The experts from ISDIN are here to share details about sun protection.
From sunny beaches to refreshing swimming pools, we all enjoy the perks of summertime— however, you might want to leave behind some of its effects. When autumn rolls around and you find yourself asking, “Can you reverse sun damage on the face?” you’re not alone. The Skin Cancer Foundation advises that up to 90 percent of overall skin aging is caused by the sun. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to help prevent and reverse the look of sun-damaged skin. Follow along as we answer questions such as:
Wear sunscreen and seek the shade—we’ve heard this advice time and again. But what harmful effects are we protecting our skin from? First, let’s look at how the sun can cause skin damage on the face and body.
The cause of sun-damaged skin is UV radiation emitted by the sun. The two main types of rays that affect our skin are UVB and UVA.
UVB radiation: Remember “B” for burning. While UVB radiation is the main cause of sunburns, our bodies’ antioxidant systems help with this type of skin damage repair. However, repeated sunburns decrease our natural regenerative capacity, increasing our risk of skin cancer.
UVA Radiation: Remember “A” for aging. UVA radiation causes long-term damage such as skin cancer and visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and dark spots. UVA radiation penetrates deeper layers of the skin than UVB rays, breaking down collagen and contributing to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Now that we understand what causes sun damage to the skin, let’s look at the visible effects. Scientists have found that 80% of visible aging on the face is from the sun. According to the study, most dark spots are caused by sun exposure rather than the natural aging process. Results also showed that women that frequently sought out the sun had more wrinkles than sun-avoiders.
While 80% of facial skin aging coming from the sun can seem overwhelming, it also means that we can protect ourselves and help repair damage over time. First, let’s look into dermatologist-recommended ingredients to help reverse the visible effects of sun damage.
Melatonin for overall skin repair: Topical melatonin helps to protect against free radical-induced cell damage. Melatonin acts as an antioxidant, working to reduce the effects of daily skin stressors like UV radiation. In turn, signs of aging triggered by this type of damage, such as fine lines and wrinkles, can be greatly improved.
Vitamin C for dark spots: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help our skin neutralize free radicals from UV rays. Topical application can help repair existing dark spots and decrease the appearance of new ones.
Hyaluronic acid for wrinkles: Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance with an elevated capacity to bind to water in the skin. This moisturizing agent boosts elasticity, supports collagen and elastin and can help smooth the look of fine lines.
Prevention is always a better option than treatment. And it’s never too late to start protecting your skin the right way. Sunscreen can help combat visible skin aging by protecting skin from the photoaging effects of the sun. Let’s look at what’s important when it comes to sun care.
What sunscreen to use: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen that is broad spectrum, water-resistant and has an SPF of at least 30. Broad-spectrum protection means that it also protects skin from UVA radiation, instead of only UVB. And remember, UVA rays cause long-term damage, like visible signs of aging and skin cancer. It’s also important to confirm that your sunscreen is suitable for your skin types. Look for product labels noting non-irritating, mineral oil-free and hypoallergenic formulas.
How to apply sunscreen: The right way to apply sunscreen is exactly as directed on the label. Then, reapply at least every two hours, regardless of the protection factor. Facial sunscreen should be the last step in your skin care routine. Apply it after your moisturizer, waiting a few minutes for it to absorb properly, and then move on to makeup if you wear it.
Tackling sun-damaged skin takes a two-step approach centered around two actions: protect and repair. An effective routine for skin damage on the face from sun exposure includes potent skin care products and expert sun protection. Here you’ll find some dermatologist-recommended suggestions from ISDIN:
This SPF 50+ 100% mineral sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection from UVA/UVB rays and melts into the skin for the perfect finish. The innovative formula features patented DNA Repairsomes®, which are clinically proven to help repair existing sun damage for healthy, protected skin.
This tinted mineral sunscreen for the face offers SPF 50 broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Also containing peptides, it addresses existing signs of sun damage such as loss of firmness, fine lines and wrinkles. It also uses DNA Repairsomes® derived from plankton to visibly repair sun damage.
Longing for on-the-go protection against the visible signs of photoaging? This effective mineral powder brush is the perfect complement to your daily skin and sun care routine. The mineral formula provides skin additional defense against pollution, blue light and infrared radiation.
This daily vitamin supplement helps boost the skin’s natural defenses against photoaging while enhancing general skin health. Powered by an advanced combination of vitamins, antioxidants, and carotenoids, this skin care supplement promotes skin elasticity and overall radiance. You can learn more about sun protection supplements in our blog post on the topic.
Discover the award-winning, restorative overnight serum that helps skin recover from the effects of sun damage, like fine lines and wrinkles and loss of firmness and elasticity. This vitamin C and melatonin serum also contains bakuchiol to help fade discoloration and restore vitality and elasticity for healthy, beautiful skin.
This powerful dark spot corrector perfects skin tone and combats the appearance of dark spots with vitamin C and phytic acid. Boasting antioxidants, this dark spot-correcting serum defends against free-radical stress.
The dream team of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid give this serum gentle yet powerful properties. Hyaluronic acid boasts a hydrating and plumping effect, while vitamin C works to brighten your complexion and even overall skin tone.
Combat sun-induced skin damage with the face cream that restores skin overnight for a firmer and brighter look. It promotes your skin's collagen and elastin while you sleep to combat loss of firmness and elasticity. It also boosts moisture levels and smooths the look of wrinkles for a visibly nourished complexion.
You can read more about Barcelona-based skin care brand ISDIN by reading our blog!