If you’re a sun-worshipper, the best tools to have in your arsenal (besides a great sunscreen, of course) are ingredients that can help reverse the signs of sun damage. Popular beauty website effortlessskin.com created a helpful guide of ingredients that combat UV ray damage; your friends here at Montage Salon & Spa put together the Cliff’s Notes version just for you!
Take a look:
With UV exposure causing so many issues for healthy skin, scientists and dermatologists are always looking for the next great ingredient to combat sun damaged cells. Here are the best ingredients to reverse the effects of UV exposure:
Ellagic Acid
This plant-based chemical is naturally found in raspberries and pomegranates, and is one of the latest to emerge onto the cosmeceutical market. Ellagic Acid has been shown to significantly reduce inflammation and collagen destruction caused by UVB rays — reducing visible damage from sun exposure — and keeps skin smooth and wrinkle-free.
Antioxidants
This broad family of skin saviors include popular ingredients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Green Tea Extract. These superpower ingredients can help stop the majority of sun damage BEFORE it happens, and also helps reverse the aging effects by boosting collagen production, brightening pigmentation and strengthening the skin’s protective barrier.
Kojic Acid
Sun damage causes the skin to darken and become unevenly pigmented as UV rays trigger the production of melanin. One ingredient that is great at brightening dark patches and clearing up sun damaged complexions is Kojic Acid. A natural alternative to Hydroquinone, regular application of this ingredient can help to prevent the skin becoming patchy in tone and give you a more youthful appearance.
Glycolic Acid
A does-it-all ingredient which can significantly reduce the appearance of sun damage is Glycolic Acid. This resurfacing agent effectively removes the top layer of pigmented, damaged and dry skin cells that can dull the complexion and make it look older than it is. It’s also great for revitalizing tired skin after a long day.
Retinol
One ingredient that you might associate with tackling wrinkles but not so much with reversing sun damage is Retinol. This popular derivative of the antioxidant Vitamin A essentially helps the skin to rejuvenate itself. Although Retinol is incredibly effective, this ingredient does make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so you need to start wearing a daily SPF. The best way to maintain healthy skin is to follow this simple routine of applying Retinol at night and an SPF in the morning.
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Be sure to make an appointment with us if you have questions about your skin care, are interesting in improving the look of your skin, or would like to add professional skincare products to your daily routine!