How To Treat Damaged Skin Due To Sunlight

Sunlight at certain times in the morning and the evening is rich with vitamin D and also good to promote emotional health. However, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage the skin, cause sunburn and cause signs of ageing. Before you do outdoor activities such as going to the beach and so on, let's read how to protect and treat damaged skin due to sunlight!

Sunscreen

Even if damage has occurred and you suffer from sunburn, you still need to apply sunscreen. Sunburn occurs as a result of DNA damage to your skin cells. This accumulation of injuries leads to physical changes such as wrinkles and skin cancer.

Continue applying sunscreen to counteract damage and reapply at least every 80 minutes. You can also avoid exposure to sunlight. By doing this, you will protect yourself from UV radiation in the future and give time for skin enzymes to repair some of the damaged DNA.

Exfoliators and moisturizers 

You need to exfoliate the top layer of sunburn with a scrub or loofah. It will remove the layer of dead skin cells to reveal healthy skin underneath. Then moisturize your skin with lotion. If your skin burns as a result of exposure to sunlight, avoid petroleum-based products, which trap heat. You also need to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. 

Topical retinoid 

UV rays can damage collagen and elastin, two proteins that keep skin supple and smooth. Retinoids, a natural or synthetic compound resembling vitamin A can increase the amount of collagen in your skin. It is also considered an effective treatment for patients with mild to moderate photoaging problems. Your dermatologist may prescribe a topical retinoid for you. Retinoids can reduce the appearance of fine lines, improve texture, skin tone and elasticity, as well as slow down ageing. You can also find a less potent type, retinol, in a variety of anti-ageing skincare products.

Skincare products

Cosmeceutical skincare products, products with a combination of cosmetics and pharmaceutical properties can also benefit you. Apart from retinol products, you can try other skincare products with bioactive ingredients such as antioxidants. Cica cream, a cosmeceutical product containing Cantella asiatica extract, known as pegaga or Gotu kola, is also increasingly popular due to its rejuvenating skin.

Skin rejuvenation procedure

Skincare procedures can help get rid of damaged cells from the top layer of your skin. Chemical exfoliators such as alpha-hydroxy or salicylic acid creams can be used on their own. At the same time, deeper exfoliation requires a clinic visit.

Other treatment options include the use of laser technology, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion and microneedling. It is crucial to get a professional consultation if you choose to rejuvenate the skin and undergo treatment. Each patient is unique, and sun damage has different effects according to genetic and environmental factors. Therefore, treatment methods need to be adapted according to the individual.

Source: https://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/skin-sun-damage-treatment