The sun may feel warm and comforting, but it can actually cause a wide array of damage to your skin cells, warns the American Cancer Society. This includes wrinkles and skin discolorations, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Several over-the-counter skincare products can help prevent sun damage or repair existing damage.
Estee Lauder Time Zone Line & Wrinkle Reducing Moisturizer SPF 15
Skincare expert Paula Begoun praised Estee Lauder's inclusion of beneficial wrinkle-fighting ingredients like "numerous antioxidants" in its cream. She goes so far as to call it an "incredibly sophisticated" formula. Besides helping to repair existing damage, the cream also includes avobenzone—an effective sunscreen ingredient—to help prevent new skin damage from the sun.
Kinerase PhotoFacials Sun Damage Reversal System
The beauty editors of "Real Simple" magazine recommend Kinerase's sun damage-reversing skincare kit to reduce the rough, dark skin often caused by sun damage. The treatment consists of a skin cleanser, anti-aging night cream and a sunscreen. The cleanser exfoliates away dead, damaged skin; the night cream helps repair skin cells; and the sunscreen shields the skin from current sun exposure.
Lancaster Ultra Soothing Tan Control Emulsion
Lancaster's sun damage-controlling product comes recommended by "Marie Claire" magazine. It helps block out damage to the epidermis using broad-spectrum sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone. Meanwhile, skin conditioners and antioxidants like vitamin E, tea extracts and hydrolyzed protein help repair away existing skin problems.
Alpha Hydrox AHA Exfoliating Cream
Alpha hydroxy acids help get rid of the surface level of your skin, exfoliating away damaged cells that may lead to discolorations and wrinkles, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Alpha Hydrox's cream contains AHAs at a powerful concentration of eight percent, according to Begoun. She says it's "very good" and one of the company's best products.
References
- "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me"; Paula Begoun; 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Skin Wrinkles and Blemishes
- American Cancer Society: Sun Protection
- Marie Claire Magazine: Sensitive Skincare Products
- Real Simple Magazine: Summer Skin Repairers
