Sun Damage Repair

You can’t get around the fact that too much sun exposure is bad for your skin. From sunburns and rashes to heat stroke, sunspots and cancer, the sun’s powerful rays can wreak havoc on your entire body. Dermatologists refer to it as photo-aging; you and I are more familiar with the effects: freckles, brown spots, crow’s feet, and lines. The reason for accelerated aging is that the UVB waves can cause damage to the DNA and weaken the skin’s ability to defend itself. Your trouble is only doubled by the UVA waves that can further damage the cell membranes.

Ava Shamban, M.D., board certified dermatologist, and owner of the Laser Institute for Dermatology and European Skin Care in Santa Monica, California, helps demystify the slew of sun damage–reversing products by highlighting some of the most essential ingredients: AHAs exfoliate and even out skin tone. Retinol stimulates collagen production. Antioxidants (including topical green tea and vitamin C) prevent free radical damage.

If your skin has endured damage from excessive sun exposure, here are some of our favorite topical treatments that can help relieve, heal, and protect your skin: