As we approach the final week of summer; it is a great time to prep our skin for the transition into Autumn temperatures as well as repair sun damage from our 4 month exposure to the sun.
Long hours in the sun, day after day can take it’s toll, causing stress and over exposure to UV radiation. Skin damage may be visible in the form of fine lines, severe dehydration, sun spots, and skin discolouring.
There are a few ways we can counter, protect and even prevent skin damage. Here are a few tips to restore and repair your skin from potential harm.
1. SKIN DEHYDRATION
To test whether your skin is dehydrated or not; try this simple test. Press into your skin with your fingers – if the skin immediately bounces back, your skin is not dehydrated. If it slowly comes back after pressing, then your skin is lacking in water which leads to dehydration. Other signs of dehydration are newly formed fine lines, dullness, dryness, and itchiness.
SKIN REPAIR SOLUTION
Drink lots of water and green tea. Up your sheet mask game by sheet masking 4 times a week until your skin gets back on track.
Try a soothing, hydrating essence to prep the skin before a serum in order to lock in moisture for a longer duration.
BY WISHTREND QUAD ACTIVE BOOSTING ESSENCE is a serum booster formulated with honey and black tea. Honey is skin healing and black tea is filled with anti-oxidants; both ingredients offer barrier protecting properties.
2. SUN RASH
Rashes caused by over exposure to the sun (sometimes called polymorphus light eruption) can develop in those that are sensitive to sunlight. Rash develops as small bumps that can be inflamed and develop rough patchy spots on the face or chin. The condition is usually temporary, lasting for weeks at a time.
SKIN REPAIR SOLUTION
Use products containing ceramide, centella asiatica and edelweiss to protect skin barrier, combat dryness and irritability.
DR ALTHEA RAPID SCULPTING CREAM has a goopy, non-sticky texture that allows the cream to deeply penetrate into the skin. If the rash persists, consult with a physician.
3. SUN DAMAGE
This is the most severe condition that can lead to photoaging causing skin cancer. Sun damage occurs from skin’s overexposure to UV rays leading to DNA changes on the cellular level of the skin. This condition usually develops after years of unprotected sun exposure depending on the skin type and sensitivity.
SKIN REPAIR SOLUTION
Sunscreen is the best skin protecting defence to prevent sun damage. But a good after sun or night time routine would be to add a serum or ampoule filled with anti-oxidant, anti-aging properties. Both the root and the leaves of this Ginseng have a multitude of skin benefits from antioxidants to energy-supporting properties. Ginseng is used as an anti-aging ingredient because it has so many phyto-nutrients, and because it helps to tone and brighten our skin. Ginseng also helps to counteract dryness; it can help with oily skin as well as sensitive skin because of it’s natural ability to balance oils. Additional benefits include improving elasticity, rejuvenating tired skin, nourishing parched skin, better absorption and reducing fine lines. Try I’M FROM GINSENG SERUM is made with Red Ginseng and Panax Ginseng Seed Oil.
4. SKIN DISCOLOURATION
Skin discolouration caused by sun exposure can be difficult to reverse depending on severity. Sun spots are brown, flat and round and appear after years of continued exposure the the sun. The UV radiation causes pigmented skin cells called melanocytes to multiply. These can be faded somewhat but not completely erased with the use of retinol, rosehip oil or tamanu oil. Laser treatments for sun spots only work temporarily.
Hyperpigmentation can be treated by a number of ingredients such as niacinamide, retinol, vitamin C, galactomyces, licorice extract, snail mucin, and vitamin E. The longer you have had hyperpigmention, the longer it takes to treat. Consistent use of any of these ingredients is key.
SKIN REPAIR SOLUTION
COSRX GALACTOMYCES 95 TONE BALANCING ESSENCE is powered by niacinamide 2% and 95% concentrate of galactomyces ferment filtrate, a by-product of fermented yeast. Galactomyces is anti-aging, filled with anti-oxidants that fades dark spots, brightens skin tone, hydrates, helps with acne breakouts and oil sebum control.