The Perfect Routine to Prevent (and Undo) Sun Damage

Now that summer is around the corner, many of us are thinking, “I can’t wait to get outside and soak up some sun!” Meanwhile, your skin is thinking, “Oh no...not this again.” The sun may feel great on your face, but sun exposure can wreak havoc on your skin—and lead to lasting damage. Luckily, you can help prevent (and even undo) many of the signs of sun damage with the right skin care routine.

What Does Sun Damage Look Like?

“Sun damage is what happens when the skin is overexposed to the sun’s UV rays,” says Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist based in New York. “The UV rays can penetrate the skin even in the deepest layers and cause changes to DNA at the cellular level.”

In addition to increasing your risk for skin cancer (which is reason enough to protect yourself!), too much sun exposure can cause your skin to age prematurely.

“[Sun] damage can present as wrinkling; pigmentation changes, such as sun spots (solar lentigines), freckles, redness and blotchiness; loss of tone (decreased elasticity) and thinning of the skin; rough, uneven skin texture and broken capillaries,” says Dr. Young McMahan, a board-certified dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners in Waco, Texas.

And even if your skin doesn’t show the signs yet, it doesn’t mean the sun isn’t doing damage. “It can take years for sun damage to become visible because of the depth at which the UV rays damage skin cells,” says Dr. Green.

How to Do (Sun) Damage Control

It’s never too late to start using sunscreen every day: Only about 47 percent of your lifetime sun exposure occurs by age 40, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation. And ingredients like vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids and retinol can help minimize dark spots and wrinkles caused by sun damage. Starting good habits today can make a real difference—here’s a routine to help you begin.

1. Revision Skincare® Brightening Facial Wash 6.7 fl. oz.

Revision Skincare® Brightening Facial Wash 6.7 fl. oz.

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Sun damage can make your skin look dull and lackluster—which is why a brightening cleanser that encourages cell turnover is the perfect way to start your A.M. and P.M. skin care routine. “The Brightening Facial Wash by Revision Skincare is one of my favorite cleansers that has an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) to exfoliate the dead skin and a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) to clean out deep pores and exfoliate to leave your face smoother and brighter,” says Dr. McMahan.

2. Obagi Medical Professional-C Serum 20% (1 oz.)

Obagi Medical Professional-C Serum 20% (1 oz.)

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When it comes to countering sun damage, vitamin-C serums pack a one-two punch, offering both protective and corrective benefits. “Vitamin C is best known for its collagen-boosting effect, and for protecting the skin barrier against free-radical sun damage,” says Dr. Green. “It is also a skin brightener with the ability to improve the skin tone and texture.” Our pick from Obagi contains 20 percent vitamin C to deliver professional-level protection and results. Apply in the morning after cleansing your skin.

3. Eminence Organic Skin Care Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer 2 fl. oz

Eminence Organic Skin Care Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer 2 fl. oz

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Sun damage can change the way your skin looks. But it can also change the way it feels and functions, particularly when it comes to hydration. “Sun damage, over time, decreases the skin’s ability to hold in moisture by breaking down the natural hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds water in your skin,” says Dr. McMahan. For this reason, a moisturizer—used both A.M. and P.M.—is an absolute must. Our pick from Eminence has shea butter to help replenish skin’s moisture barrier, as well as a host of botanical ingredients (including plant stem cells and a natural retinol alternative) to fight the visible signs of premature aging.

6. Allies of Skin Multi Acids Retinoid Brightening Sleeping Facial 50 ml.

Allies of Skin Multi Acids Retinoid Brightening Sleeping Facial 50 ml.

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Nighttime is the best time to repair your skin. “When you are sleeping, your cells are renewing,” says Dr. Green. “Your nighttime skincare routine should contain ingredients which will facilitate cell turnover to give your skin the perfect morning glow.” And one of the most potent ingredients for facilitating cell turnover? Retinoids. In addition to a host of skin-boosting ingredients (including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycolic acid and lactic acid), this sleeping facial from Allies of Skin contains a 1% retinoid formula, which helps to lighten dark spots, minimize pores and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Use this treatment in the evening after cleansing and before moisturizer, for 2-3 nights at a time when your skin needs a boost (it’s not for daily use).