As summer sees its end, many of us are left with reminders of the season’s outdoor adventures: The issues that come from sun damage are dry skin, dark spots, and an uneven skin tone. These are the symptoms of sun damage that, if not treated, will result in hyperpigmentation and premature aging.
In this blog, you’ll learn about what sun-damaged skin and hyperpigmentation are, how they impact the skin, and how you can get your skin back to its glowing best. Also, we will introduce some of Natralus' essential products, some of which are ideal for repairing sun-damaged skin, such as the Superfood Repair Spray.
What Is Sun Damage?
Sun damage is caused by cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which is seen on the skin as changes in skin cell structure. This exposure accelerates the aging process, damages collagen, and triggers melanin production, leading to conditions like:
● Freckles (And before you question “Are freckles sun damage?”, yes freckles can be a sign of sun damage).
● Hyperpigmentation and hypo pigmentation
● Wrinkles and fine lines
● Dryness and rough texture
● Skin becomes darker than normal in certain areas due to the overproduction of melanin, known as hyperpigmentation.
It is impossible to avoid sun exposure, but the outcomes of the sun damage are preventable and can also be treated through regular use of the skincare.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition whereby some patches of the skin turn blackish compared to other regions of the skin. This is where the skin makes too much melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It can develop anywhere on the face, neck, hands, and any part of the body which is most often exposed to the sun.
There are several types of hyperpigmentation:
- Sun-Induced Hyperpigmentation: Precancerous skin condition induced by UV radiation and manifesting itself as a sun/age spot.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): A reaction to any type of skin irritation or inflammation, including pimples, rashes, or even psoriasis.
- Melasma: Dark patches on the skin are caused by hormonal changes, especially those changes that are brought by sun exposure.
Skin darkening is more prominent in people with black skin but is a sign of the disorder in people of all skin colors.
Sun damage and hyperpigmentation: How to Manage
The golden approach to addressing and preventing sun damage and hyperpigmentation is prevention and compliance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to restore your skin post-summer:
1. Cleanse Gently
Use our gentle cleanser for the first step to wash off dirt, sun protection, and makeup while leaving the skin’s natural oils intact. Choose formulas that have added ingredients such as aloe to give that calming effect.
Pro Tip: Use the Natralus Superfood Aloe Vera Repair Gel to soothe your skin after washing and restore your skin’s moisture. Because of its innate qualities, Aloe Vera gel is especially helpful for treating sunburn or any red and/or swollen skin.
2. Exfoliate to Renew
Through exfoliation, many dead cells are gently shed off, and new cells are brought to the surface to give the skin an even tone. Pat sun-damaged skin with a mild scrub 2-3 times a week to prevent skin sensitisation.
3. Hydrate and Repair
Sun-damaged skin needs moisture, and level 2 of the sunburn treatment process involves rehydrating the skin. Skin barrier nourishing and repair products include those containing aloe vera, antioxidants, and vitamins.
4. Target Hyperpigmentation
To reduce dark spots and even out skin tone, you should look for products with natural brightening agents that can help lighten the skin. If you apply it frequently, then one will realise that pigmentation has faded and the skin’s quality has improved.
5. Sun Protection Is Non-Negotiable
When managing the existing skin damage occasioned by the sun, it is necessary to avoid further damage. Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily in the morning, regardless of the weather. They should be reapplied every two hours if the person is outside in the sun or cool, dry air.
6. Treat On-The-Go
In case of a quick fix for dryness and irritation, a moisturiser should always be within reach. This is ideal for soothing the skin that has become inflamed or dry at some point in the day.
Tips for Treating Hyperpigmentation
Managing hyperpigmentation requires patience and consistency. Here are some additional tips to boost your results:
● Be Consistent: Apply treatment products daily for the best results.
● Don’t Pick at Your Skin: Picking at pimples or scabs can worsen post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
● Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin supple and supports healing.
● Incorporate Antioxidants: Antioxidant-rich products help neutralise free radicals and promote an even skin tone.
Your Daily Routine for Post-Summer Skin
Here’s a simple yet effective daily routine to repair and protect your skin:
Morning Routine:
- Wash your face with mild facial wash.
- Hydrate your skin very thoroughly.
- Use sunscreen liberally as a measure against ultraviolet radiation.
Evening Routine:
- Cleanse using our Sorboderm Natural Gentle Skin Cleanser 2.2 to eliminate sunscreen and every other form of dirt that might be on the face.
- For overnight skin hydration and repair, use the SorboDerm Natural Restoring Gentle Moisturiser 2.1.
On-the-Go Care:
Keep your moisturiser handy for instant hydration and soothing throughout the day.
Preventing Future Sun Damage
It is always better to prevent an illness than to have to treat it. Here’s how you can protect your skin moving forward:
● Wear Sunscreen Daily: Select a broad-spectrum SPF and apply it again every two hours.
● Cover Up: In the following recommendations, the word ‘sun’ refers to the period when the ultraviolet radiation is most intense.
● Avoid Tanning Beds: These can result in even more severe ultraviolet harm than that from natural conditions.
● Use After-Sun Care: Use products with aloe vera in case you spend time under the sun as it will help moisturise your skin.
Conclusion
It is difficult, especially after summer, but the skin can be revived, repaired, and rejuvenated with the right treatment and products. The use of aloe vera-based products should, therefore be incorporated into your daily use regime.
For more information on our natural skincare products, visit our Natralus website and give your skin the care it needs.
