Jen: Is there any immediate action one can take after overexposure to sun, to prevent the pain of a burn and the damage it can cause to the skin later in life?
Dr. Murad: First of all it is important to get the inflammation under control. For immediate sunburn care, take an internal anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Take a cool shower or a cool oatmeal bath to lower the temperature of the skin. Avoid hot showers and baths. When skin is still moist, blot dry and apply a generous application of a hydrating body lotion or body oil to hold moisture in the skin.
Jen: We've all made mistakes with the sun, quite sadly! What is the best way to combat the symptoms of sun damage, like hyperpigmentation?
Dr. Murad: To repair and revitalize skin that has been damaged by the sun, I recommend high levels of antioxidants such as vitamin c be applied on a daily basis, followed by a sunscreen. Vitamin C is a skin brightener and works very well to reduce pigmentation irregularities. Since vitamin c activity degrades when it is exposed to air and water, look for a stabilized formula that does not contain water, OR that is activated using a mix and apply method prior to application. (Murad Daily Renewal Complex, Murad Vitamin C Home Infusion Treatment ) Apply to face, neck and decollete and hands, areas that are exposed continually to UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen of at least SPF 15 should be used.
Hydroquinone based products work wonders for lightening darker pigmentation. I prefer a glycolic acid + hydroquinone based treatment which addresses the pigmentation on two levels, first it encourages cell turnover reducing the excess skin cells that build-up and two, Hydroquinone is an FDA approved Over the counter drug (OTC) which is recognized as a skin lightener for hyperpigmentation. (Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel) The key to results is to be consistent in application and always protect skin from the sun.
Jen: What steps can we take to increase the effectiveness of our favorite sunscreen?
Dr. Murad: Additional SPF support comes from internal use of antioxidants, such as pomegranate extract. As one of the early proponents of pomegranate extract, I was able to prove, through a pilot study, that ingestion of a standardized extract can boost the topical effective of sunscreens by up to 25%.
Readers! Do check out Dr. Murad's incredible skincare line at Murad.com, or shop for his products at Sephora.com or Beauty.com
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