Skin-Saving Tips to Reverse Summer Sun Damage

Summer's come and gone, left with memories of beach days and outdoor fun. Unfortunately, all that sun can lead to skin damage, even with sunscreen, leaving your skin feeling dry, and looking dull and aged.

The good news? It’s never too late to heal your skin. With the right skincare routine and restorative products, you can refresh your complexion and bring back a healthy, youthful glow.

What is Post-Summer Sun Damage?

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the leading causes of skin damage. It may lead to concerns like premature aging, uneven skin tone, dehydration, and fine lines. Sun damage occurs when UV rays penetrate the skin’s layers, breaking down collagen and elastin, which keep the skin firm and supple. Over time, this damage may accumulate, resulting in visible changes such as wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven texture. Signs of post-summer sun damage include:

Hyperpigmentation

Dark spots or patches, often called sunspots or age spots.

Fine lines and wrinkles

Prolonged exposure to UV may break down our collagen, leading to fine lines around the eyes, forehead, and mouth.

Dry, flaky skin

Sun and heat can dehydrate the skin, leaving it rough and feeling dry.

Loss of elasticity

A decrease in collagen and elastin production can make the skin feel less firm.

The effects of sun damage may be long-lasting, however, you can help repair your skin and prevent further damage with proper care.

How to Help Repair Sun Damage

Exfoliate

Exfoliation is the first step in any post-summer skin repair routine. After months of sun exposure, the skin may become dull and rough due to a buildup of dead skin cells. Exfoliating helps slough away these dead cells, promoting the renewal of healthy, radiant skin underneath. Incorporating exfoliation 2-3 times per week can leave your skin feeling softer and smoother.

When choosing an exfoliator, opt for one that is gentle yet effective. For the body, try our Lemongrass Body Scrub. It features a gentle lotion base, natural exfoliants, turmeric root, and a refreshing lemongrass essential oil blend perfect for all skin types, including acne-prone and sensitive skin.

For the face, try our Algae Deep Scrub. This scrub combines seaweed, volcanic micro exfoliants, kaolin clay, and hemp seed oil to deeply cleanse and exfoliate, leaving pores clear and skin polished with a refreshing peppermint tingle.

Hydrate & Replenish

Sun exposure can strip your skin of moisture, leading to dehydration and a compromised skin barrier. Replenishing your skin’s moisture levels is key to repair, and using a hydrating serum is an excellent way to give your skin the nourishment it needs.

Applying a hydrating serum immediately after cleansing and exfoliating helps to lock in moisture and restore balance to your complexion. Try our Marigold Barrier Serum to provide support to your skin barrier. This serum blends calendula, borage, witch hazel, and arnica to nourish, soothe, and fortify the skin. It also reduces the appearance of redness and inflammation while providing hydration for soft, revitalized skin. This serum is suitable for all skin types.

Target Hyperpigmentation

If you’ve noticed dark spots or uneven skin tone after your summer adventures, incorporating a brightening treatment can help. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that not only helps fade sunspots but also promotes collagen production, making it a must-have ingredient for post-summer skin repair.

Our Luminous Infusion contains a blend of botanicals and antioxidants designed to target discoloration and leave the skin radiant and refreshed. You'll find ingredients like prickly pear oil, carrot seed oil, and frankincense to target sun damage, dark spots, and acne scars. These ingredients help you to achieve a bright, youthful complexion.

Soothe

After prolonged environmental exposure, your skin needs time to repair and rejuvenate. Applying a nourishing night cream is essential for skin recovery, especially after sun damage.

Look for a night cream that contains antioxidants and ingredients that support cell regeneration, such as our Age Defying Day & Night Cream. It's infused with over 20 active botanicals, hyaluronic acid, and prebiotics to visibly plump, soften, and restore vitality, offering lightweight, all-day protection and rejuvenation.

Protect and Prevent

Once you’ve started the repair process, it’s important to protect your skin from future damage. Even though summer is over, UV rays can still cause harm during cooler months, so make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your routine.

In addition to sun protection, wearing hats, and sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak UV hours can minimize future exposure and help maintain your skin’s health. 

Post-summer sun damage is common, but with the right care, you can repair and rejuvenate your skin, bringing back its natural glow and vibrancy. By exfoliating, hydrating, and protecting your skin, you can reverse the effects of sun damage and enjoy a smoother, more radiant complexion.

Remember, your skin is resilient and capable of healing when given the proper care. With a little patience and consistency, your skin will be glowing and healthy in no time.