5 Ingredients for Sun Damaged Skin Now that Summer is Over
Oct 17th 2022
Saying farewell to summer means we've come to the end of a period of increased sun exposure for our skin. In addition to the additional hours of sunlight in the day, we were typically outside for longer periods of time during summer months. Even as a faithful wearers of SPF, prolonged sunlight during Summer months can leave skin distressed. The right combination of products will not only help protect your skin, they can also address after-sun skin concerns such as dark spots, dryness, and fine lines.
1. Vitamin C to brighten dark spots and erase fine-lines
More and more people are learning about the benefits of topical vitamin C. It is safe to use for most skin types and, with regular application, can help ensure an even, radiant complexion. According to a study published through the National Center for Biotechnology Information, “UV exposure seems to be responsible for 80% of visible facial aging signs.” Some of these signs might be hyperpigmentation, or dark spots and fine-lines on the face.
Vitamin C is good for brightening these spots and lessening the appearance of wrinkles. Many consumers buy Vitamin C as a serum, but you can also use products that use ingredients that are naturally high in vitamin C.
Moringa oil, for instance, is naturally high in vitamin C and has added benefit of being an emollient and having anti-inflammatory properties. Moringa oil has been used for centuries in countries such as Greece and Egypt to protect and repair the skin from sun damage and sand abrasion.
2. Vitamin A for exfoliation and repair
| Vitamin A is essential for helping skin to create and repair skin cells. Fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, kale, and carrots are all high in carotenoids which the body processes into vitamin A. Why not give your skin the same benefits of these health foods? If your skin is dry or slow in recovering from external damage, vitamin A can be a great help. It contributes to the creation of collagen which is a key player in skin strength. It is also a natural retinol and therefore works well as a chemical exfoliant. | |
| Exfoliation can be a great way to remove dead skin cells, making space for new cell growth. Take care to not use Vitamin A in too much sunlight since, also similar to retinol, it can increase sensitivity to sun which is the exact opposite of what the goal is! For a next-level routine, try using vitamin C during the day and Vitamin A at night. |
3. Niacinamide to keep out excess toxins
| Niacinamide is a water-soluble form of Vitamin B3. It is a potent antioxidant, working to reduce excess free radicals in the skin. Free radicals can come from actual air pollution or toxins found in cigarette smoke and, of course, radiation from the sun. When the body has too many free radicals, it can lead to a state called oxidative stress which plays a major role in visual aging. |
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| When paired with Vitamin C, Niacinamide can also go a long way to decrease hyperpigmentation or sunspots. Additionally, niacinamide helps the skin barrier hold in moisture and keep out toxins, resulting in healthier looking skin. |
4. Kigelia Africana to soothe skin and reduce excess oils
| Kigelia Africana comes from a tree found in sub-Saharan Africa. The tree, known as the Sausage Tree, produces fruit which is used to treat various skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. For those who live in more humid climates, the increased hot and damp air in the summer can cause pores to produce excess oils. This increases the likelihood of clogged pores and an increase in breakouts. |
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| Kigelia can help to control this excess production of sebum as well as reduce inflammation and accelerate healing on the surface of the skin. If you are prone to breakouts or find yourself with increased redness or itchiness at the end of the summer, kigelia might be a great ingredient to introduce to your routine. |
5. Grape Stem Cell Extract for a boost of antioxidants
Whether eaten as a fruit or found in wine, many of us know the antioxidant properties found in grapes. A somewhat lesser-known technique to take advantage of the benefits of grapes can be found through stem cell extraction. What’s unique about stem cell extraction though is that those extracted from grapes are in an embryonic stage – meaning they will grow into new cells. This process leads to the regeneration of skin cells which, in turn, strengthens the skin barrier against additional damage.
Maintain Your Skin’s Health!
Above all, remember that prevention is still better than cure -- as much as you can help your skin to recover after sun damage, prolonged sun radiation can have irreversible effects. Therefore, it is crucial to wear SPF year-round to protect your skin and enhance your beauty in addition to using ingredients that nourish and strengthen the skin. For any help figuring out your unique skincare needs, contact the Kacadas Team to learn more about building a routine that is safe and eco-friendly!