How to Help Protect Your Skin from Sun Spots

Dark spots, age spots, sun spots—no matter what name they go by, these marks can make an appearance on your skin. The thing is, spending time out in the sun (without taking adequate protection measures) can lead to sun damage—and this damage can show up on the surface of your skin years down the road as visible signs of aging like sun spots or fine lines and wrinkles. So, is there anything you can do to help protect your skin from sun spots, especially now that the weather is starting to get warmer? Add the following tips into your skin care routine, plus learn about skin care products you can use to help prevent new sun spots from appearing and help old ones fade over time.

1. Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen as Directed

You didn’t think you could get through this article without reading all about sunscreen, now did you? It’s impossible to talk about sun spots without waxing poetic about broad-spectrum sunscreen. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen daily as directed (and taking other sun protection measures) can help prevent the appearance of sun spots. When it comes to choosing a sunscreen, you have a variety of options. Consider adding a moisturizer with SPF, like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30, to your skin care routine. Combining moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen into one step will help you streamline your skin care routine without sacrificing sun protection. This isn’t the only step you should take—we’re outlining what else you should do in the following tips.

2. Reapply Sunscreen Every Two Hours

Don’t think you’re getting off so easy. Once a day isn’t enough for broad-spectrum sunscreen application. You’ll need to reapply and then reapply again. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends reapplying sunscreen at least every two hours, or more often if you’re working up a sweat or getting wet. If you’re concerned about messing up a full face of cosmetics, that’s no reason not to repeat your application. We’ll teach you how to reapply sunscreen when you’re wearing makeup.

3. Dress for the Occasion

When you’re planning a day in the sun, hanging out in the heat, the obvious inclination might be to throw on your shortest shorts and a tank top, but for your skin’s sake—resist. According to the FDA, it’s best to wear clothing that covers as much skin exposed to the sun as possible. That means sporting lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants. Don’t worry, you can still look chic while all covered up!

4. Accessorize Appropriately

No outfit is complete without a few accessories, and one that has the purpose of sun protection is no exception. Pop on a pair of sunglasses to help protect the delicate skin around your eyes. Then, top of the look with a wide-brimmed hat.

5. Seek Shade During Peak Hours

Choose the times you want to be outside wisely. Not all hours of the day are created equal. The sun is at its peak—with the rays being the most intense—from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. That means it’s a prime part of the day to stay inside or stick with lounging under a large umbrella.

6. Illuminate While Fading Spots

We’re all about prevention, but there’s still hope to be had if you end up with sun spots anyway. While it’s always better to avoid damage altogether, sometimes you have to address it after the fact. In those cases, turn to the L’Oréal Paris Youth Code™ Dark Spot Correcting & Illuminating Serum Corrector prior to moisturizing to help illuminate the look of skin immediately and fade the appearance of sun spots with continued use over time.

7. Brighten Your Complexion

Don’t keep your skin in the dark. As you age, skin’s natural ability to shed surface dead skin cells declines, and sun spots can become increasingly more visible, leaving skin looking older and duller. To help brighten up the look of your skin, incorporate peel pads into your nightly skin care routine. The L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads formulated with glycolic acid help resurface dull, uneven tone and rough texture to reveal a more youthful looking complexion. Over time, skin tone will look more even. Wipe a peel pad over your face at night—in the morning remember to apply your broad-spectrum sunscreen since alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid can leave your skin more sensitive to the sun.

You’re officially thoroughly versed in protecting your skin from sun spots, but that doesn’t mean you’re all set to spend time under the sun. You’ll want to educate yourself on the 6 Sun Care Mistakes You Could Be Making, first.