Skincare experts are offering up their best tips for reversing the signs of sun damage after self-proclaimed health guru Gwyneth Paltrow surprised fans with a snapshot of her “awful” skin.
The 50-year-old Goop founder took to Instagram to share a series of snaps from her family trip earlier this week, but one in particular caught the attention of her followers for all the wrong reasons.
Social media users were quick to call out the self-described health guru for the “horrible” state of her cleavage and arms, both of which had evidence of sun spots.
Since then, DailyMail.com has spoken to some of the leading experts in their fields to discuss how to revive skin from sun damage.
The 50-year-old Goop founder took to Instagram to share a series of snaps from her family trip earlier this week, but one in particular caught the attention of her followers for all the wrong reasons.
Social media users were quick to call out the self-described health guru for the “horrible” state of her cleavage and arms, both of which had evidence of sun spots.
The areas of the body that are most prone to sun damage include the face, neck, chest, shoulders, forearms, and hands.
These are usually more exposed to the sun and are often neglected when it comes to sun protection.
beautician doctor evelyn ramirezof New York, has said that early signs of skin damage are extensive but include sunburn, uneven skin tone, wrinkles and fine lines, dryness, and increased sensitivity.
He has said that “prevention is key… but with proper care and attention, the appearance and health of sun-damaged skin can be improved.”
Delving further into how someone can counteract the effects of the sun, even if they’ve been negligent with SPF in the past, she said the first step was to use sunscreen.
“Moving forward, it is crucial to consistently apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (at least 30) to protect skin from further damage.
“Apply generously and reapply every two hours, especially when spending time outdoors,” the expert urged.
Also, the trick is to retain moisture. She said: ‘Hydration of the skin is essential to repair and maintain its health.
“Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or niacinamide to improve the skin’s barrier function and reduce the appearance of sun damage.”
Dr. Barry Weintraub, along with his team at BeautyWorks New Yorkhe also added some words of advice.
New York-based medical esthetician Evelyn Ramirez has said the early signs of skin damage are extensive but include sunburn, uneven skin tone, wrinkles and fine lines, dryness and increased sensitivity.
Experts cautioned that while there’s ‘no way to reverse severe sun damage’, the most obvious effects can be reduced with exfoliating products (stock image)
He cautioned that while there’s “no way to reverse severe sun damage,” the most blatant effects can be reduced with exfoliating products.
this will ‘Helps remove the superficial layers of damaged skin to produce a smoother surface, as well as lighten stained pigment.’
But, going a step further, he suggested that it’s also important to “protect against photoaging blue light emitted from electronic devices like computers and phone screens.”
“Many of us think about applying sunscreen when we go outside, but we don’t realize that our electronic devices can also damage the skin,” he said.
Talking about the best products to use at home, Evelyn revealed the best way to treat sun damage.
Antioxidants can help repair and protect skin from free radical damage caused by sun exposure. Look for products that contain vitamins C and E, resveratrol, green tea extract, or ferulic acid. These can be found in serums or moisturizers.
‘Retinoids, such as retinol or prescription retinoids, can help improve the appearance of sun damage over time. They promote cell renewal, reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, and improve skin texture.
‘Incorporate gentle exfoliation into your skincare routine to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. Avoid harsh exfoliants and opt for chemical exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs).’
She also added that “drinking enough water and using a humidifier in dry environments can help keep your skin hydrated and improve your overall health.”
But Evelyn also encouraged people to see a dermatologist if sun damage is severe or persistent, who “can assess the extent of the damage and recommend appropriate professional treatments, such as laser therapy, chemical peels or microdermabrasion.”
Dr. Weintraub (left) of BeautyWorks NYC and esthetician and skincare brand founder Renee Rouleau (right) also weighed in.
Moisturizers ‘containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides or niacinamide to improve the skin’s barrier function and reduce the appearance of sun damage’ (file image)
“They can also provide one-on-one advice and recommend prescription products if needed.”
Dr. Weintraub said that any dermatologist “shouldn’t casually look at your skin and declare that it’s fine, but should actively look between your toes, all over your scalp, behind your ears, under your bra, basically everywhere you have skin.
He recommended several other in-office treatments to address the different aspects of sun damage.
‘To improve wrinkles and skin laxity, as the sun breaks down the skin’s collagen and elastin, one can undergo regular radiofrequency energy micro-needling treatments which help the skin to tighten and become more supple. firm.
“In terms of pigmentation issues, laser treatments such as broadband light, which is a more intense version of intense pulsed light, can also be effective.”
Renee RouleauAn esthetician and founder of a skincare brand, she also championed regular exfoliation, retinol and vitamin C to combat sun damage, adding, “I highly recommend getting professional chemical peels to speed up results.”
“This can improve results by minimizing the appearance of bumps, crepe texture, and discoloration.”
Experts largely agreed on how people should prevent future sun damage, with advice including applying sunscreen daily, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and avoiding tanning beds.
Evelyn further cautioned to be aware of reflective surfaces, adding: “Remember that surfaces such as water, sand, snow and concrete can reflect and intensify the sun’s rays, increasing the risk of sunburn and damage “.
“Take extra precautions around these surfaces.”
