Life is all about balance, or at least striving for it. The same goes for sun exposure. Getting sensible doses of sunlight plays an important role in your overall health and well being. Everyone needs the sun to survive and thrive, but sometimes we can overdo our exposure to it - especially during summertime and while many activities and business remain outdoors due to COVID-19.

sun damage vs sun exposure

Through recent research, we now understand that too much time in the sun leads to sun damage, which can then lead to accelerated skin aging and skin cancer. If you’re concerned about sun damage from years of being out and under the sun, I highly recommend seeing a dermatologist for a skin check. Skin health and overall health are connected, so if something seems unusual or if you have freckles and moles that are new or changing, please check in with your doctor.

Getting proper exposure to the sun provides multiple benefits to your body and mind. Through sunlight your skin synthesizes Vitamin D, you get a boost in your immune cells, feel-good hormones, endorphins, and better circulation. According to Dr. Michael F Holick in the book Radical Beauty, you should aim to get about “ 5-10 minutes of direct sunlight on bare legs and arms two or three times a week” , making sure you’re not allowing your delicate facial skin to receive direct sunlight.

How to Treat Sun-loved Skin

If your skin has been overexposed to the sun, or what I’m calling sun-loved skin, there are a few ways you can help treat and protect your skin from future damage. Just remember that patience is key when taking the slow beauty route. Below are my tips for treating sun-loved skin.

wear spf
As an esthetician, I believe wearing SPF daily is a non-negotiable for everyone - all skin tones, inside or outside, rain or shine. In fact, even our computer and phone screens emit HEV light that can cause serious skin damage and accelerated aging (a topic for a completely separate journal), so your WFH days on the computer require SPF as well. I prefer a physical (aka mineral sunscreen) over a chemical one. Physical sunscreens reflect or scatter UV rays whereas chemicals sunscreens absorb these rays. Chemical sunscreens have been shown to have harmful effects on our oceans, as well as our bodies, particularly as endocrine disrupters. Zinc oxide is the safest bet based on the EWG’s ratings, so look for a zinc based broad spectrum sunscreen that is around an SPF of 30.
use nourishing ingredients
If your skin’s barrier has been compromised due to the sun, you’ll want to keep it hydrated and nourished. A facial oil layered over a hydrosol or hydrating toner after cleansing morning and evening is the way to go. Organic, cold-pressed oils provide many vitamins and minerals for the skin as well as antioxidants that help to support sun-loved skin. Antioxidants will also help to protect your skin from environmental damage. There are a lot of great ingredients out there, but these are my favorites:
Rose hip seed oil is high in Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and essential fatty acids, making it a great option to condition and reduce inflammation from the sun.
Sea buckthorn oil is also high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, all omega fatty acids as well as many antioxidants. This ingredient is amazing for its ability to calm inflammation and brighten skin as well, but its ability to hydrate due to the amounts of omega fatty acids makes it a great option for wise and sun-loved skin. Sea buckthorn has also been shown to help with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and acne.
Calendula, my favorite flower, is a soothing ingredient often found infused in facial oils or hydrosols. This sunflower family member has been used historically to treat many types of inflammation, but it also treats sun damage. My favorite part about calendula is that it’s a lymphatic supporter, so it helps to promote a better movement of fluids underneath the skin. Plus it’s great for sensitive skin types.
Eat an antioxidant rich diet
You’ve probably heard that antioxidants can help fight free radicals, as they have the ability to neutralize these DNA damaging oxidizers and stabilize cells. Antioxidants come in many forms such as the oils mentioned above, and it’s important to consume them through your diet to provide internal nourishment to your cells. Beta-carotene rich foods like carrots and sweet potatoes also help fight free radicals. Antioxidant-rich foods/beverages include green tea, berries, dark chocolate (70% cocoa), oats, beans, leafy greens - the more naturally colorful your diet is the more likely you’re getting antioxidants.
for sunburns - use aloe vera
Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory rich in antioxidants and vitamins that can help to neutralize the effects of UV exposure. If you don’t have access to the plant itself, check your local health food store in the produce section as they often sell large pieces of fresh cut aloe vera. Otherwise look for a bottle of organic aloe vera gel that doesn’t include extra unnecessary chemicals. If you have a sunburn, avoid hot showers, exfoliating, steam, facial treatments, overstimulation, or anything that would add extra heat to your skin. Make sure to stay hydrated!
wear a hat and protective clothing
To avoid excess sun on your skin, wear a hat as often as possible. Wide brimmed hats are ideal since they protect the delicate skin on your neck as well. Wearing protective clothing can help to prevent future damage by keeping the sun off of your delicate skin. I like to keep a light scarf in my car to protect my neck and chest while driving. Sunglasses are also important in helping protect the delicate skin around your eyes.

The first thing to address when treating sun-loved skin is to soothe inflammation, and from there focus on nourishing your skin inside and out. Treating sun-loved skin and signs of sun damage can be a slower process because it took your skin time to show the effects of the sun.

Shop the links below for my favorite products to help address sun-loved skin (I do not have affiliate links, these are my personally tested and loved products).