With all of the surf days, pool parties, and time spent hiking or exercising in the sun over the past few months, you’ve probably accumulated quite the tan … and quite a bit of skin damage too. Depending on your skin type, the results of too much skin exposure can vary greatly, unfortunately.
For some, freckles, dark spots, light wrinkles, and even hard-to-fade melasma crop up after too much time spent in the sun. According to Dr. Moy, the dermatologist behind the skincare brand DNA Renewal, there are three types of skin damage to watch for, so take note.
- For age spots: “Age spots are usually more elevated and called seborrheic keratosis,” says Dr. Moy. “They need to be scraped off by a doctor since they are thicker lesions.”
- For sun spots: Sunspots are flatter and called lentigos. “[They] are usually thinner and can go away with lasers or topical treatments,” says Moy.
- For melasma: “Melasma is flat areas of darker pigmentation usually on the cheeks that are caused by sunlight and hormones. The melasma can be treated with lasers and bleaching creams.”
Once you’ve got damage, give it a one-two punch of treatment to get clearer skin. Use an acid-based glycolic face wash and retinol-based treatment at night (and SPF every morning!). In addition to your regular skin perfecting ritual, use a mask at least once a week that’s a little stronger than your average daily treatment.
Keep on scrolling for some of our very favorites that run the gamut from 100 percent organic (Hi, True Botanicals!) to, well, a little more conventional. Pick your poison!
True Botanicals Resurfacing Moisture Mask
TrueBotanicals.com, $90
Tammy Fender Epi-Peel
The Detox Market, $80
Living Libations Green Papaya and Lime AHA Mask
The Detox Market, $40
Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength
Ulta Beauty, $48
Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Pads
Ulta Beauty, $45
