The winter season has already started, but some remnants from the summer months can stay with us longer. These include sun-damaged skin sustained by spending long hours under the sun without ample protection. Sun damage can occur in less than an hour, with a greater risk if you have fairer skin. Sun exposure may feel good for some time, but its cumulative effects on your skin can be difficult to repair.

If last summer has left your skin with fine lines, dark spots, and other signs of sun damage, there are effective steps to repair it. In this article, let’s take a more in-depth look at proven ways in how to repair sun-damaged skin.

Effects of Sun Damage

Sun overexposure brings acute effects that include an inflammatory reaction to ultraviolet rays which leads to visible burns with blistering and pain. This can be treated at home over a few days after exposure.

Among the common long-term effects of sun damage include wrinkles, dry skin, premature aging, discoloration, and a higher risk of skin cancer. While these are harder to treat than an ordinary sunburn, there are some options available.

How Sun Damage Occurs

UV radiation is classified into three types: ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). UVA and UVB radiation can both affect our skin. UVC is completely absorbed by the ozone layer and atmosphere.

UVA radiation is the strongest. It penetrates the deepest layers of the skin and damages the cells of the dermis, causing skin cancer. On the other hand, UVB radiation has a shorter wavelength and doesn’t get past the epidermis. It is mostly responsible for sunburns. Both UVA and UVB do cause skin damage that left untreated can lead to premature aging, mutations, and skin cancer.

If you have fairer skin, you have a higher risk of sun damage since the pigment melanin helps block UV rays. This doesn’t mean people with darker skin aren’t at risk of sun damage, but their skin is less sensitive to UV rays.

Repairing Short-Term Sun Damage

If you end up with a serious sunburn from staying too long under the sun, know that this can last for a long time. Follow the steps below to alleviate short-term sun damage.

Stay away from the sun

Steering clear from exposing your skin to sunlight until you feel better.

Cool your skin

You can do this with a cool wet compress, or by taking a cold shower.

Reduce inflammation

If the pain is intense, taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory may help mitigate your discomfort.

Keep your skin hydrated

Skin gels containing aloe vera are great options to moisturize and hydrate your sunburned skin. Make sure to apply them often.

Hydrate internally

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, sunburned skin basically draws hydration from your body to the skin’s surface as a type of emergency response. You can prevent dehydration by drinking water regularly throughout the day.

Let blisters heal naturally

If you have blisters, allow them to heal naturally and control yourself from peeling the dead skin off.

Repairing Long-Term Sun Damage

Wrinkles, thickening skin, and age spots may be clear signs of long-term sun damage. Below are some proven skin repair actions you can do.

Exfoliate

Assuming you are not experiencing an acute sunburn, exfoliating dead skin cells can smoothen your face and even your skin tone. An organic exfoliating soap would be ideal for this. If you have oily skin, you will want to look for an activated charcoal soap that treats oiliness while detoxifying your skin.

Moisturize

Dry skin definitely makes you look older. Keeping your skin hydrated with a high-quality anti-aging cream can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Repair

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, topical retinol is considered the gold standard skin repair cream for long-term sun damage. These creams are specially formulated to enhance cell regeneration and increase collagen production.

Eat right

It’s clear that what you eat can directly affect the health and aging of your skin. You will want to make sure to go for rich sources of vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial in maintaining skin health. Best examples are fatty fish such as mackerel, herring, and salmon. Avocados, walnuts, and bell peppers are excellent sources of beneficial vitamins and minerals that support skin health and healing.

Preventing Future Damage

Prevention is always better than the cure, and the best way to deal with sun damage is not to get in in the first place. Here are some of the things you can do that can save you from a great deal of future problems.

Wear sunscreen

Even on days when the sun is not out, our skin is susceptible to the sun’s UV rays. Using sunscreen and skin barrier repair products regularly. Make sure to go for a sunscreen that has SPF 30 or above.

Minimize sun exposure

If the UV index is moderate to high (5 or more), you will want to limit the time you spend outside. You can find your city’s UV index online or in most weather apps.

Cover up

If you really need to be out in the sun, make sure to wear a hat and consider UV-protective clothing.

Before trying out any brand for your skin, it’s important to make sure to choose products that are organically formulated with the help of professional skin experts and dermatologists.