Our 4 Best Secrets for Preventing Sun Damaged Skin

As we all know here in Alabama, this time of year brings heat, humidity and intense sun. Unfortunately, it only takes small amounts of time in the sun for unprotected skin to burn and become damaged in this climate. Some of the most common signs of sun damage include redness, premature lines and wrinkles, dark spots and rough or uneven skin texture – not to mention the increased risk of skin cancer that every sunburn can cause.

Thus, it is better to prevent these problems from happening in the first place than to treat them afterward (although we’ll also provide tips for that!) to keep your skin healthy and radiant. Here are our top tips for preventing sun damage and how to treat it if it does occur.

1. Use Enough Sunscreen

Most people now understand the importance of sunscreen for preventing sun damage. But studies show that most people do not apply enough sunscreen in order to reach the number of SPF listed on the bottle. For adequate UV protection, you should apply two tablespoons’ worth of sunscreen to the exposed areas of your body in total, including your face, neck, arms and legs. Make sure you use at least a nickel-sized amount on your face alone. 

2. Don’t Skip SPF on Cloudy Days

UV rays can penetrate clouds and windows, so even if it’s cloudy or raining, or if you’ll be sitting inside next to a window or driving in your car, your skin can still be exposed. As a general rule of thumb, use SPF 15 or higher on a daily basis, no matter what activities you have planned. Choose a higher SPF if you will be outdoors for longer periods of time, and don’t forget to reapply every 1 to 2 hours. 

3. Know Your Limits

While it is true that exposure to UV light is necessary for the skin to produce vitamin D3, most people only need to be exposed to the sun for around 10 to 15 minutes to achieve this. Additionally, any signs of redness or sunburn are signs of sun damage, so you want to be careful not to allow your skin to burn.

4. Boost UV Protection with Antioxidants

Antioxidants like vitamins C and E help to neutralize free radicals caused by UV exposure, which can contribute to premature aging and skin damage. You can increase this antioxidant protection by both eating a diet rich in antioxidants and using medical-grade skincare products that contain high concentrations of antioxidant ingredients.

What’s the Best Sun Damage Treatment?

While prevention is ideal, if your skin is showing signs of sun damage, don’t worry – there are several treatment options that can help to improve the appearance of lines, wrinkles, dark spots and uneven texture. Some of the best sun damage treatments include:

• Laser and light treatments such as EVO Light Laser Rejuvenation can improve uneven skin tone and texture, as well as stimulate collagen. Chemical peels exfoliate damaged skin to reveal a smoother, brighter complexion.
• DiamondGlow® also gently exfoliates the skin and infuses it with targeted serums for a refreshed, radiant glow.
• Medical-grade skincare designed for your skin type and needs can deliver effective ingredients that aid in skin repair and rejuvenation. 

Give us a call today at 251-929-7850 or contact us online to schedule a consultation to see which might be the best sun damage treatment option for you.