In our humble opinion, Australia shines in the summer time. Towels and swimmers earn their rightful place in the boot, sunset ocean dips feel necessary, and the world moves at a deliciously relaxed pace.
We agree that the sun kissing the skin is one of the best feelings in the world — but too much of a good thing is real. Sun damage is incredibly common for those who recreate outdoors or live in areas with high sun exposure.
So, how does sun actually damage the skin?
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays, which penetrate deep into the skin and can cause DNA damage at a cellular level. This shows up as issues like dark spots, wrinkles, dry skin, and skin cancer. Other impacts include —
- Sunburn: excess exposure to UV radiation causes inflammation and redness. These burns can be painful and long-lasting while increasing skin cancer risk.
- Premature aging: UV rays breaks down collagen and elastin. These are key proteins that ensure skin remains firm and elastic. Research shows that up to 90% of skin aging is cause by sun exposure.[1]
- Skin Cancer: significant skin cell damage can lead to the development of skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
What can be done to fix sun damaged skin?
Prevent further damage
It’s a tough reality, but if you’ve spent much of your childhood exposed to the sun without proper protection, some damage may be irreversible. However, it’s important to remember that the skin and human body have remarkable resilience. By adopting habits that protect your skin and nourish it, you can make a noticeable difference in how it looks and feels as you age.
This looks like:
- Wearing high SPF sunblock
- Incorporating a hat and sunglasses into your day-to-day
- Avoiding the outdoors at peak sunlight hours
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is often overlooked when it comes to sun damage. However removing dead skin cells helps improve the skin’s texture and tone. Whether through a physical exfoliant (like a scrub) or chemical exfoliant (ex. products with alpha-hydroxy acid), removing skin promotes new cell growth and stimulates production of collagen and elastin. Note that the removal of skin cells allows for deeper penetration of skincare products like the Hemp Seed Barrier Repair Facial Oil.
Nourish and Hydrate
Look to deep nourishment and hydration to repair damage and improve surface appearance. Products that contain ingredients like vitamins C and E (antioxidants that promote skin healing), hyaluronic acid (a natural moisturizer), aloe vera (soothes and cools skin), and hemp are your best friends.
Hydration Spotlight: Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil contains high levels of antioxidants and essential fatty acids — this makes it a key ally to repairing and protecting skin from external damage while reducing the appearance of fine lines. Hemp seed oil is also anti-inflammatory, which can ease scathing sunburns and reduce visible redness.
Antioxidants (like vitamin E) are found in high concentrations in hemp seed oil. When it comes to skin that has been damaged by the sun, these nutrients make the skin more resilient to oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. Look for products that highlight hemp seed oil — we recommend the following for sun damage repair:
- Hemp Seed Oil Barrier Repair Facial Oil: this oil focuses on repairing the skin barrier. Especially formulated to provide anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial support for skin that has been damaged by sun exposure and pollutants, skin will feel hydrated and resilient.
- ALMAdeLIA Flawless Face Mask: loved for a reason, this deliciously hydrating mask removes dead skin cells, balances pH level, prevents redness and inflammation, and creates a clean slate for hydration and rejuvenation
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[1] American Academy of Dermatology, 2021