Sun damage is the leading cause of premature ageing. Prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays can result in the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, sun spots, pigmentation, rough patches and uneven texture. And most dangerously, skin cancers.
When it comes to sun damage the face is often the place that gets all the attention, but skin health doesn’t stop at your chest, the body is also susceptible to damage and should be a priority for protection when exposed to UV light. Sun damage is commonly found on the decolletage, shoulders, backs, arms and hands as these areas are usually exposed to the sun the most. While prevention is always better than a cure, there are a number of methods we can incorporate into our body care routine to reduce the signs of sun damage on our decolletage, arms, legs and other areas of the body.
Wear a broad-spectrum body sunscreen daily
To prevent any further sun damage, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to any exposed areas of your body. Alongside using a facial sunscreen, this will ensure your skin remains protected from both UVA and UVB rays. Remember to re-apply after swimming or prolonged exposure to the sun.
Exfoliate your body with an AHA
Incorporate a gentle chemical exfoliant into your body care routine. AHAs are water-soluble acids that work on the skin’s surface to dissolve dead skin cells. They promote collagen synthesis and minimise the appearance of sun damage including fading hyperpigmentation. I recommend using a body exfoliant containing glycolic acid or lactic acid three times a week, especially on problem areas.
Use a retinol treatment
You may be familiar with retinol’s anti-ageing abilities, but it can also be fantastic for helping to reduce the signs of sun damage on the body. It works by kicking skin cell turnover into overdrive, effectively fading hyperpigmentation and resurfacing the skin.
Load up on antioxidants
UV exposure generates free radicals, unstable molecules that latch onto and destroy healthy cells. Antioxidants can neutralise this damage, as well as improving the skin’s natural barrier function.
Try an LED mask
LED masks use light therapy to encourage tissue repair and healing deep within the skin. Using an LED decolletage bib utilises clinically proven wavelengths Red 633 nm and Near-Infrared 830 nm to safely and painlessly stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis in the neck and chest, two area often prone to sun damage due to their high exposure.
Professional treatments
Laser treatments, depigmentation treatments and deep peels are a few professional methods used to treat sun damage, they involve removing the outer layer of the skin to resurface and promote collagen synthesis.
