How to Moisturize Sun Damaged Skin Correctly

Because UV rays damage the outer layers of the skin, they reduce the body's ability to absorb moisture, making your skin feel tight and leathery. With the right skin care regime, you can protect your skin and even reverse some of the damage done.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Aloe vera
• Moisturizer (minimum 15 SPF sunscreen)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
• 30 to 40 drops lavender essential oil

1. Apply aloe vera to your skin as a preventative. If you've been in the sun without sunscreen, apply aloe vera to all exposed skin areas, burned or not. Aloe vera heals the damage caused by UV rays while adding a protective hydrating layer.
2. Apply a quality sunscreen with at least 15 SPF to sun damaged skin twice a day, even on overcast days and even to covered skin. If you have oily skin, choose an oil-free moisturizer. However, any sun damaged skin can benefit from the moisture provided in oil-based moisturizers with sun screen. For an extra boost of healing power, look for products which include AHAs or collagen.
3. Mix 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel and 30 to 40 drops of lavender essential oil and apply evenly to your skin each night before bed. This combination will restore the moisture and elasticity of the skin, heal sun damage and prevent or even reverse premature aging due to sun exposure.
4. Don't take very hot or very cold showers and avoid harsh soaps and disinfectants. Because sun damage causes the oil-producing glands of the body to become less productive, your skin will be dryer, and soaps and extreme temperatures will only further strip the oils from your skin.