Ah! Who doesn’t love a sun-kissed complexion!?
Even if you are a sun protection expert, taking the exposure too far, can affect your skin in a negative way. Did you know that sun exposure is accountable for over 80% of the visible signs of aging? The UV radiation from the sun alters the DNA of your skin cells, contributing to the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots. What is even worse is that it has a cumulative effect. So if you think that spending only 30 minutes in the sun every day cannot be harmful, think twice.
While it is true that there is no escaping the sun (besides, you shouldn’t do that, because sunbathing gives us the best Vitamin-D boost), it is also true that there are ways to stop and even reverse the damage induced by excess/unprotected exposure to UV rays.
The most important lesson to remember is that sun damaged skin often becomes overly sensitive, hence why all aggressive and chemically loaded solutions are out of the question. If the sun has been harsh on your skin, it is time to turn to all-natural remedies. Here is what you should do:
RE-HYDRATE
The sun strips your skin of its natural moisture, leaving it lackluster and dry. The best way to revive your skin is to re-hydrate it – both from the inside and outside.
Drinking plenty of water during the hot summer days is a simple, yet very effective trick to prevent water loss. On the outside, treat your skin to a good moisturiser formulated with Hyaluronic Acid. It will absorb into your skin faster than an oil-based one, and will not clog the pores.
Try Aloe Vera gel once, and it will become your go-to moisturizer for the hot, summer months. Not only does it keep the skin moist, but it is also one of the most effective remedies for sunburns. It gives a very nice cooling sensation + provides immediate soothing relief.
Try: La Mav's Hyaluronan Daily Moisture Créme
EXFOLIATE
Using gentle exfoliating scrub 2 times a week will help remove the outer layer of rough skin, without compromising your skin’s protective barrier. Look for natural products based on papaya or pineapple, since these fruits contain enzymes that dissolve dead cells, to reveal smoother and more evenly-toned skin.
Want to make your own face scrub? Mix a cup of finely grind oatmeal + a cup of yogurt + two tablespoons of honey, and you will get a wonderful, super effective, homemade scrub – one that doesn’t contain any hard-to-pronounce chemical ingredients, with questionable safety.
Try: La Mav's Cranberry Bio-Exfoliating Scrub
COMBAT FREE RADICALS
Exposure to UV rays is proven to be one of the leading causes for the generation of free radicals in the skin. Free radicals destroy collagen and elasticity, leading to loss of elasticity, chronic dehydration and premature aging. Not cool.
How to counteract the pesky effects of oxidative stress? With antioxidants! Add loads of fresh veggies and fruits to your diet + incorporate skin care product formulated with Vitamin-C and Vitamin-E (two of the most potent antioxidants you can count on, for preserving your skin healthy).
Homemade masks with red fruits or raw organic honey + homemade toner with green tea, are all great natural ways to charge your skin with antioxidants.
Try: La Mav's Antioxidant Rich Nightly Repair Nectar
To protect itself from UV radiation, our skin increases the production of the brown pigment that gives it its colour – melanin. Sometimes, this increase is uneven and may lead to the appearance of dark spots.
Here is where skin lighteners step in. One of the most potent natural skin lightening agents is Vitamin-C. Add a vitamin-C infused serum to your beauty routine, to prevent discolouration and keep your skin tone even.
Added bonus: Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis and boosts the natural radiance of your skin. Yaz!
Try: La Mav's Daily Vitamin C Brightening Serum
PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE
After you have repaired the damage, to maintain your skin looking fresh and healthy, use sunscreen daily. Yes, even on rainy/cloudy days!
Look for mineral-based sunscreen (one with Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Oxide + make sure it has broad spectrum SPF, meaning it will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. To maximize the protection, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out and reapply occasionally throughout the day. If you don’t like regular sunscreen lotions and cream, opt for makeup with SPF.
Try: La Mav's Anti-Ageing Mineral Foundation with SPF 15
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