How to Treat Sun Damaged Skin with Eminence Organics

How to Treat Sun Damaged Skin with Eminence Organics

Years of outdoor sun exposure will eventually affect our skin. The time we've spent exposed to the elements can manifest as dark spots, wrinkles, sagging skin, and discolouration. Unfortunately for sun enthusiasts, sun damage not only ages our skin prematurely but also increases the risk of skin cancer. Keep reading to learn about the most common signs and symptoms of sun damage on the face and body, and discover how to improve your skin's appearance.

Sun Damage on the Face: Key Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Unlike natural aging, which is influenced by age and genetics, sun damage results from UV light exposure permanently altering the skin's structure. Symptoms include:

 

Face of woman showing signs of sun damage

Rough, Dry Skin Texture

Years of UV exposure can lead to significant textural changes in the skin, manifesting as scaly patches and crusty, thickened areas raised from the surface. The American Academy of Dermatology Association notes that these changes can include deep lines or dry, scaly patches known as actinic keratoses (AKs), which are pre-cancerous growths. This type of sun damage can also progress to skin cancer, as AKs sometimes develop into squamous cell carcinoma. Monitoring your skin for any changes and consulting a doctor can help detect potential skin cancers early.

Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Long-term exposure to UV rays can lead to changes in the skin's collagen, which is responsible for its elasticity. These changes often result in fine lines, wrinkles, and a thickened skin texture. Prolonged UV exposure prematurely ages the skin by causing collagen loss and reduced elasticity. Remarkably, up to 90% of visible aging is attributed to sun exposure.

Sagging, Loose Skin

The skin's elasticity is primarily maintained by two proteins, elastin and collagen, which naturally degrade over time. However, external factors, such as excessive sun exposure, poor nutrition, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking, can accelerate this process. The decline in collagen and elastin production leads to loose, sagging skin.

Spider Veins

The breakdown of collagen can result in decreased pressure around blood vessels and reduced skin elasticity. This change increases the likelihood of spider veins, which appear as a network of red, purple, and blue lines resembling a spider's web, becoming more visible on the skin's surface.

Uneven Skin Tone

While uneven skin tone can sometimes be hereditary, it can also result from prolonged sun exposure. Ruddy skin typically appears reddish and may exhibit unevenness, blotchiness, or broken capillaries.

Hyperpigmentation

Uneven skin pigmentation, known as hyperpigmentation, refers to irregular darkening of the skin. This condition can be caused by sun damage or genetics, resulting in discoloured or darkened patches on the skin. Hyperpigmentation can manifest as either raised lesions (papules or plaques) or flat lesions (patches or macules). Moles are another form of hyperpigmentation. Any changes in moles should be examined by a doctor to check for signs of skin cancer. Dark spots, also called sun spots, liver spots, or lentigines, are another type of hyperpigmentation. These spots, resembling large freckles or flat brown spots, develop from prolonged exposure to UV light and commonly appear on areas like the arms, legs, face, hands, neck, and décolletage.It's essential to monitor these skin issues for any changes in colour, texture, size, or shape, as they can indicate underlying health concerns. To protect your skin from further sun damage and improve its overall health, continue reading for tips. 

 

How to Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage

To maintain radiant and healthy skin over the long term, follow these six steps to protect your skin:

1. Reapply SPF Every 2 Hours

Sunscreen is effective only when applied correctly and reapplied regularly. Reapply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every two hours, or more frequently if you are sweating, towel drying, or swimming. 

2. Reduce Outdoor Exposure & Use Protective Clothing

Limit your time outdoors during peak sun hours (usually from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in most regions in Canada). The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunscreen. Seek shade whenever possible, particularly when the sun is at its strongest.

2. Choose a Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher

If you notice any symptoms of sun damage, the first step is to prevent further damage. One of the most effective preventive measures is using sunscreen. Incorporating a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher into your daily skincare routine can help protect against early signs of aging and other sun-related damage. 

3. Look for "Broad Spectrum on the Label

While SPF indicates protection against UVB rays, it does not indicate protection against UVA light. Therefore, the second crucial factor to consider in a sunscreen is the "broad-spectrum" label, indicating protection against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays contribute to wrinkles and fine lines, while UVB rays cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.

4. Choose An SPF With Moisturizing Ingredients

If your skin is dry from sun exposure, certain ingredients can help restore moisture. For instance, our Radiant Protection SPF Fluid provides hydration and nourishment, while also shielding the skin from the sun's damaging effects.

5. Regularly Check Your Body

After bathing or showering, thoroughly examine your body from head to toe to become acquainted with your skin and notice any new spots. Monitor existing spots for any changes in appearance. Remember, if a spot changes in size, shape, colour, or border, it's essential to consult your doctor or dermatologist.

6. Use Products with Vitamins and Antioxidants

By combining SPF with products containing vitamins and antioxidants, you effectively protect your skin from the sun and other environmental factors. Vitamins C and E, when used alongside SPF, act as a powerful shield for your skin. While SPF blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays, serums like our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum provide additional protection against dryness caused by environmental stressors. This serum is infused with antioxidants from citrus, leafy greens, and avocado, complementing our SPF products to enhance your skin's defense.
Are you dealing with signs of sun damage? View our range of sun care products to shield yourself from harmful UV rays.
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