Even if you’re diligent about your sun protection, slathering sunscreen on in the morning and reapplying throughout the day, mistakes — and sun damage — can still happen. Maybe you missed a spot, or were outdoors all day without your sunscreen on hand. Whatever the reason for sun-damaged skin, there’s good news: You can still offset the harm by adjusting your routine accordingly.
The most obvious form of sun damage is a sunburn, which is the redness, peeling, and stinging that can occur from UVB rays. But UVA rays, which are responsible for signs of aging, are a little more subtle: They can lead to dark spots and wrinkles day, months, or even years down the road. Here’s how to figure out exactly what kind of sun damage you’re working with — and how to treat sun-damaged skin on your face so it stays happy, healthy, and radiant for the long run.
What sun damage on face usually looks like
There are two types of sun damage. Let’s start with damage incurred by UVB rays, which lead to sunburns and many types of skin cancer. This type of sun damage looks red, is prone to flaking and peeling as it heals, and can be tender to the touch, if not downright painful. Beyond gently moisturizing it, there’s not much you can do to repair this type of sun damage. Instead, you just have to wait for it to heal. (After-sun products, like aloe gel, can temporarily soothe your skin, but they won’t repair the DNA damage.) And in the case of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma, that’s a case for your doctor.
Then, there’s UVA damage. These are basically early signs of aging — think uneven skin texture, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and lax skin. The good news is that while you can see the repercussions of a summer in the sun, these issues are possible to repair with the right skincare routine. Even better? Some ingredients, like retinol, actually tackle all of these concerns, leaving skin smoother, firmer, and more radiant.
The best treatment for sun-damaged skin on the face
Wondering how to fix sun-damaged skin? First, sun damage doesn’t look the same for everyone. (Research has found that because of differences in skin structure and melanin, which give skin its pigment, Caucasians are more prone to wrinkles, whereas Asians and Black people are more likely to develop discoloration.) This is all to say: The sun damage in your skin may look totally different than that in someone else. So it’s best to pinpoint what you’re seeing and target that specifically. With that, here’s how to treat sun-damaged skin.
Tackle uneven texture and skin tone
Sunlight causes skin to churn out excess melanin, which is why some skin tones tend to get tan after a day outdoors. But it can also lead to mistakes in the pigment production process, leading to dark spots. At the same time, sun exposure can impair the skin’s moisture barrier, too, leading to skin that feels rough, dry, and lax.
To address both in a single step, start your evening routine with our Black Rice Triple AHA Gentle Cleansing Gel, a multitasking formula that gently cleanses skin, exfoliates dead skin cells, and brightens — all while coddling your skin barrier.
It’s powered by the titular Triple AHA complex, which consists of citric, mandelic, and tartaric acids. These chemical exfoliants are relatively gentle, which allows them to soften and smooth skin without inadvertently irritating skin. The cleanser is also infused with our antioxidant-rich fermented black rice, which improves skin elasticity and brightness. And, of course, like any good cleanser, it thoroughly removes makeup, excess oil, and pollutants from the skin, leaving it hydrated, comfortable, and clean. To get the most of its exfoliating powers, massage it into skin for a full 30 seconds before you rinse.
Do damage control for dark spots
Seeing spots? It might be worth adding an exfoliant to your routine. A good bet is our Centella 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum, which uses polyhydroxy acid (a gentler cousin of AHAs) to soften, smooth, and clarify skin. The PHA removes blackheads and sloughs away dead skin cells without irritation, while organic orange water brightens skin and evens tone. It also contains centella to dial down redness, making this lightweight, watery serum a must-have for the summer. Pat it into skin after cleansing and let it set before moving onto other products.
Rebuild collagen with a retinol
UV rays essentially unleash free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage your skin—and they do a number on collagen and elastin in particular. Enter our Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum, which tackles wrinkles and fine lines without irritating skin. Retinol works by increasing skin cell turnover and boosting collagen production, thereby evening out skin tone and firming skin, respectively. Our formula pairs retinol with bakuchiol, a gentle, plant-based retinol alternative that works similarly to increase collagen and elastin — effectively doubling its power without risking irritation.
If that still sounds intense, don't worry: The formula is also infused with ceramides, which help support the skin barrier, as well as fermented black rice to moisturize and protect skin. The milky serum sinks in quickly and has been shown in clinical testing to improve wrinkles and skin elasticity in two weeks.
Repair and protect against future damage
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable for everyone, since sun protection isn’t just important for preventing sun damage. One 2016 study actually found that wearing sunscreen every day for a year could visibly reverse signs of existing sun damage on the face, improving both skin tone and clarity, while also preventing new damage.
It helps to have a sunscreen that’s nice to use, and that’s where our Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+/PA++++ comes in. It uses chemical filters to absorb UV rays, converting them into heat energy that then dissipates from skin, with a lightweight, velvety finish. It also actively supports skin with a blend of antioxidant-rich black rice oil, moisturizing ceramides, and niacinamide, which helps fade discoloration.
What’s worth noting is that the formula provides both UVA and UVB protection to defend your skin from both types of sun damage, including sunburns and skin cancers. While SPF indicates UVB protection, PA++++ measures the protection against UVA rays — and is the maximum out there, thanks to advanced sun filters. It’s also fragrance-free and leaves zero white cast, meaning those with every skin type and tone can use it.
Depending on the type of sun-damaged skin you’re dealing with, there’s a lot you can do about it. All it takes is a little strategy in your skincare routine for smoother, more radiant skin for years to come.
Got a Little Too Much Sun? Here’s Exactly How to Treat Sun-Damaged Skin
Even if you’re diligent about your sun protection, slathering sunscreen on in the morning and reapplying throughout the day, mistakes — and sun damage — can still happen. Maybe you missed a spot, or were outdoors all day without your sunscreen on hand. Whatever the reason for sun-damaged skin, there’s good news: You can still offset the harm by adjusting your routine accordingly.
The most obvious form of sun damage is a sunburn, which is the redness, peeling, and stinging that can occur from UVB rays. But UVA rays, which are responsible for signs of aging, are a little more subtle: They can lead to dark spots and wrinkles day, months, or even years down the road. Here’s how to figure out exactly what kind of sun damage you’re working with — and how to treat sun-damaged skin on your face so it stays happy, healthy, and radiant for the long run.
What sun damage on face usually looks like
There are two types of sun damage. Let’s start with damage incurred by UVB rays, which lead to sunburns and many types of skin cancer. This type of sun damage looks red, is prone to flaking and peeling as it heals, and can be tender to the touch, if not downright painful. Beyond gently moisturizing it, there’s not much you can do to repair this type of sun damage. Instead, you just have to wait for it to heal. (After-sun products, like aloe gel, can temporarily soothe your skin, but they won’t repair the DNA damage.) And in the case of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma, that’s a case for your doctor.
Then, there’s UVA damage. These are basically early signs of aging — think uneven skin texture, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and lax skin. The good news is that while you can see the repercussions of a summer in the sun, these issues are possible to repair with the right skincare routine. Even better? Some ingredients, like retinol, actually tackle all of these concerns, leaving skin smoother, firmer, and more radiant.
The best treatment for sun-damaged skin on the face
Wondering how to fix sun-damaged skin? First, sun damage doesn’t look the same for everyone. (Research has found that because of differences in skin structure and melanin, which give skin its pigment, Caucasians are more prone to wrinkles, whereas Asians and Black people are more likely to develop discoloration.) This is all to say: The sun damage in your skin may look totally different than that in someone else. So it’s best to pinpoint what you’re seeing and target that specifically. With that, here’s how to treat sun-damaged skin.
Tackle uneven texture and skin tone
Sunlight causes skin to churn out excess melanin, which is why some skin tones tend to get tan after a day outdoors. But it can also lead to mistakes in the pigment production process, leading to dark spots. At the same time, sun exposure can impair the skin’s moisture barrier, too, leading to skin that feels rough, dry, and lax.
To address both in a single step, start your evening routine with our Black Rice Triple AHA Gentle Cleansing Gel, a multitasking formula that gently cleanses skin, exfoliates dead skin cells, and brightens — all while coddling your skin barrier.
It’s powered by the titular Triple AHA complex, which consists of citric, mandelic, and tartaric acids. These chemical exfoliants are relatively gentle, which allows them to soften and smooth skin without inadvertently irritating skin. The cleanser is also infused with our antioxidant-rich fermented black rice, which improves skin elasticity and brightness. And, of course, like any good cleanser, it thoroughly removes makeup, excess oil, and pollutants from the skin, leaving it hydrated, comfortable, and clean. To get the most of its exfoliating powers, massage it into skin for a full 30 seconds before you rinse.
Do damage control for dark spots
Seeing spots? It might be worth adding an exfoliant to your routine. A good bet is our Centella 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum, which uses polyhydroxy acid (a gentler cousin of AHAs) to soften, smooth, and clarify skin. The PHA removes blackheads and sloughs away dead skin cells without irritation, while organic orange water brightens skin and evens tone. It also contains centella to dial down redness, making this lightweight, watery serum a must-have for the summer. Pat it into skin after cleansing and let it set before moving onto other products.
Rebuild collagen with a retinol
UV rays essentially unleash free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage your skin—and they do a number on collagen and elastin in particular. Enter our Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum, which tackles wrinkles and fine lines without irritating skin. Retinol works by increasing skin cell turnover and boosting collagen production, thereby evening out skin tone and firming skin, respectively. Our formula pairs retinol with bakuchiol, a gentle, plant-based retinol alternative that works similarly to increase collagen and elastin — effectively doubling its power without risking irritation.
If that still sounds intense, don't worry: The formula is also infused with ceramides, which help support the skin barrier, as well as fermented black rice to moisturize and protect skin. The milky serum sinks in quickly and has been shown in clinical testing to improve wrinkles and skin elasticity in two weeks.
Repair and protect against future damage
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable for everyone, since sun protection isn’t just important for preventing sun damage. One 2016 study actually found that wearing sunscreen every day for a year could visibly reverse signs of existing sun damage on the face, improving both skin tone and clarity, while also preventing new damage.
It helps to have a sunscreen that’s nice to use, and that’s where our Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+/PA++++ comes in. It uses chemical filters to absorb UV rays, converting them into heat energy that then dissipates from skin, with a lightweight, velvety finish. It also actively supports skin with a blend of antioxidant-rich black rice oil, moisturizing ceramides, and niacinamide, which helps fade discoloration.
What’s worth noting is that the formula provides both UVA and UVB protection to defend your skin from both types of sun damage, including sunburns and skin cancers. While SPF indicates UVB protection, PA++++ measures the protection against UVA rays — and is the maximum out there, thanks to advanced sun filters. It’s also fragrance-free and leaves zero white cast, meaning those with every skin type and tone can use it.
Depending on the type of sun-damaged skin you’re dealing with, there’s a lot you can do about it. All it takes is a little strategy in your skincare routine for smoother, more radiant skin for years to come.