How to Fix Sun-Damaged Skin

Everyone's skin experiences some degree of sun damage. Though fair-skinned individuals are more susceptible to sun damage, all skin tones get damaged by sun exposure. Even a light suntan is a sign of skin damage. While it's important to prevent future sun damage by protecting your skin from the sun's rays, you can also take steps to correct the damage already done to your skin. If you employ a dedicated regime, you can effectively fix sun damaged skin.

Instructions

1. Wear sunscreen daily. To effectively fix sun-damaged skin, you must protect it from the sun. If you don't, all your efforts to correct the existing damage will be thwarted. Wear a high-SPF sunscreen on all exposed skin daily, regardless of the weather. Make sure your sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays.

2. Apply bleaching cream to your skin. Bleaching cream will lighten sun spots, freckles and areas of darker pigmentation. Because sun damage often manifests itself as darkened areas of skin, bleaching cream can help to fix the damage. You must use bleaching cream regularly for at least eight weeks before seeing results. You can find bleaching cream in most beauty supply and drug stores.

3. Get chemical peels. Chemicals will be applied that react with the top layers of your skin, effectively burning them away. Your skin will look younger, smoother and firmer once it heals. Regular chemical peels can significantly improve sun-damaged skin.

4. Try microdermabrasion. A licensed technician will use a small device that resembles a sandblaster on your skin. The top layers of your skin are buffed away to reveal younger, less damaged skin. Oftentimes, repeated microdermabrasion sessions are needed to achieve desired results.

5. Consider laser therapy. Laser light is used to burn away the top layers of your skin, removing sun-damaged portions. Laser therapy also encourages collagen production so your skin will look firmer and younger after treatments. Lasers are effective at fixing various degrees of sun damage, including wrinkles, sun spots, fine lines and areas of hyperpigmentation.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear sun-protective clothing if you'll be outside for extended periods of time.

• Laser therapy can be painful and expensive.

References

• Skin Cancer Foundation
• Skin Care Guide
• Family Doctor

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish