Skincare experts share their best advice on reversing the signs of sun damage after self-proclaimed health guru Gwyneth Paltrow shocked her fans with a snap of her “horrible” skin.
The Goop founder, 50, shared a series of snaps from her family trip on Instagram earlier this week – but one caught the attention of her followers for all the wrong reasons.
Social media users immediately slammed the self-proclaimed health guru for the “horrible” condition of her cleavage and arms – both showing signs of sunspots.
has since spoken to some of the leading experts in their fields to discuss how to revive skin after sun damage.
The Goop founder, 50, shared a series of snaps from her family trip on Instagram earlier this week – but one caught the attention of her followers for all the wrong reasons
Social media users immediately slammed the self-proclaimed health guru for the “horrible” condition of her cleavage and arms – both showing signs of sunspots
The areas of the body most prone to sun damage include the face, neck, chest, shoulders, forearms and hands.
Prevention is the key! Skincare experts share top tips for preventing and repairing sun damage
- Apply an SPF of at least 30 every two hours when out in the sun
- Moisturize the skin with hyaluronic acid, ceramides or niacinamide
- Use chemical peels to remove dead skin cells
- Consider professional services like chemical peels and laser treatments
- Drink plenty of water
- Use a humidifier in dry environments
These are typically more exposed to the sun and are often neglected when it comes to sun protection.
New York medical esthetician Evelyn Ramirez has said that the first signs of skin damage are extensive, but also include sunburn, uneven skin tone, wrinkles and fine lines, dryness and increased sensitivity.
She said, “Prevention is key … but with the right care and attention, you can improve the appearance and health of sun-damaged skin.”
She went on to elaborate on how someone can counteract the effects of the sun, even if they have a history of being careless with SPF, saying the first step is to use sunscreen.
“Going forward, it’s crucial to consistently apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (at least 30) to protect skin from further damage.”
“Apply liberally and reapply every two hours, especially when outdoors,” the expert advises.
In addition, the trick is to lock in moisture. She said, “Keeping skin hydrated is essential to repairing and maintaining its health.”
“Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or niacinamide to improve skin’s barrier function and reduce the appearance of sun damage.”
dr Barry Weintraub along with his team at BeautyWorks NYC also added some advice.
New York medical esthetician Evelyn Ramirez has said that the first signs of skin damage are extensive, but also include sunburn, uneven skin tone, wrinkles and fine lines, dryness and increased sensitivity
The experts warned that while there is “no way to reverse severe sun damage,” the most obvious effects can be mitigated with exfoliating products (stock image)
He warned that while there is “no way to reverse severe sun damage,” the most obvious effects can be mitigated with exfoliating products.
This will “help shed superficial layers of damaged skin to create a smoother surface and lighten blotchy pigment.”
But he went a step further, suggesting that it’s also important to “protect yourself from the light-induced blue light emitted by electronic devices like computers and phone screens.”
“Many of us think about putting on sunscreen when we go outside, but don’t realize that our electronic devices can also cause skin damage,” he said.
Evelyn discussed the best products to use at home and how best to treat sun damage.
“Antioxidants can help repair skin and protect against free radical damage caused by sun exposure.” Look for products that contain vitamins C and E, resveratrol, green tea extract, or ferulic acid. These are found in serums or moisturizers.
“Retinoids like retinol or prescription retinoids can help improve the appearance of sun damage over time.” They promote cell turnover, reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots, and improve skin texture.
“Incorporate mild exfoliation into your skincare routine to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture.” Avoid harsh exfoliants and opt for chemical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).’
She also added that “drinking enough water and using a humidifier in dry environments can help keep skin hydrated and improve its overall health.”
But Evelyn also encouraged people to see a dermatologist if sun damage is severe or persistent. He can assess the extent of the damage and recommend appropriate professional treatments such as laser therapy, chemical peels or microdermabrasion.
dr Weintraub (left) of BeautyWorks NYC and esthetician and founder of skincare brand Renee Rouleau (right) also gave their opinions
Moisturizers “containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or niacinamide to improve skin’s barrier function and reduce the appearance of sun damage” (stock image)
“They can also provide personalized advice and recommend prescription products if needed.”
dr Weintraub said that every dermatologist “shouldn’t just casually glance at your skin and say you’re fine, but actively look between your toes, throughout your scalp, behind your ears, under your bra straps — basically everywhere.” ‘Where are you.’ Have skin.’
He recommended various other in-office treatments to address the various aspects of sun damage.
“To improve wrinkling and sagging of the skin – as the sun breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin – one can undergo regular microneedling treatments using radio frequency energy, which help the skin to tighten and become firmer.”
“For pigmentation issues, laser treatments such as Broad Band Light, a more intense version of Intense Pulsed Light, can also be effective.”
Renee Rouleau, esthetician and skincare brand founder, also advocated regular exfoliation, retinol and vitamin C to combat sun damage, adding, “I recommend professional chemical peels for faster results.”
“This can improve results and minimize the appearance of bumps, crepe texture and discoloration.”
Experts largely agreed on how people should prevent sun damage in the future – with advice such as applying sunscreen daily, finding shade, wearing protective clothing and avoiding tanning beds.
Evelyn also warned to look out for reflective surfaces, adding, “Remember that surfaces like water, sand, snow and concrete can reflect and amplify the sun’s rays, increasing the risk of sunburn and damage.”
“Take special precautions when near these surfaces.”