While we all love a little fun in the sun, UVA exposure is the number one cause of aging skin, including fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and sunspots. Along with breaking down your skin’s collagen, which keeps it looking firm and supple, excessive sun exposure accelerates the production of melanin — the pigment that gives your skin its natural color. Sun (or age) spots pop up when melanin is produced in high concentrations in one or several areas of your skin.
What can you do about these changes? We’re glad you asked! It’s not all gloom and doom. By taking a few extra precautions, you can help negate damage. To help you out, here are six effective ways to prevent spots and slow down the signs of premature aging to reveal a clearer, firmer, and more radiant complexion.
1. Use Skincare Products for Fine Lines
While there are an overwhelming array of products to choose from, the best skincare for fine lines is formulated with ingredients that have been proven to stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture and tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. One of these leading research-backed superheroes is retinol. It accelerates cell turnover, which can help fade sunspots over time. Additionally, it encourages collagen production, so fine lines and wrinkles are less prominent, and your skin looks and feels more toned.
You also want to incorporate nourishing plant oils and butters that provide moisture and protect your skin barrier, the first line of defense against bacteria and external aggressors. When it becomes compromised, your skin feels dry, rough, and itchy, which will only make those fine lines more pronounced — nobody wants that!
Remember, there’s no such thing as an overnight success story, so consistency is the key to achieving results from your skincare routine.
2. Incorporate an Eye Lift Cream
Your eyes are a telltale sign of lack of sleep or a little too much late-night imbibing, likely because the skin around your orbital area is among the thinnest on your entire body. This thinness makes it more prone to damage and premature aging, such as fine lines and loss of elasticity. A well-formulated eye lift cream effectively targets this delicate skin to help reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. Look for ingredients like plumping peptides and caffeine to banish under-eye bags and hyaluronic acid to provide deep hydration, softening the lines’ appearance.
3. Apply a Primer with SPF
Sunscreen is the number one anti-aging skincare product because it protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, significant contributors to sunspots and premature aging because they can penetrate the skin and cause damage at the cellular level.. Opt for a primer with SPF if you want to wear cosmetics while safeguarding your skin from the sun’s rays. It creates a smooth base for making, helping it to last longer and look as fresh as when it was first applied, no matter what outdoor activities you’re participating in. It can even be worn without makeup if you prefer to be fresh-faced! Regardless of how you wear it, apply it 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re sweating excessively or are in contact with water.
4. Protect Your Lips with SPF Lip Balm
A survey by the American Academy of Dermatology Association revealed that most Americans say sun protection is more critical now than it was five years ago. Yet, many still neglect overlooked areas like eyelids, ears, and lips. The skin on our lips is thin and fragile, lacking the protective layer of melanin that other parts of our skin have. This makes it more susceptible to sun damage, including sun spots and fine lines. So, an SPF lip balm is essential to protect against UV rays. Keep it in your pocket, purse, or beach bag to make that two-hour reapplication process easier.
5. Seek Shade
Did you know that seeking shade can significantly reduce your UV exposure? It’s a simple yet powerful way to protect yourself. Running for cover can reduce UV exposure by up to 75%. So, take control of your sun exposure and look for ample shade from roofed areas, trees, dense foliage, or an awning. Try to stay out of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
6. Cover Up
Other ways to protect your skin from premature aging and sunspots are to sport a wide-brimmed hat, invest in sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays, and wear clothing that protects exposed areas of your skin. For example, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and skirts made from tightly woven yet light fabrics can provide excellent protection. Remember that darker colors absorb UV radiation better than lighter ones, even if the fabric is the same.
While summer will eventually end, the sun’s effects on your skin could last a lot longer, so don’t neglect your skincare routine! While none of us are going to escape the aging process, you do have the power to lessen premature aging and sunspots by protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays with SPF, adopting a solid skincare routine for fine lines, and seeking out some shade during those intense hours during the day.