While wrinkles and fine lines may be annoying, they are a sign that you've lived a long and wonderful life. That you've had a journey. It's a privilege denied to many. While aging is a part of life, premature aging doesn't have to be. The worst culprit? The sun. Sun damage really does a number on our skin and here's why.
The Sun and Your Skin
Simply put, the sun causes photoaging which is damage to the skin caused by sunlight and ultraviolet light. Would you believe it's responsible got 90% of visible changes to the skin?
Our skin has three layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the subcuticus or outer layer, middle layer and bottom layer. The middle layer (the dermis) contains collagen. Collagen is what keeps our skin looking youthful.
When our skin is hit by UV light, the integrity of the skin cells are damaged. Our skin reacts to this damage and struggles to produce melanin. As a result, we get a tan. Really, a tan is a surefire sign our skin is struggling to protect our skin from harmful UV rays. In addition to the tan
How To Reverse Sun Damage
Unfortunately, past mistakes cannot be completely reversed however, there are things you can do today that your tomorrow skin will thank you for.
Slip, Slop, Slap
Firstly, cover up. Ensure you are using sunscreen daily. If you are concerned about chemicals, we urge you to purchase a natural sunscreen or even better, make your own. Unfortunately mass-produced sunscreen has endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as oxybenzone which does nasty things to your skin.
Don't forget a hat and long sleeved top!
Increase Collagen Production
Secondly, you must increase your collagen production to counteract the damage caused by the sun. There are heaps of ways to do this but we recommend eating collagen rich foods such as beans, almonds, flaxseeds, red fruits and vegetables.
Collagen can't be made without vitamin C so ensure you're getting plenty of vitamin C rich foods such as: avocados, carrots, kiwi fruit, berries, dark green vegetables, tomatoes, pumpkin seeds and garlic.
Read More about how you can Boost Your Collagen Levels Naturally.
Get Serious About Your Skin Care Routine
A customised skin care routine can make a difference to signs of photoaging, no product can completely reverse the damage that's been done but it can help the progression of photoaging.
Step 1: Remove Makeup Daily
Did you know that sleeping in your makeup can speed up aging? Not only that, the dirt and grime get trapped in your pores which decreases skin regeneration. Our Olive Cream Cleanser will remove your makeup and keep your skin happy. It contains Betaine which improves skin elasticity by strengthening collagen levels giving you a gorgeous, glowing complexion, naturally of course!
Step 2: Exfoliate Every Second Day
To keep skin looking youthful, you need to let the new skin cells come to the surface. You can't do that if the older skin cells are in the way. We suggest exfoliating every second day to promote new skin cell growth and regeneration.
Step 3: Repair
Shield your skin from the damage caused by free radicals, environmental stressors and sun damage with our Acai Antioxidant Skin Serum. Boasting some of nature's most powerful and proven active vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, this serum will work wonders on damaged skin. Use every morning.
Step 4: Hydrate
As we mentioned, skin damage caused by UV rays can result in dry skin. To combat this, we recommend using our Olive Skin Serum in the evening. The plant active, Olive Squalene replicates the Squalene that is naturally produced in human skin. This will activate the growth of collagen in your skin cells too!
Glow Up This Summer
As lovely as a tan is, there are so many alternatives and fake tan products that give you the very same result...without the skin damage!
Before you self-tan, it's crucial to prepare your skin. This will give you an even application and minimise any streaks and patches.
Exfoliate
Our Spirulina Salt Scrub works to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, purifies and unclogs pores, detoxifies the skin by stimulating blood circulation and hydrates the skin through its unique formulation.
Soothe & Moisturise
Our Coconut Glow Body & Hair Oil is made using coconut oil, cranberry seed oil, and avocado oil. This unique formulation will soothe and nourish your skin leaving it soft, smooth and silky.
Choose a natural tanner
Most conventional tanners include dihydroxyacetone DHA which reacts with your skin to create the darker hue. Unfortunately inhaling this substance (while applying it) can cause cancer, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Choose natural, always.
So, there you have it. The low-down on what the sun does to your skin and what you can do to minimise the effects. Stay safe and treat that gorgeous skin of yours right!
