Over time, exposure to the sun's UV rays causes significant changes to the health and appearance of skin. These changes, called photoaging, can lead to fine lines and wrinkles, roughness, dryness and discoloration. Sun exposure also increases the risk of skin cancer and precancerous lesions, called actinic keratoses, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Fortunately, it is possible to correct some of the damage done to the skin by the sun's UV radiation.
Step 1
Moisturize your skin using a water-based, hypoallergenic lotion or cream before bed each night and upon waking in the morning.
Regularly moisturizing your skin will improve its texture and make your skin appear healthier and younger. Drinking at least 64 ounces of water each day will also help keep your skin hydrated.
Step 2
Exfoliate your skin every few days to remove dead skin cells and help even out your skin tone. If you notice an increase in dryness, redness, or irritation, exfoliate less frequently or try a product that contains smaller beads.
Step 3
Use a topical medication to smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and age spots. Over-the-counter creams with alpha hydroxy acids and prescription-strength topicals, such as tazarotene and tretinoin, are effective at correcting sun-damaged skin and reducing fine lines, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Get a chemical peel to lighten age spots and hyperpigmentation, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve your skin's overall texture and tone. Milder peels are effective at treating minor sun damage, while harsher peels are required for deep wrinkles or extensive skin discoloration.
Side effects of chemical peels may include redness, swelling, pain or pigmentation changes. Rarely, superficial scarring may occur.
Step 5
Treat sun damage with dermabrasion. Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion can correct minor skin irregularities, help even out skin tone, and improve the texture of damaged skin, says the University of Virginia Health System. Dermabrasion works by rubbing away the top layer of skin so when healing takes place, healthy and smoother skin grows in its place.
Step 6
Undergo laser surgery to smooth the texture of your skin, reduce redness caused by broken blood vessels, and even out pigmentation. Skin Care Guide states that non-ablative laser surgery and pulse dye lasers are preferred over dermabrasion for treating sun-damaged skin.
Step 7
Try a collagen or hyaluronic acid skin filler to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by sun damage. A doctor or dermatologist injects these fillers directly into wrinkles to reduce their depth and make them less noticeable.
Side effects include transient redness and swelling The benefits of skin fillers last from three to six months.
Step 8
Protect your skin from additional sun damage by wearing sunscreen every day and avoiding outdoor activities as much as possible during the afternoon.
Things You'll Need
- Moisturizer
- Exfoliant
- Over-the-counter alpha hydroxy acid cream
- Sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher
