Stepping outside our home to bask in the warmth of the sun is all well and good, as it helps our body produce vitamin D, but there are times when we tend to overdo it. This is especially true during the summer, when we tend to wear less clothing thus more skin gets exposed under the sun. Unfortunately, the UVA and UVB rays can cause cellular damage, hence there is pigmentation, and fine lines appearing.

Sunburn is a common problem during the summer months, but it appears that skin aging becomes more apparent too. This includes having dark spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin which can be a cause for concern. Is there any way to reverse this problem?

The good news is that there are several steps that you can take to help repair your sun damaged skin. Here are a few to help you out:

Change your diet

If your summer diet is often filled with BBQs, greasy fries, and the like, you are not really contributing to the repair of your skin. What you need are foods that are high in vitamin A, such as spinach, carrots, mango, sweet potatoes, kale, and bell peppers just to name a few. Vitamin A is known to help speed up the repair process of your skin, plus these foods also come with other nutritional benefits.

Exfoliate

Another tip that can help you repair your sun-damaged skin is to exfoliate it. Exfoliating is necessary if you wish to remove the accumulation of dead skin cells to help promote the production of healthier and newer cells. By exfoliating, you are removing the clumps of brownish skin, until it reveals brighter looking skin underneath. You can make your own exfoliating scrub if you wish or try the chemical type of exfoliant. Either way, the goal here is to free up the surface of your skin to make room for new skin cells.

Rosehip seed oil

What we apply on our skin can also play a part on your skin’s condition and one of them is rosehip seed oil. This oil is known for its nourishing properties, thanks to the fatty acids that are present here. When applied and massaged on the skin, not only does it help with the blood circulation, but it also delivers essential fatty acids into the skin to where they are needed the most. You’ll find that your skin will be looking better afterwards.

Bleaching

Another way to repair your sun damaged skin is bleaching. This doesn’t involve actual bleach but rather creams and serums that are designed to lighten the skin. Most skin bleaching products that you’ll find will most certainly contain hydroquinone. If you are not into chemical-laden products to help with your damaged skin, you can always DIY your treatment.

Laser therapy

if the first few methods don’t work, perhaps you will need a stronger treatment such as getting a laser therapy. There are different types of skin treatments available depending on what skin problem that you are dealing with. You can get help with removing wrinkles, discoloration, and even blotchiness for that matter. This may help correct any skin issues that you may be having that have been caused by your exposure to the sun.

Prevention is key

It’s hard to deal with sun-damaged skin, which is why it is always a good idea to prevent it from happening in the first place. Applying sunscreen properly and correctly can give you enough protection to last you for a few hours. You should also wear protective gears such as a wide brimmed hat to help reduce the amount of UVA and UVB rays getting through your skin.