Serum reduces skin damage by increasing your natural anti-oxidant levels in the dermis. Featuring moisturising hyaluronic acid, it is the first line of defence against pigmentation and loss of skin collagen.

UBUNA

Brightening Serum £180

Infused with Ostrich Egg Yolk, Vitamin C and plant-derived Alpha Arbutin, J Beauty’s latest export will transform dull, dehydrated skin, evening and illuminate your complexion, for a maximum glow.

STRIVECTIN

Daily Reveal Exfoliating Pads £39

Strivictins new take on typical astringent pads, delivers both chemical exfoliation with four types of acids, plus physical exfoliation with a micro-peel fiber pad to gently remove dead skin cells for the ultimate resurfacing. The results? An even skin tone for a glowing complexion in just 3 days.

SKINCEUTICALS

Glycolic 10bRenewal Overnight £80

With its synergistic combination of 10% glycolic free acid value, 2% Phytic acid to promote skin clarity and brightness, plus a triple action-soothing complex of botanicals and oils to help support the skin barrier, this clinically proven treatment from SkinCeuticals will improve skin texture, tone and radiance

GERMAIN DE CAPUCCINI

Timexpert Radiance C+ Illuminating Antioxidant Eye Contour £45.35

Illuminates and revitalises your eye contour, with this antioxidant powerhouse containing Vitamin C and E. Working to fight the signs of fatigue, fine wrinkles and pigmentation, skin is more toned, even and awake.