The biggest way to prevent sun damage during the summer months is to wear sunscreen applied generously everyday rain or shine. The number one reason for premature aging comes from UV exposure and can bring on the sunspots. UVA rays (which we call aging rays to get people to take them more seriously) can penetrate through clouds and windows. However, it’s not the number of SPF protection you are wearing but how much you really are putting on. Most people do not put on enough to get the full amount of protection let alone reapply when they are outside.

Another method for combating sun damage is to load up on antioxidants. This goes for your skincare as well as your diet. Wearing an antioxidant serum including Vitamin C and E underneath your SPF will not only protect you from environmental damage but will increase your natural SPF factor. You can also take these supplements daily as well as eating a beta-carotene-rich diet such as kale, spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes.

It’s not just the sun that can lead to spots. New research has found that heat can stimulate melanin activity. If you are prone to pigmentation issues, especially hormonal pigmentation, such as melasma, please keep this in mind during these hot summer months. Try to stay indoors and limit your exposure to heat, sun, and heat-inducing activities such as steam and sauna room, hot yoga, or anything that increases your body temperature.

Part of the battle in avoiding heat is keeping your skin cool as possible. It’s a good idea to keep some of your products in the refrigerator such as an alcohol-free toner, antioxidant serum or a mask. This is a great way to decrease the melanin activity as well as keep any redness down.

Regardless of what steps we try to take to prevent them, some sun damage is still going to happen. One of the ways to repair and remove sun spots is to exfoliate gently. It is key to managing cell turnover, softening fine lines, as well as skin discoloration by exfoliating. Our favorite exfoliation for all skin types is fruit enzyme masks and AHA Serums containing non-alcohol acids such as Glycolic and Salicylic Acid, that can help break apart pigmented cells to lessen their appearance.

And most importantly, if you want to treat and prevent future sun damage, get a monthly facial. People tend to get lazy in the summer months with their skincare routine. They wait until the fall and want to work on repairing the damage from the summer months. However, prevention is key here. A monthly professional facial treatment from our skin care experts uses stronger formulas and are packed full of antioxidant-rich serums and masks for increased results.