Repairing Sun Damaged Skin

Hi,

I have some minor sun damage skin on my face.

Do you have any products that can help remove some of the spots? I have heard that there are some creams that are good but not sure which ones.

Your help is appreciated.

Cheers,

eko

With summer nearly here, your question is very timely. You will want to repair the damage already done, as well as prevent any more sun damage in the future.

You need:

1. Broad spectrum sun protection for day to prevent further damage; and

2. A retinoid product for night to renew damaged skin over time and prevent precancerous lesions (actinic keratoses).

[ A retinoid product also stimulates collagen growth to prevent wrinkles and smooth existing ones.]

Your routine should also include:

3. A healthy cocktail of antioxidants like L-ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C Ester), Coenzyme Q10, Idebenone, Vitamin E, Kinetin, DMAE and Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Antioxidants help fend off free radical damage caused by UV rays that get past your sun protection as well as free radical damage generated by the body's own internal processes. Apply nightly.

4. Finally, to help lighten the spots until they are exfoliated, look for products that have skin clarifiers like 2% Hydroquinone, Hydroquinone derivatives, Beta Carotene, Glabridine (licorice extract); Mulberry Extract, Kojic Acid, Azeleic Acid, Dithiaoctanediol, or Vitamin C derivatives in combined form. Apply as label directs.

There are many fine products in each category. Here are a few of my current faves:

Sunscreens

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF55 with Helioplex or
• Lancome UV Expert with Mexoryl

Retinoids

• Prescription Retin-A or an OTC retinoid cream such as
• MD Formulations Vit-A_Plus Illuminating Serum with Retinol and Glycolic Acid or

Antioxidant Creams

• Reviva Labs Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester & DMAE Night Cream
• Source Naturals Skin Eternal DMAE Serum with DMAE, Vitamin C Ester, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin E and Coenzyme Q10 0r
• GreatSkin All-in-One Serum with DMAE, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Copper Peptide, Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin E and Retinol (a great combination product which addresses categories 2 and3)

Skin Lighteners

• Reviva Labs' Brown Spot Night Cream with 2% Hydroquinone
• Along with their Skin Lightener for Day Fade Cream with Kojic Acid, Mulberry Extract and SPF 15 as well as UVA protection (address categories 1 and 4)
• Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel with 2% Hydroquinone and Glycolic Acid (categories 2 and 4) or
• DERMAdoctor Immaculate Correction Revitalizing Skin Tone Equalizer which contains the longest list of skin lightening ingredients I've seen. A multi-skin lightening ingredient product is desirable since the various agents work in different ways to lighten and/or prevent age/sun spots.