Caring For Sun Damaged Skin
Topic: CellDerma
Tags: CellDerma pigmentation skin care recommendations skin health skincare sun damage
September is all about skin recovery. After the summer months and exposure to the intense summer sun, your skin may be in need of some recovery.
Everyone is susceptible to sun-damaged skin and can feel the effects of sunburn, but what is the best way to care for it?
The care required depends on the severity of the sun damage. If you’re experiencing pigmentation, here’s what you need to know:
Pigmentation, and how to treat it?
Pigmentation refers to the pigment in the skin that obtains its colouring from melanin. Melanin levels differ from person to person, which is why there are so many different skin tones. Each individual’s melanin level is determined by their DNA and sun exposure.
There are a few ways to reduce the appearance of pigmentation. The simplest and most effective method is to look for ingredients in your skincare products that help prevent and reduce pigmentation. Additionally, topping up a powerful mineral-based sunscreen will help prevent further pigmentation from developing.
How to treat Pigmentation?
Vitamin C is a must-have ingredient that has gained much attention in recent years. It inhibits melanin synthesis, which reduces pigmentation. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is not naturally produced by the body, so it is necessary to ingest it internally or absorb it externally for its benefits. When applied topically, its antioxidants also neutralise free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage the skin, caused by UV rays and are a leading cause of aging.
Rumex Occidentalis Extract and Kojic Acid work similarly as tyrosinase inhibitors, helping to minimise the production of new pigment in the skin. By inhibiting this enzyme, these ingredients help to slow down the formation of new pigment, making them highly effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. In addition to lightening existing pigmentation, they also prevent new discolorations from forming, making them valuable for both corrective and preventative skincare routines. Regular use of products containing these ingredients can lead to a brighter, more even complexion over time.
Vitamin A derivatives, such as retinol and retinoids, are powerful antioxidants that are essential to any skincare routine. Vitamin A has been proven to accelerate cell turnover and allowing new skin cells to form more quickly. This higher cell turnover can help neutralize existing pigmentation. Additionally, Vitamin A helps reduce acne and spots by reducing inflammation as well as encouraging the growth of new, healthy ones and speeding up your skin’s recovery.
Caring For Sunburned Skin
If your skin has suffered more severe sun damage, such as sunburn, the initial sensitivity may subside after five days, but the long-term effects—like collagen breakdown, hyperpigmentation, and even the risk of skin cancer—can last a lifetime.
There are two types of UV rays that affect our skin: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and damage collagen and elastin, leading to premature aging. UVB rays primarily damage the DNA in the top layer of the skin, causing sunburn and pigmentation.
It’s important to note that sunscreens with higher SPF do not last longer or remain effective on the skin any longer than those with a lower SPF. To avoid sun damage, it’s crucial to protect your skin and reapply your SPF every two hours for optimal protection, especially when considering factors like time of year, time of day, and geographical location.
If you’ve neglected your SPF, here are some of Dr. Dev Patel’s top tips for caring for sun-damaged skin, as featured in The Independent article, “How to Soothe Painful Sunburn”:
“Avoid benzocaine and lidocaine. These topical anaesthetics are sometimes used to relieve pain, but they can cause allergic reactions and further irritation in some people….Petroleum-based products should also be avoided. While they create a barrier, they can trap heat in the skin and worsen the sunburn.”
“Finally, avoid exfoliants and retinoids for severe sunburn. Products containing exfoliating acids (like glycolic acid) or retinoids (like retinol) can further irritate and damage already sensitive skin.”
As with any burn, the first step is to apply a cool compress and stay out of the sun. This helps draw out the heat and reduces pain and inflammation.
While moisturizing is often the first step people take, you must also remember to drink plenty of water to hydrate the skin cells from within. It’s best to avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, or other caffeinated drinks, as they can contribute to further dehydration when caring for sunburned skin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while sun exposure can have lasting effects on the skin, proper care and recovery techniques can help minimize the damage and restore your skin’s health. By incorporating effective ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, growth factors, and sun protection into your routine, you can reduce pigmentation, prevent further damage, and promote skin renewal.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Stay diligent with your sunscreen, and if your skin does suffer from sun damage, treat it with the right care to maintain a healthy, radiant complexion.
Always remember to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional before starting any new skincare product, especially if you have specific skin concerns or conditions. You can find a list of our CellDerma partnered clinics here.
