Sun damage: How to maximise summer while minimising the fallout

We’ve all heard the same story – just a few bad sunburns in your youth is all it takes to accrue sun damage that becomes visible later on. The signs? Pigmentation, lines, a rough texture, broken veins and then some. Thing is, if you were one of the lucky ones who managed to avoid these big, bad burns back in the day, don’t think you’re off the hook. Sun damage is a cumulative thing. If you’re not bothering to apply sunscreen when you head outdoors because you’re only exposed for a few minutes a day, you’re definitely doing it wrong. Every minute adds up – so it’s best you make them count.

To help you out, we’ve got a few tips on how you can still enjoy some summer fun, but in a way that isn’t going to damage your skin, both now and in the future.

Tip 1: Get the best defence

Ask any dermatologist about sunscreen and they’ll tell you the best kind is the one you actually use. Still, with so many formulations now available, you can easily pick one of the best. These will include a high sun protection factor and antioxidants that can protect you from the entire spectrum including Blue Light. We like Lamelle Helase 50 because it takes things a step further and includes an enzyme that repairs the DNA damage caused by the sun. (Yep, sunlight can smash directly into your DNA and cause kinks known as dimers. If left unchecked, these can easily morph into mutations and even skin cancer!)

Tip 2: Protect yourself inside and out

Is there such a thing as sunscreen in a pill? Nope. No such luck. However, you can pop a supplement that’ll help protect you from the inside out – Heliocare Ultra capsules! Its main ingredient is the extract of a naturally sun-resistant South American fern and potent antioxidants like vitamin C and E. When taken daily, they can enhance your body’s resistance to sun damage. This certainly doesn’t mean you don’t have to wear sunscreen. However, it adds an extra layer of protection, making it ideal for anyone with pale skin that’s prone to burning or with a higher risk of skin cancer

Tip 3: Consider your clothing

Don’t underestimate the power of a wide-brimmed hat or peak cap. Keeping the sun off your face with something that can provide a bit of shade is always a good idea. Keeping it right by your front door as well as a spare in your car is a good way to ensure it’s always top of mind. Also, consider the skin on your body. If you’re going to a pool party, pack a kaftan. If you know you’re going on a holiday and likely to snorkel, wear a t-shirt to protect the skin on your back. Sunscreen is always a brilliant way to protect yourself. But, unlike a considered piece of clothing, it eventually wears off.

Tip 4: Prevent like a pro

While there’s a lot we can do to prevent unprotected sun exposure it’s still going to happen. After all, the sun is responsible for more than 80% of all premature ageing. This is why it’s important to invest in a good anti-ageing skincare regime that includes collagen-encouraging ingredients like retinol and vitamin C. It’s your collagen, after all, that takes the biggest beating from the sun. We like Lamelle Cellular Repair Cream as it contains lipid-soluble ascorbic acid (a potent form of vitamin C) and a mix of powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidants with a focus on undoing the damage caused by the sun.

Tip 5: Treat existing damage today

If you’re already dealing with the signs of sun damage, today’s the day you should start treating it. If not, it will only get harder to treat and become even more resistant later on down the line. Don’t use the fact that it’s summer as an excuse to put off a pigmentation-shifting peel or a skin-smoothing laser treatment. While these type of procedures are often thought of as “winter treatments” as they can dramatically increase sun sensitivity, a highly-skilled doctor or therapist will be able to correct the damage and prescribe post-treatment products that’ll protect you from the sun while helping your skin repair itself.