While it may not be possible to turn back the hands of time, you can certainly reverse some of the sun’s damage to your skin and stop the process from progressing into more harmful conditions, such as melanoma.
Wrinkles, sunspots, melasma and sagging skin are all symptoms of sun damage. Damage takes place at the cellular level; the good news is that you can be a catalyst of the healing process and even eliminate pre-cancerous cells.
Lest you think that sun damage only affects those slathered in sun tan oil soaking up rays for hours on end, just a few minutes of unprotected exposure can wrought untold damage. One of the biggest culprits is childhood sunburns that continue their torrent of destruction years after the initial burn.
If you are serious about skin regeneration, these six secrets can revitalize your skin.
1. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels produce a rapid change by removing the top layer of skin. They can even out brown spots and uneven skin tone while smoothing overall texture. Glycolic acid is the mildest option. Alpha-hydroxy acid and trichloroacetic acid achieve results that are more dramatic.
2. Dark Spot Correcting Cream
A budget friendly, over-the-counter treasure, niacinamide is a mild skin lightener.
3. Hydroquinone
When combined with Retin-A, hydroquinone is the most aggressive and effective noninvasive option for treating sun damage. It works by means of intense exfoliation. Be prepared for some skin flaking. Results are often seen within a month, and treatment can be continued for up to six months.
4. Intense Pulsed Light
Known as the gold standard for pigment reduction, a few treatments of IPL will cause sunspots to flake off within a few days. Several treatments are required to fully remove discoloration.
5. Photodynamic Therapy
A synergistic pairing of photosynthesizing medication and light therapy actually targets sun damage as well as pre-cancerous cells. Combining it with IPL yields speedier results.
6. Topical Antioxidants
Antioxidants penetrate and repair skin by neutralizing the free radicals that speed up the aging process. Vitamin C serum is a great choice as is homemade masks using yogurt, honey and berries.
Remember that results are only lasting if you continually care for and protect your skin.
