The Best Ways to Treat (and Prevent) Sun-Damaged Skin

You’ve had your fun in the sun this summer, but you may notice some unwelcome invaders: dark spots, wrinkles, and redness that just won’t quit. Armed with the following tips, you can supercharge your skincare routine and take the right steps to protect your complexion from harmful UV rays. So what does sun-damaged skin look like, and how can you treat it?

How the sun speeds up the clock 

Too much sun exposure breaks down the collagen and elastin in your skin, fast-tracking signs of aging and leading to wrinkles and fine lines. Retinoids like retinol help boost cell turnover and collagen. When applied after light therapy sessions (like just three minutes a day under our Lux Treatment Panel), retinoids can increase collagen production, leading to firmer, smoother skin.

Spider veins are a new kind of “creepy-crawly” 

Got tiny red lines on your cheeks or nose? Sun exposure can weaken blood vessels and cause them to break, creating the appearance of what’s known as “spider veins.” Look for calming ingredients like vitamin K and niacinamide to reduce redness and support skin recovery over time.

Sun spots may sound fun, but they’re anything but. 

Sunlight stimulates melanin, which gives skin its color; however, repeated exposure can cause that pigment to clump together, resulting in dark spots or patchiness. To address hyperpigmentation, add a Vitamin C brightening serum to your routine and follow up with a light therapy session (the Lux Clinical allows you to treat hard-to-reach areas like under the eyes and around the nose) to maximize results. 

“My face looks so much brighter, and it has definitely helped with my sun spots.” – June A., Lux Treatment Panel

When your face melts faster than your ice cream

More sun can mean more sweat and oil, which can cause makeup to run and can clog pores, leading to breakouts. Reach for an exfoliating device (like the Lux Soniqué, which comes with two brush heads, light therapy spot treatment, and sonic vibrations for maximum oil, dead skin, and sweat-clearing effects). Pair your cleansing tool with a face wash containing salicylic acid to clear skin and prevent future buildup.

TLDR: Protect, protect, protect.

If you’re coming away from this blog with only one takeaway, it’s that sunscreen is your first line of defense against future sun damage. Just because it’s cloudy outside doesn’t mean UV rays took the day off. Wear sunscreen with SPF 30+ every day, even if you’re not planning on spending time outdoors. Did you know UV rays can reach your skin through office and car windows? Even from 93 million miles away, that giant star sure packs a punch! 

Pro tip: Many daily moisturizers come with built-in SPF, making sun protection an easy step in your morning routine if you’re not planning to be in direct sunlight for long periods. If you’re having fun in the sun on the pickleball court, the beach, or anywhere else, slather on the real deal. 

Light therapy: the hero you never knew you needed in the battle against sun damage 

The good news is that there’s an over-the-counter solution to these skin woes: light therapy. Many of the Lux Collection’s LED (light emitting diode) devices send red and blue wavelengths through the skin to kill bacteria, stimulate collagen production, and speed cell turnover, all of which can help improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin, especially when paired with the game-changing serums mentioned above. So have no fear; a few smart changes to your daily routine, a little SPF, and “glow time” with light therapy can go a long way toward soothing sun-damaged skin and restoring your radiance.

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