The sun can cause serious damage to unprotected skin, and this damage can sometimes be irreversible. Learn more about repairing and preventing sun damage here.
Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis and the most preventable? Most skin cancers have an excellent survival rate of over 98% when diagnosed early. Yet, you don't want to wait for the news that all those years tanning under the sun has led to cancer.
Other than cancer, sun damage can age your skin and put you at a higher risk for blemishes that can reduce confidence levels and push you towards the dermatologist.
So - is it possible to repair or reverse sun damage? We have all the answers for you right here in our complete guide. We'll go over sun damage signs, whether they can be repaired or reversed, and how you can take preventative steps today.
Keep reading for more information!
Sun Damage Signs
After spending years out in the sun, you may notice sun spots or wrinkles. In more severe cases, sun damage can cause different types of skin cancer, such as melanoma. What are some other common signs of skin damage from the sun?
- Redness
- Blisters
- Sagging skin
- Uneven skin tones
- Freckles
- Melasma
- Papules
- Scaly patches
- Cataracts
Sunburns cause immediate damage such as redness, blisters, sensitivity to touch, and itchiness. Severe sunburns can lead to fever and chills. Over time, frequent sunburns can lead to the list of skin problems above.
Skin Cancer Risks and Signs
Sunburns are closely intertwined with skin cancer risks. Approximately five sunburns can double your risk for melanoma, and many signs of aging are caused by those deadly UV rays.
Studies found that individuals who use sunscreen daily had an almost 25% less risk of developing age spots. What are some common signs of skin cancer?
- Increased mole size
- Changes in mole shapes or colors
- Bleeding or oozing from moles
- Unusual sores or lumps
- Lesions
- New moles
Using sunscreen and protective clothing are some of the best ways to reduce your risk for skin cancer.
Can You Reverse Sun Damage?
Reversing sun damage is complex and not always treatable. The field of cosmetology has come out with new and advancing technology that helps reverse some types of sun damage.
The first step is always prevention (more on that later). You can use some topicals creams, chemical peels, and laser treatment for minor reversals. Remember that skin cancer and more severe cases can be treatable but reversing the damage is usually too far-fetched.
Let's take a look at chemical peels versus laser treatments. These facial cosmetic treatments are non-invasive and designed to help you look younger. Chemical peels help reverse:
- Wrinkles
- Acne spots
- Scarring
- Uneven pigmentation
There are several types of chemical peels that target different skin layer depths. Yet, you will have to follow specific after-care instructions and stronger chemical peels are not ideal for every skin type. Facial laser treatments also reverse sun damage by removing most outer skin layers.
It targets deeper tissues than chemical peels, making it ideal for sun-damaged skin. These laser treatments can cost upwards of $3,000 per treatment session, so be prepared to pay a high cost for extra time spent in the sun.
Can You Repair Sun Damage?
Some of the best ways of repairing sun damage are using revitalizing skincare products and preventing future damage. Following a high-quality skincare regimen can help protect your skin and reduce age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Diet, exercise, and drinking plenty of water all play a role in repairing the effects of sun-damaged skin. Here are some healthy ingredients you should look for in your skincare products:
- Vitamin C
- Retinoids
- Kojic acid
- Glycolic acid
Look for products that cater to your skin type. Oily and dry skin may require different moisturizers, but you should aim for cleansing your face twice a day and use sunscreen.
How Can You Start Preventing Sun Damage?
As the saying goes: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Rather than paying for expensive cosmetology treatments and dermatology appointments, consider taking steps that prevent sun damage.
One of the most obvious ways to prevent sun damage is by avoiding tanning beds. The other two ways to protect your skin are UV protection and avoiding sun exposure altogether.
Since avoiding the sun doesn't sound very reasonable (or fun), try using sunscreen and UV protective clothing. Facial moisturizers with SPF are helpful for daily protection. Although, in recent studies, over 11% of the face was missed when using moisturizers.
Researchers found that both standard sunscreen and facial moisturizers with sunscreen are effective, but proper application is vital. Since your face is one of the most vulnerable areas of your body for sun damage, ensure you apply for full coverage, especially around the eyes.
What Is UV Protective Clothing?
UV protective clothing is another key element and one of the most important pieces of skin protection. UVA and UVB rays can cause skin damage, but only around 5% of plain clothing blocks these harmful rays. BloqUV uses BloqTek technology that provides clothing with UPF 50 and can block approximately 98% of harmful UV rays.
At BloqUV, we undergo strict testing measures that ensure our moisture-wicking and lightweight clothing can hold up to UVA and UVB rays, giving you the ultimate protection. In addition to better skin protection from sun damage, BloqUV clothing can handle over 40 launderings and 100 hours of daylight.
What is this clothing mainly used for? Most clothing materials are ideal for outdoor activities, but don't let that hold you back from using them however and whenever you like. Whether you enjoy running, golfing, tennis, or other activities, all of BloqUV's clothing can hold up under the toughest activities while keeping your health In mind.
Start Protecting Your Skin
Are you worried about sun damage from unprotected skin this summer? Rather than frequently reapplying sunscreen, you can target exposed areas while wearing full UV protective clothing from BloqUV.
Sun damage can wreak havoc on your body and lead to higher risks for melanoma. Start taking precautions today rather than pay for costly treatments down the road and nit-picking age spots.
All our clothing is fashionable, lightweight, and ideal for warm and sunny days. Are you ready to get started? Check out our website and browse our product list for more information!