Is the Sun Damaging Your Skin?
By Genevieve Cunningham
The sun. What a perfect example of a love-hate relationship. Though we adore the light, the warmth, and the mood that the sun can bring into our lives, we don't love the burns or the sun damage that can follow closely behind. Perhaps the hardest part is that sun damage takes a while to show up, so we don't even know it's happening until it's front and center on our skin. Has this happened to you? If so, it's so frustrating! Luckily, there are things we can do that may just make a difference. If you need to repair your skin after too much time in the sun, take a look at what you need to know to get started.
Signs of Damage
Though sun damage will present differently on each person, there are some common happenings. If you've ever had a serious sunburn, you can bet your skin has suffered some damage. You may also notice dark spots -- on the face and hands especially -- or fine lines and wrinkles appearing just a little earlier than you expected. If you've noticed these things happening to your skin, it might be time to treat your skin for sun damage.
Tips for Repair
If there's one thing you need to know before beginning, it's that repairing sun damage is hard. Making improvements to your skin does not happen overnight, and you'll have to be patient and consistent in order to see results. Some tips for moving toward healthier skin include:
Get the right cleanser - Anything too harsh will only dry out the skin and cause more damage. If need be, consult a dermatologist for advice.
Find the right ingredient - Some people swear by a Vitamin C serum. Others swear by niacinamide. And then there's the holy grail: retinol. By gently testing products, you can see what works best for your skin. If you're under the care of a skin care professional, make sure you're following their advice perfectly.
Moisturize - Keep your skin moist. This is a crucial aspect of any skin care routine -- especially one that is focused on repair.
Sunscreen - No matter how much damage has been done, you have to start protecting your skin from the sun. Wear sunscreen every single day no matter the weather and layer up whenever possible.
Prevention is Best
If you're young enough and have skin that's slightly damaged but not too far gone, your best bet is prevention. And the best prevention measure? Protection from the sun! Slather on the sunscreen. Wear hats and glasses. Wear layers that cover the skin. The more sun damage you can prevent, the better off you'll be in the long run.
The sun is a wonderful thing. We couldn't live without it! But if we're not careful, it can also be incredibly damaging to our skin and overall health. Use these tips to repair your sun damaged skin and continue your diligence in protecting your skin's health in the future.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pasadena, Calif.