Is it Possible to Reverse Summer Sun Damage?

 

For most people, our mood and overall health tends to improve significantly when the weather is warm and sunny because we have higher levels of serotonin and melatonin—not to mention we tend to spend more time getting out of the house, socializing and exercising. During the winter, however, it’s more common to experience a depressed mood due to vitamin D deficiency. There’s no doubt that time spent outdoors can give you a healthy-looking glow, but all of the exposure to sun, sand, and sea that we get during summer vacations actually does more harm than good to the skin and hair. Summer brings about more intense UV rays, sweatier skin, a higher pollen count, and dehydration. By the time fall arrives, it’s not uncommon to experience effects such as skin discoloration, dry and brittle hair, clogged pores, acne breakouts, freckles, moles, increasingly prominent lines and wrinkles, leathery skin, and excessive dryness. Luckily, cosmetic techniques such as chemical peels, says the Philadelphia area’s Dr. Timothy Greco, make it easy to undo these unattractive changes to your skin. 

Sun damage, which is a primary concern for many people, is caused by cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation, intense sunburns, or both. Remember that prolonged exposure to UV rays causes damage on a molecular level, so you should always be wearing sunscreen if you aren’t already, as well as taking other steps to shield your skin against the sun’s rays.

If heat and sun have already taken a toll on your skin this year, it’s time for damage control! Here’s what you can do to restore a glowing, youthful looking complexion now that it’s fall (and the holidays are on their way):

Use Antioxidants 

Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E are nature’s answer to undoing the damage caused to cells because of a buildup of free radicals from UV radiation. Even sunscreens don’t provide 100 percent protection against these pesky molecules that cause your skin to become weaker and lose elasticity. Antioxidants are often a forgotten aspect of sun protection. You can get antioxidants from foods such as blueberries, dark chocolate and kale, as well as skin care products like serums that contain ingredients such as vitamin C, green tea, coffee fruit extract, kiwi fruit extract, or licorice root. These help to revitalize dull, uneven skin and minimize the visible effects of sun damage. 

Chemical Peels 

Chemical peels have been used for beautification since ancient times, and they’re still one of the most beneficial treatments for the overall appearance of the skin. Peels remove the outer layer of damaged skin so that the new, healthier skin that gets to the surface is clearer and less wrinkled. They are ideal for enhancing sun damaged skin, and they also help with acne. While removing unwanted dead cells, they also stimulate growth of new skin through controlled injury. 

Replenish Moisture 

Exposure to hot, dry weather for months will strip moisture from your skin. Try stocking your cabinet with moisturizers that contain ingredients for hydrating the skin, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, as well as water-retaining ingredients that support the skin barrier, such as ceramides, niacinamide, and free fatty acids. 

IPL or Intense Pulsed Light 

IPL is a form of light therapy that is different from laser treatments and reduces various types of red and brown pigmentation from the skin’s surface by emitting flashes of energy that are absorbed by the unwanted pigmented lesions. IPL can reduce mild hyperpigmentation such as freckles and sunspots on the face, neck, and chest. 

Ready to start planning peels, IPL, laser treatments, or other options for skin rejuvenation? Discover more about what’s involved by contacting the practice of Dr. Timothy Greco. Call (610) 664-8830 or submit a contact form to learn about cosmetic treatments and skin care tips to reverse the effects of summer skin damage.