What is that saying? Sun’s out, buns out? While we love tanning and getting your daily dose of vitamin D as much as the next person, it can also damage your skin irreparably, so we advise serious caution when going into the sun.

The ultraviolet rays cause Sun damage (you may have heard of UV rays) it emits, which can ultimately change your DNA and, thus, cause premature aging and hyperpigmentation. It can also cause skin cancer in extreme cases, so it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Luckily, if you have experienced sun damage, not all of it is a done deal— there are many ways to combat the damage and protect yourself moving forward. As we always say, the best way to reverse sun damage is to prevent it in the first place. This means ensuring you liberally apply sunscreen to all body parts, not just your face, and that your sunscreen is effective.

Read on to discover how sun damage can be reversed and how you can get that youthful glow even after many years!

1. Antioxidants

While this big fancy word may seem like it is pulled out of a magazine meant to spread bogus information, it has a sound scientific basis that supports its ability to reverse sun damage. Antioxidants help protect your skin from the damaging effects of free radicals (big word, huh!).

Free radicals are essentially just unstable molecules that can contribute to skin aging. Try including antioxidant-rich foods to boost your skin’s natural defence mechanism. Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants like vitamin C, which can help brighten your complexion and reduce the appearance of dark spots!

If you want quicker results, consider incorporating skincare products that contain potent antioxidants such as vitamin C or green tea extract.

2. Opt for a cosmetic clinic

Many do not consider seeking additional help for sun damage, but considering how dangerous the damage truly is, it is advised to at least go in for a consultation. Cosmetic clinics offer a wide range of specialized sun spot removal treatments and procedures that effectively target and reverse specific signs of sun damage.

These clinics are staffed by experienced professionals specializing in dermatology, aesthetics, and cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic clinics can provide advanced treatments and professional-grade skincare products and treatments normally available to mundane folks.

By taking advantage of the expertise and resources available at cosmetic clinics, you can access advanced treatments and professional guidance to effectively reverse sun damage and revitalize your skin.

3. Hydrate!

Not only is this critical to your health, but it is also pertinent in protecting your skin! When your skin is dehydrated, it can become dry, dull, and more prone to wrinkles and fine lines— this can be exacerbated by sun damage.

To combat this, drink plenty of water throughout the day to replenish moisture lost due to sun exposure. Water helps hydrate your skin from within, giving it a plump and youthful appearance.

Incorporating hyaluronic acid-infused skincare products into your routine can help your skin retain moisture. Serums are our favourite way to do this.

4. Protect your skin with sunscreen

As we mentioned earlier, sunscreen is critical to avoiding damage in the first place. Sunscreen acts as a protective barrier, preventing the sun’s rays from penetrating your skin and causing damage.

We know that many are on the market, so when choosing a sunscreen, opt for one with a high SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher. Additionally, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can penetrate deep into the skin, leading to premature aging, while UVB rays, on the other hand, are responsible for sunburns— neither of these sounds fun.

By applying sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of your body and reapplying every two hours (especially when you are in the sun), you can significantly reduce the harmful effects of the sun and help reverse existing damage.

5. Exfoliate gently

Exfoliation is a great way to help your skin appear plumper and healthier, but we advise against sandpaper. Choosing gentle exfoliators that will not further damage your skin is very important. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are excellent options for chemical exfoliation— one of the most overlooked means of exfoliation.

AHAs, such as glycolic and lactic acid, gently dissolve the glue-like substance that holds dead skin cells together, promoting a smoother complexion. BHAs, like salicylic acid, penetrate deep into the pores, helping unclog them and reducing inflammation.

Try adding gentle exfoliation into your skincare routine a few times a week to help fade dark spots, refine your skin’s texture, and minimize the effects of sun damage.