It happens every year to the best of us. Summer comes around and the temptation to bask in the salt-air of the ocean or the breeze of a beautiful garden is too strong. But, over time the effects of sun-worshipping wreak havoc on our skin. While we can’t—and nor do we want to—turn back time and opt to stay indoors, how can we reverse the sun branding on our skin?
What is Sun Damage?
While sunburn and sunstroke are the obvious immediate sirens warning you that you’ve stayed in the sun too long, sun damage encompasses the more permanent effects that arrive later in life. A sun-kissed golden tan might be a priority in younger years, but the glow is temporary. Once it fades, premature wrinkles and discoloration begin to form under the skin’s barrier. Proactively caring for your skin with the right regimen can help to hydrate and restore your skin. But, if you’ve already experienced some of the effects of sun damage, it’s time to invest in high-quality high-performance nature-powered skincare.
Here are some of the more common forms of sun damage and how to target these concerns specifically:
1. Crow’s Feet, Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Crow’s Feet—or expression lines—are completely natural and beautiful signs of a life well lived. However, premature aging is dangerous and indicates too much sun exposure. Squinting in the sunlight—or worse, exposing your face to UV rays without sun protection—can lead to early and avoidable fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth areas. Catching these signs early on is always best, but using a targeted serum and moisturizer can reverse these effects. Our powerful line-smoothing serum, Ung, is specially formulated with four potent peptides and balanced with soothing botanicals, such as Chamomile, Lavender and Orange Peel oils. It mimics the skin-tightening effects of snake venom—think Botox® without the needles—for long-term firming of wrinkles.
2. Sun Spots
These dark spots (also known as age spots)—tend to develop after your thirties. Similar in appearance to freckles, albeit slightly larger, they are tricky to get rid of completely. Vitamins C and E are potent antioxidants and especially helpful in combating free radical damage caused by prolonged or unprotected sun exposure. Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals and reduces inflammation, while Vitamin E helps protect from and repair sun damage by soothing and calming the skin. The added hydration also helps to serve as a natural barrier to the sun and can increase the protection of your SPF. Livfull is our triple-action Vitamin C serum, which provides powerful anti-aging and brightening benefits. It has been carefully blended with Vitamin E and Bearberry, Blue Lotus and Starflower for a comprehensive treatment to restore sun damaged skin.
3. Dryness and Dehydrated Skin
Unfortunately, even with SPF, the summer sun combined with heat, salt-water and sweat can deplete our skin from moisture. Dehydrated skin causes premature fine lines and wrinkles and also weakens its ability to repair itself. Skön—or our “Fountain of Youth” moisturizer—is the perfect cream to infuse moisture back into your complexion for maximum nourishment and rejuvenation. Power-packed with peptides, amino acids and plant stem cells it is designed to treat the skin in four focused ways: DNA/ cellular support, brightening, wrinkle-filling and antioxidant protection.
4. Hyperpigmentation and Discoloration
After sun spots comes hyperpigmentation in the form of discoloration patches on your face and body. There’s no easy way to say it—treating hyperpigmentation is tricky and time-consuming, but it can be reversed with some TLC and a dedicated skincare routine. Exfoliation with a gentle, but effective exfoliant removes dead skin cells and helps to get rid of hyperpigmentation, while revealing new, healthy skin. Mjuk is the least irritating and most effective vitamin A (Retinol) serum available without a prescription. It is supercharged with Sea Buckthorn, Chamomile and Starflower essential oils and combines anti-aging, skin-renewal and smoothing with mild hydration. Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant for treating hyperpigmentation as it inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase—the catalyst for melanin production—therefore preventing discoloration. Livfull contains three types of Vitamin C—Ascorbic Acid, which works to strengthen collagen, brightens and protects; Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP), which also helps to support natural collagen protection while decreasing melanin and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, which provides a level of DNA protection and calms skin inflammation. This effective routine should also include Skön to lock in moisture and replenish the new, vulnerable skin layer with protective antioxidants and nutrients.
5. Redness and Irritation
Dehydrated skin may become sensitive and irritated, which, if left untreated or further sensitized with the wrong products, can lead to more permanent damage. Harsh synthetic chemicals used in a wide range of household named products can drastically worsen delicate or inflamed skin. All our products are created with only biocompatible ingredients that your skin can recognize, accept and process. Ung and Skön are especially soothing and reparative, thanks to naturally cooling botanicas, such as Chamomile essential oil and Globe Daisy. This essential duo nourishes and rejuvenates skin for a healthy, youthful complexion.
Staying hydrated, wearing SPF protection and investing in high-quality serums and moisturizers are sure ways to rejuvenate and restore all types of sun damaged skin. Take care, self-care and enjoy the transition into fall!