Skincare experts are offering their best advice for reversing the signs of sun damage after self-styled health guru Gwyneth Paltrow shocked fans with a snapshot of her ‘terrible’ skin.
The 50-year-old Goop founder took to Instagram earlier this week to share a series of photos from her family trip — but one in particular caught her followers’ attention for all the wrong reasons.
Social media users were quick to call out the self-styled health guru for the ‘terrible’ state of her décolletage and arms – both of which had evidence of sun spots.
DailyMail.com has since spoken to some of the leading experts in their field to discuss how to rejuvenate skin from sun damage.
The 50-year-old Goop founder took to Instagram earlier this week to share a series of photos from her family trip — but one in particular caught her followers’ attention for all the wrong reasons.
Social media users were quick to call out the self-styled health guru for the ‘terrible’ state of her décolletage and arms – both of which had evidence of sun spots.
The areas of the body most prone to sun damage include the face, neck, chest, shoulders, arms and hands.
Prevention is key! Skincare experts reveal top tips for avoiding and reversing sun damage
Apply an SPF of at least 30 every two hours any time you’re in the sun. Hydrate skin with hyaluronic acid, ceramide, or niacinamide. Use chemical exfoliants to remove dead skin. Consider professional services like chemical peels and laser treatments. Humidifiers in dry environments
They are commonly exposed to the sun and are often neglected when it comes to sun protection.
New York medical esthetician Evelyn Ramirez says the first signs of skin damage are widespread but include sunburn, skin unevenness, wrinkles and fine lines, dryness and increased sensitivity.
She says that ‘prevention is key… but with proper care and attention, you can improve the appearance and health of sun-damaged skin.’
Elaborating on how one can combat the effects of the sun despite neglecting SPF in the past, he said the first step was to use sunscreen.
‘Going forward, it’s crucial to consistently apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (at least 30) to protect the skin from further damage.
‘Apply it liberally and reapply every two hours, especially when spending time outdoors,’ urges the expert.
Additionally, the trick is to lock in moisture. She said: ‘Hydrating is essential to repair and maintain skin health.
‘Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramide or niacinamide to improve the skin’s barrier function and reduce the appearance of sun damage.’
Dr. Barry Weintraub with his team at BeautyWorks NYC also added some words of advice.
New York medical esthetician Evelyn Ramirez says the first signs of skin damage are widespread but include sunburn, uneven skin tone, wrinkles and fine lines, dryness and increased sensitivity.
Experts warn that although there is ‘no way to compensate for extreme sun’, the most obvious effects can be minimized with exfoliating products (stock image).
She warns that although there is ‘no way to reverse severe sun damage’, the most blatant effects can be minimized with exfoliating products.
It will ‘help the surface layers of damaged skin to create a smooth surface, as well as lighten pigmented spots.’
But, going a step further, he advises, ‘it’s also important to protect against photographic blue light emitted by electronics such as computer and phone screens.’
“Many of us think about putting on sunscreen when we go out, but we don’t realize that our electronic devices can also damage our skin,” she says.
Discussing the best at-home products to use, Evelyn reveals how to treat sun damage.
‘Antioxidants can help repair and protect the skin from free radical damage caused by sun exposure. Look for products containing 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-strength retinoids, can help improve the appearance of sun damage over time. They promote cell turnover, reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots and improve skin texture.
‘Incorporate light exfoliation into your skin care routine to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. Avoid harsh scrubs and opt for chemical exfoliants such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs).’
She also adds that ‘drinking enough water and using a humidifier in dry environments can help keep the skin hydrated and improve its overall health.’
But Evelyn encourages 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) from BeautyWorks NYC, and esthetician and skincare brand founder Renee Roulao (right) give their opinions.
Moisturizers ‘that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramide or niacinamide can improve the skin’s barrier function and reduce the appearance of sun damage’ (stock image)
‘They can also offer personal advice and recommend prescription-strength products if needed.’
Dr. Weintraub says that any dermatologist ‘shouldn’t just look at your skin and declare you’re fine, but actively look between your toes, on your scalp, behind your ears, under your bra strap — basically everywhere. There is skin.’
He recommended various other in-office treatments to address different aspects of sun damage.
‘To improve skin wrinkling and laxity – as the sun degrades the skin’s collagen and elastin – one can undergo regular microneedling treatments with radio-frequency energy to help tighten and firm the skin.
‘For pigmentation problems, laser treatments such as broad band light, which is a more intense version of intense pulsed light, can also be effective.’
Rene Rouleau, esthetician and founder of the skincare brand, also champions regular exfoliation, retinol and vitamin C to combat sun damage, adding: ‘I recommend professional chemical peels to get faster results.
‘It can enhance results by reducing bumps, crepey texture and discoloration.’
Experts agree on how to prevent future sun damage – with advice including applying sunscreen daily, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and avoiding tanning beds.
Evelyn also warned 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.
‘Use extra caution when around this surface.’