Learn how to repair sun damage on skin using natural ingredients instead of harsh chemicals.
Thank you to Goddess Garden for sponsoring this post!
What is your relationship with the sun? Do you worship it or hide from it? Cover up or let it all hang out? Bask in its warmth or basically ignore it?
Even if you’re somewhere in between like me (love the warmth but afraid of the burn), you’re probably getting more sun exposure than you think. And along with that exposure comes sun damage to your skin.
Why It Matters
You may think those wrinkles and dark spots are the normal signs of aging – but UVA rays from the sun are a more likely culprit, since they cause premature aging of the skin. Little known fact – the sun is responsible for 90-percent of the visible signs of skin aging – that’s a lot more than I would have guessed!
Most sun related skin damage comes from non-deliberate exposure. Think driving to work, walking the dog, running errands around town – you don’t need to be sitting on a beach to be catching some serious rays. Here are some of the ways the sun can catch you unaware, and age your skin in the process:
- Windows – 50 -60% of UVA rays can get through windows, including car windows
- Clouds – over 90% of UV rays can penetrate light clouds
- Snow – clean snow reflects up to 80% of sun’s rays
- Water – UV rays are still 40% as intense half a meter under water
- Winter – just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean those UV rays are not reaching you
How to Repair Sun Damage Naturally
So you know you’re skin is sun damaged. But before you go running to the dermatologist asking for a prescription for retinol (a synthetic form of Vitamin A, also known as retinoids), keep in mind that retinol has some nasty side effects, like burning and flaking skin. Plus retinol products (both prescription and OTC), typically contain other harsh ingredients and artificial fragrances that can cause irritation and allergies.
A natural approach to repairing sun damage is a much better idea. Look for plant based ingredients that contain nourishing vitamins, antioxidants and carotenoids. Carotenoids are especially helpful because our bodies naturally convert them to usable retinoids, which stimulate the production of new skin cells. Ingredients like mango butter, seaweed extract, sunflower seed oil and chicory root are loaded with beta-carotene – or carotenoids. The fatty acids in rosehip seed oil and evening primrose oil also help to heal damaged skin.
A diet containing foods high in Vitamin A, like sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, carrots, bell peppers, mango and cantaloupe, may also help.
Learn More: How to Buy Non-Toxic Beauty & Personal Care Products
Goddess Garden Sun Repair System
I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article including Amazon Affiliates. Full Disclosure
Goddess Garden is a brand that is well known for safe and effective sunscreen (you’ll find them in my Guide to Non-Toxic Sunscreen), and they have recently developed new skin care products specifically targeted to repair sun damage. Goddess Garden’s award winning Sun Repair System is a simple a.m./p.m. skincare solution that delivers concentrated plant-based ingredients at a deep level to help repair accumulated sun damage that is often mistaken for normal skin aging.
Two key products that are a must-have for your morning routine are Under the Sun Pre-Sunscreen Serum and Face the Day SPF 30 Sunscreen + Firming Primer. The serum is light but extremely nourishing and helps the sunscreen go on easily and smoothly. The sunscreen does dual duty as a daily SPF and makeup primer. It’s a rockstar combination! I’ve been using this dynamic duo for about a month and love how my skin looks and feels!
If you’re a data kind of person, you’ll be happy to know that when Under the Sun and Face the Day are used together for 90 days, test subjects reported a reduction in the depth of wrinkles of over 23%. Like I said, a rockstar combo – and a much healthier alternative to damaging retinol.
How do you balance your love for the sun with its damaging rays?
Carolyn says
Thanks for the great post! I don’t always think about my skin, as I have the kind of olive skin tone that doesn’t show sunburn, but that doesn’t mean my skin isn’t being damaged! I’m excited to check out some of these products, especially the Face the Day sunscreen and primer. 😉
Micaela says
Good point Carolyn – your skin is definitely experiencing the effects of the sun even though you can’t visibly see any burn. A daily facial sunscreen is key!!
Julie @ shortsandlongs says
Very interesting! I appreciate this advice!
Nicole Nelson says
This was so interesting, especially with summer right around the corner 🙂 I’ll have to give Goddess Garden a try!