Spending hours outdoors can help you achieve that sun-kissed look, but without the right skin protection plan, you put yourself at risk for developing wrinkles, sun spots and weakened skin. Sun damage can make you look decades older than your real age, especially if you’re not following a consistent skin management routine that encourages healthy skin cell growth.  

UV rays are responsible for breaking down collagen – the essential fiber that keeps skin looking young – so lower levels of collagen can lead to wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin. Sun damage can also take the form of sun spots and discolored patches – the sun’s powerful rays can break down healthy skin cells and increase the number of free radicals in the body.   

If you’re experiencing the common side effects of too much fun in the sun, consider these top five treatments to get your skin back to good health:  

1. Try microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that buffs away the top layer of skin for a deep exfoliating treatment. The aesthetician or cosmetologist passes a sanding wand across the face to literally remove the top layer and reveal a fresher layer underneath. If you have light pigmentation or scars, microdermabrasion can be an effective way to remove superficial marks permanently.  

2. Get enough sleep. Making sure you get enough sleep is essential for healthy skin cell growth and repair. Even after break down and damage, a healthy sleep routine can prompt skin cells to restore themselves and encourages the body to rebuild collagen. Making sure you get at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night can maintain a healthy level of cell turnover and slowly diminish the signs of sun damage.  

3. Clear up skin with a PhotoFacial. Photofacials (also known as the FotoFacial) help to remove superficial scars, fine lines and wrinkles by exposing the skin to high energy light waves. If you have age spots or dark patches of discolored skin, a series of photofacial treatments may help clear up the skin and restore it to a more youthful appearance.  

4. Book a chemical peel. Chemical peels are intensive faical treatments that reach deep within the skin’s layers to stimulate collagen production. Chemical peels also help to strip the outer layer of the skin and help it ‘peel’ away. If you have light scarring or recently acquired a set of age spots, a chemical peel combined with microdermabrasion may help clear up the skin and speed up the healing process.  

5. Apply Retin-A products. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) explains that Retin-A is an effective treatment for blotchy skin and pigmentation caused by sun damage, and is typically applied by a doctor or skincare professional as part of a chemical peel treatment. Retin-A has received FDA approval as an acne treatment, but can be used to treat sun damaged skin as it helps to shrink pores, reduces fine lines and helps fade age spots (Source: Plasticsurgery.org).      

Reducing the amount of time you spend in the sun will lower your risk of sun damage, but you don’t have to hide yourself from the sun forever. A healthy skin routine coupled with sun damage reversal treatments can help you maintain a fresh complexion and minimize your risk of wrinkles and other signs of aging.  

Learn more about sun damage reversal treatments and photofacials in our information guide, or consult with a dermatologist in your area to find out which treatment is the best match for your skin’s condition.