The amount we know about UV damage and excess sun exposure is miles ahead of where it used to be. This comes as a huge relief for dermatologists, as more people are familiar with sunscreen and staying out of the sun. But if you want to prevent sun damage, or you already have sun-damaged skin that you\u2019re looking to treat \u2013 do any creams or products actually work? <\/p>\n
In this post, we\u2019ll explain which evidence-based products and methods help prevent UV damage. We\u2019ll also cover the treatments and ingredients our dermatology team recommend to help repair existing sun damage on your skin. <\/p>\n
What is Sun Damage? <\/strong><\/p>\n Sun damage happens when UV radiation from sunlight touches skin that isn\u2019t protected by shade or sunscreen. Sunlight doesn\u2019t just burn your skin, it\u2019s also the leading cause of premature skin ageing. The sun\u2019s rays penetrate the skin very deeply, destroying collagen, and causing the formation of premature wrinkles. <\/p>\n Sun-exposed skin, when unprotected, can also lead to DNA changes at a cellular level and the formation of skin cancer. (1)<\/p>\n Creams To Prevent Sun Damaged Skin<\/strong><\/p>\n Before we tackle how you treat and repair sun damage, it\u2019s important you use the right techniques to prevent more skin damage and premature ageing from happening. Going without sunscreen increases your risk of UV damage, premature skin ageing and can make sun damage conditions worse. (2)<\/p>\n The first step is to get used to wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30 every day, like our SPF50 Photodamage Defence Sunscreen<\/a>. Broad-spectrum means that it shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. <\/p>\n Wearing sunscreen every day is especially important if you have active ingredients in your skincare routine, such as retinol, retinoids, hydroquinone, tranexamic acid and alpha or beta hydroxy acids (AHAs or BHAs). These actives can cause your skin to become more sensitive, especially when you first start using them. <\/p>\n Ingredients & Creams To Treat Sun Damaged Skin<\/strong><\/p>\n There are powerful ingredients that can help restore and repair sun damaged skin. Some of the most effective ones can help you tackle hyperpigmentation, melasma, visible signs of ageing and uneven skin texture. <\/p>\n Retinoids (Tretinoin and Adapalene)<\/em><\/p>\n Retinoids are known as the gold standard treatment option for repairing sun damage. They work by increasing cell turnover, which helps turnover damaged skin cells and stimulate the growth of new ones.<\/p>\n – Tretinoin: A prescription-strength retinoid, tretinoin is particularly great at targeting visible signs of ageing<\/a> like fine lines, rough skin texture, and uneven skin tone. The faster cell turnover also promotes collagen production, helping to cancel out sun damage below the surface of your skin. Its exfoliating properties also work to fade dark spots caused by sun damage. (3)<\/p>\n Read more about tretinoin.<\/a> <\/p>\n – Adapalene: This gentler retinoid will suit you better if you have sensitive skin, as it works in similar ways to tretinoin. Adapalene also helps reduce inflammation, smooth uneven skin texture, boost collagen and fade hyperpigmentation over time. We recommend getting personalised advice from a dermatology expert before you start using it to avoid side effects. (4)<\/p>\n Read more about adapalene.<\/a><\/p>\n – Tip: Introduce retinoids into your routine slowly, as they can be drying and irritating for some people. If you notice this at the start, try the sandwich method<\/a> to reduce side effects. It\u2019s always best to ask a dermatology expert for advice before using it. <\/p>\n Hydroquinone<\/em><\/p>\n Hydroquinone is a prescription ingredient that targets hyperpigmentation like sunspots. It\u2019s considered one of the most effective treatments for fading hyperpigmentation that\u2019s caused by sun exposure. Keep in mind that it\u2019s only suitable to use for short periods, with breaks in between, and always under the guidance of a licensed dermatology expert. Overuse can make your skin irritated and damage your skin barrier. (5)<\/p>\n Read more about hydroquinone.