What does sun damage look like?

Some of the signs of sun damage include:

• Fine lines and deeper set wrinkles
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Age spots and hyperpigmentation
• Thickened, leathery texture
• Broken capillaries
• Discolouration, redness, blotchiness

The good news is that it is absolutely possible to begin reversing the appearance of sun damage with good medical-grade skincare and treatments. Here are our top tips.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a true super-hero in skincare.  A powerful brightening agent, it acts to reduce hyperpigmentation and create a youthful radiance. It repairs existing damage to collagen and, because it is an antioxidant it acts like an armour, preventing future damage by neutralising free radicals. Vitamin C in the diet and in supplements can also repair and protect the skin from within.

But not all Vitamin Cs are the same. Factors such as the type and concentration of Vitamin C, the ingredients it is mixed with and even the kind of bottle or how it is stored can make or break your serum’s benefits. A good medical-grade Vitamin C serum will tick all the boxes to benefit your skin.

Although Vitamin C serum isn’t a substitute for sunscreen, the two together do work in tandem to boost the skin’s protection from the sun.

Retinols and Retinoids

Another game-changer in the fight against sun damage are the Retinols and Retinoids. These are Vitamin A derivatives that when used on the skin ‘wake up’ the skin cells and increase the rate at which they turnover. With regular use, the result is a decrease in blemishes and clogged pores and a visible reduction in hyperpigmentation. Their powerful anti-ageing properties reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to reveal a smoother skin texture.

Again beware. Not all retinols are the same. Although “retinol” can be marketed in over-the-counter skincare products, the truly effective products are medical-grade and recommended by skincare professionals. Retinols come in different strengths and formulations and It is important to follow a programme personalised to your skin concerns to get the best from these products. 

Medical Grade Chemical Peels

The next level to refresh your sun damaged skin. Chemical peels are customised to your particular skin’s needs and must be administered by a fully trained skincare professional. They remove the surface layer of dead skin cells to reveal the younger healthier cells below. There are different depths of peel varying form superficial, medium or deep according to your skin’s level of damage.

Frequently administered as a course of treatments, repeated chemical peels can take years off your skin to reveal an evenly pigmented, youthful glow!

Treat your Sun Damaged skin 

Book a Skin Wisdom consultation to find out how we can help you combat sun damage and rejuvenate your skin.  Get in touch >>