September 10, 2015
Eight Hacks for Erasing Sun Damage
See Spot Run
Sun exposure is the number one reason for skin aging. The sun’s harmful rays cause damage to the skin’s epidermis (upper) and dermis (lower) layers, resulting in an increase in unwanted pigmentation on the skin in the way of brown spots, age spots, sunspots and uneven skin tone. It also contributes to a break down in skin’s collagen and elastin, resulting in loose, sagging skin as well as fine lines and wrinkles (we know, we’re cursing the sun Gods too!!) After a long summer outdoors, it’s time to erase summer’s sun damage with these eight tips.- Exfoliate. How quickly you reverse sun damage depends on how quickly your skin cells are turning over. The faster those old and damaged cells slough off, the faster the new and healthy cells will replace them. Help speed up the process by exfoliating regularly. Use a gentle scrub or mask 2 – 3 times per week and watch a beautiful brightness, and softer skin, make a come back.
- Get a professional treatment. Licensed estheticians have access to products that are stronger and faster acting than those consumers can purchase over the counter. Visit a day spa near you for a facial with a professional esthetician. Your skin will thank you – and maybe you’ll make a new friend too!
- Use a treatment product. If your skin concern is sun damage, we’ve got a treatment product for that! Our Cell Revive Brightening Serum with StemCore-3 lightens and brightens skin’s appearance naturally, without harsh chemicals. Studies have shown that the ingredients in Brightening Serum reduce hyperpigmentation, with noticeable improvement in as little as 14 days.*
- Continue to wear sunscreen. Maintain your already improving skin by continuing to protect it. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (that means it protects against UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of 15 or higher. Make sure to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapply every two hours. We love our tinted sunscreen for daily use to correct, protect and perfect all at once!
- Visit a dermatologist. The harmful effects of the summer sun can be exacerbated by other factors such as certain medications, hormonal changes and more. If your sun damage is worse than average, make an appointment with your dermatologist. They will be able to assess your skin concerns and create a treatment program just for you.
- Boost antioxidants. Incorporating the right antioxidants into your diet and skincare routine can help improve your skin and reverse summer damage. Antioxidants are nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and enzymes (proteins) that help prevent and repair damage to your body tissue. Antioxidants slow down and block the affects of free radical damage, which can cause cell dysfunction. Protecting your skin from the inside (by eating foods rich in antioxidants) and from the outside (by using products formulated with antioxidants, like the proprietary antioxidant complex ACX-11 that can be found in Stemology products) will help your body reverse sun damage and prevent it from happening in the future.
- Avoid hydroquinone. The beauty industry is split on the potentially harmful affects of hydroquinone. But we like to say, better safe than sorry! Hydroquinone is an ingredient in many skin care products that lighten, brighten and even skin tone. However, it has been shown to increase the risk of cancerous tumors when tested in rats, though studies on humans have been inconclusive. Many countries have outlawed its use in beauty products…except for the United States. So make sure you check your labels when purchasing skincare products to combat sun damage. Hint: Our Brightening Serum is natural, intelligently organic and does NOT contain hydroquinone. BONUS!
- Eat right. The saying really is true – you are what you eat. Help your body build strong new cells by eating a healthy diet high in vegetables, fruit and whole grains, while being low in fats, carbohydrates and processed food. Up the healing power by focusing on foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as oranges and leafy greens.