The 3 most important ingredients to reverse and prevent sun damage
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. No tan is a good tan.
One of the (many) things I’m passionate about when it comes to skincare is sun damage. It isn’t enough to just wear sunscreen for a day at the beach or lounging by the pool.
You should be wearing sunscreen. Every. Single. Day. And yes, even in winter.
What many people don’t know… Insurance doesn’t pay for most issues resulting from sun damage. This is also why you’ll catch me in the summer months rocking a stylish sun hat.
These three ingredients help reverse and prevent the effects of sun damage:
Because the sun is not your friend, my friend.
1. Sunscreen:
It’s your number one anti-aging treatment and prevention. It’s your best skincare resource for cosmetic reasons (looking at you brown spots) and for skin cancer prevention. Choosing a non-tinted versus tinted sunscreen depends on personal preference. Choose tinted if discoloration or melasma is one of your primary concerns! My personal favorite is Alastin Hydratint, which comes in a tinted option only. Tinted sunscreen can replace makeup. The goal, at least, is to wear less makeup and more tinted sunscreen. Many times these can even be mixed together before applying.
2. Retinoid:
I LOVE a prescription because it’s stronger and cheaper. Everyone can start with a retinaldehyde like Avene RetrinAL Cream or try a stronger prescription-grade option adapalene 0.1% at the drugstore.
Everything you need to know about retinoids is here. These are the tips I tell my patients as a board-certified dermatology PA.
3. Vitamin C:
Obagi is my choice for medical grade vitamin c serum (period). Naturium, Maelove, or CeraVe have great options at lower price points. You should know vitamin c serum is the one step where it’s a must to pay a bit more for medical grade to ensure the product does what it says it will do. If you have sensitive skin, go with one that has THD Ascorbate as the vitamin c ingredient like Epionce Intense Defense Serum or BeautyCounter C Serum.
As always, it's most important that you have a complete daily skincare routine with a cleanser and moisturizer for your skin type.
While skincare routines are all about what works best for you, preventing sun damage is for EVERYONE. We are all about preventing sun damage here. No one wants that.
The goal today, and everyday, is healthy skin. And DON'T FORGET to schedule your yearly skin exam in a dermatology clinic.
If you need help with a custom skin routine, I'm here for you and all your skin goals.