<\/a><\/p>\n Tranexamic Acid<\/em><\/p>\n Tranexamic acid is a newer but highly effective ingredient for targeting dark spots. It\u2019s particularly great for melasma, age spots and dark spots caused by sun damage. Tranexamic acid works by interrupting your skin’s pigment production pathways, to help brighten uneven pigmentation and even out your overall skin tone.<\/p>\n Unlike hydroquinone, tranexamic acid is gentle and suitable for long-term use, even if you have sensitive skin. It\u2019s often combined with other brightening agents like AHAs (e.g. glycolic acid or lactic acid), retinoids or azelaic acid. (6)<\/p>\n Read more about tranexamic acid.<\/a><\/p>\n Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)<\/em><\/p>\n Vitamin C \u2013 especially in its pure form, ascorbic acid \u2013 is a powerful antioxidant that works in synergy with your sunscreen to protect you from sun damage. Plus, it helps repair existing damage.<\/p>\n By neutralising the free radicals caused by UV exposure, Vitamin C reduces oxidative stress on your skin. Combined with Vitamin E and ferulic acid, this powerful trio also helps to brighten dark spots, even out skin tone, and boost collagen in the skin.<\/p>\n Although ascorbic acid is incredibly potent, it\u2019s highly volatile and degrades easily when exposed to air and light. That\u2019s why we created Vitamin C 15%: Fresh Batch Ascorbic Acid<\/a>, a monthly booster with Vitamin C, Vitamin E and ferulic acid. This Vitamin C serum is made in small batches and bottled in airtight packaging \u2013 to retain its potency for longer. (7)<\/p>\n Azelaic Acid<\/em><\/p>\n Azelaic acid is a multi-tasking powerhouse found in our Clarifying Azelaic Acid Cream<\/a>. Favoured among dermatologists for brightening, reducing hyperpigmentation, and treating acne, it\u2019s an ideal option if you\u2019re dealing with inflammation or dark spots. It\u2019s also a fantastic option if you have sensitive skin or you\u2019re pregnant or breastfeeding. (8)<\/p>\n Read more about azelaic acid.<\/a><\/p>\n Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n Sunscreen, alongside topical (applied to the skin) treatments, can make a big improvement to different aspects of sun damage \u2013 from pigmentation issues to premature fine lines and rough skin texture. <\/p>\n Remember to introduce active ingredients into your routine gradually and always protect your skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent more damage. If a dermatology service is available to you, get personalised advice \u2013 so you know that the treatments will work for your skin type, and you\u2019re getting the most out of them. <\/p>\n For more information on the conditions we treat, visit our website<\/a>.<\/p>\n References<\/strong><\/p>\n 1. Rittie L, Fisher GJ. Natural and Sun-Induced Aging of Human Skin. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine. 2015 Jan 1;5(1):a015370\u20130. The amount we know about UV damage and excess sun exposure is miles ahead of where it used to be. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":113251,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[125,178,128,182,176],"tags":[254,232,241,233,237,250,280,240,246,229],"class_list":["post-113250","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-anti-ageing","category-dermatica-101","category-hyperpigmentation","category-meet-dermatica","category-skincare-simplified","tag-active-ingredients","tag-anti-ageing-routine","tag-dark-marks","tag-dark-spots","tag-dermatica","tag-photoageing","tag-retinol-sandwich-method","tag-sun-protection","tag-sunscreen","tag-vitamin-c"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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\n8. Sauer N, Ma\u0142gorzata O\u015bliz\u0142o, Brzostek M, Wolska J, Katarzyna Lubaszka, Katarzyna Kar\u0142owicz-Bodalska. The multiple uses of azelaic acid in dermatology: mechanism of action, preparations, and potential therapeutic applications. Post\u0119py Dermatologii i Alergologii [Internet]. 2023 Jan 1;40(6):716\u201324. Available from: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10809820\/<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"