How to deal with sun damage

What are sun damages?

Sun damage refers to all forms of often visible changes to the skin caused by UV light. These can be short-term (like sunburn), reversible (like age spots), or have serious long-term consequences (like skin cancer). The damage most commonly occurs on the face, but also on the décolletage, shoulders, arms, hands, and back. Of course, any other area of ​​skin exposed to sunlight can also be affected.

In fact, a summer tan is technically a form of sun damage, as it indicates an unnaturally high production of melanin. Even though a tan looks good and is seen as a sign of health, the natural skin tone is not actually designed to be further darkened.

sunburn

The most well-known form of sun damage is sunburn. Most people are probably familiar with the effects of reddened and hot-feeling skin. However, sunburn can also lead to pain, tightness, or blisters. Essentially, every sunburn is a burn injury. This is important to keep in mind. Sunburn is not trivial and requires the same treatment as other burn injuries. You can certainly cool the burned areas, but do so in moderation, otherwise the effect can quickly become detrimental. In other words: cool with moderate temperatures instead of ice-cold ones, and don't apply it for too long at a time. Take breaks and cool again later. The skin is already damaged and therefore needs rest and plenty of moisture. With an acute sunburn, you should also avoid further exposure to UV radiation and not sunbathe again.

Pigment spots

Pigment spots , or darker spots on the skin, are caused by an uneven distribution of the skin-coloring pigment melanin. External and internal factors can further increase the body's and therefore the skin's sensitivity to light, making it easier for pigment spots to form. These factors include, for example, certain medications or hormones. Hyperpigmentation can, however, be effectively treated with lightening agents. This does require some patience, though, as it takes a few weeks for the spots to fade.

Fold

Unprotected exposure to sunlight promotes the formation of wrinkles . This is due to several reasons. Firstly, UV light generates harmful free radicals, which accelerate skin aging. Secondly, UV radiation destroys or breaks down many important substances naturally produced by the skin, which are responsible for its elasticity. These include hyaluronic acid, collagen, elastin, lipids, and peptides. If the concentration of these substances in the skin decreases significantly, it loses elasticity and becomes more prone to wrinkles. Furthermore, every sunbath dries out the skin. Dehydrated skin is also more likely to wrinkle, so adequate hydration is essential, both through moisturizing products and by drinking enough water.

impurities

More blemishes can also result from sun exposure. UV light slows down cell renewal. This leads to skin cells not being shed as effectively, accumulating, and clogging pores. This, in turn, causes blemishes, as sebum can no longer drain from the clogged pores.

Skin cancer and its precursors

Besides visible damage, the risk of skin cancer naturally increases with each instance of unprotected sun exposure. In the worst-case scenario, melanomas (malignant melanoma) or actinic keratoses can develop. The latter are a precursor to skin cancer. They appear as rough, sometimes discolored bumps on the skin and often develop over years. In the case of such serious visible changes to the skin, a doctor should definitely be consulted.

What can be done if sun damage has already occurred?

Aloe vera helps with acute sunburn. The active ingredient is soothing, provides moisture, reduces redness and helps the skin heal.

Antioxidants such as vitamin C not only help prevent age spots, but can also repair existing pigment damage and even out skin tone.

To counteract dryness, moisturizing agents such as hyaluronic acid and lipids are suitable, as is aloe vera.

You can plump up your skin by supplying it with the very substances that are damaged by sunlight. The active ingredients hyaluronic acid, retinol , and peptides all stimulate collagen production, thus restoring the skin's elasticity.

Chemical peels, preferably those containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) , are very effective against blemishes caused by sun exposure.

Preventive measures

The best way to prevent sun damage is to protect your skin beforehand by applying antioxidants in combination with sunscreen before sun exposure. Using sunscreen is advisable regardless of age or weather conditions. It's easier to prevent sun damage with a suitable SPF than to have to treat it after it has already occurred. For sunscreen to be effective, it must be applied in sufficient quantity. Furthermore, sunscreen should be reapplied approximately every two to three hours, as its effectiveness diminishes over time or due to swimming, sweating, or other activities. After-sun care is also a good way to prevent skin damage from occurring in the first place. You can read more about the correct application of sunscreen and the use of after-sun care in our article "Summer, Sun, Sunscreen!"

Active ingredients for prevention and aftercare

Some active ingredients are particularly effective for sun damage. Alpha hydroxy acids even out skin tone in cases of pigmentation spots and moisturize the skin. Vitamin C is one of the most effective antioxidants and also has a brightening effect. Retinol, being a form of vitamin A, also has a mild antioxidant and brightening effect. Furthermore, it is especially suitable for reducing wrinkles and accelerates cell regeneration, thus helping the skin recover more quickly.

Consequences in the form of serious, visible damage often only become apparent decades later, which is why it's tempting to take the first signs of sun damage lightly. After all, you don't notice some effects immediately, or an acute sunburn fades quickly. However, before any extended period of sun exposure, you should be aware that foregoing sunscreen or preventative agents like antioxidants can cause permanent damage. Those who take preventative measures against sun damage early on have healthy skin for longer. Ultimately, prevention is less effort than aftercare.

Click here for our products against sun damage such as age spots and wrinkles .