We all know that excess sun can damage our skin. From premature aging to skin cancer, UV rays can take a serious toll on our health — even when we think it’s not that sunny out. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to prevent (and even reverse) some of the damage caused by spending too much time in direct sunlight. Below, we’ll go over the ways in which the sun can negatively affect your skin, how you can prevent avoidable damage, and methods to reverse some of the effects that you thought might be permanent.

Damage Caused by Overexposure

Even if you think you tan safely, UV radiation starts becoming harmful after just 5 minutes. The change in the color of your skin is your body’s attempt to protect the skin from further damage. It’s also important to note that many younger people believe they have a shield of protection from the sun’s radiation because of their youth. This myth is why so many unfortunately go without protection from the sun and are faced with the effects later down the line. Some of the less serious, but still concerning, effects of too much sun include dryness, sunspots, sunburn, moles, premature aging, and loss of elasticity — leading to sagging skin and wrinkles. Among the more serious effects are severe burns, an overall weakening of the immune system, and skin cancer — specifically melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Preventing the Sun’s Harmful Effects

Short-term and long-term effects from the sun can be frustrating and painful. The good news? You can avoid them. Below are a few simple steps you can take to limit your exposure to UV rays.

  • Avoid Peak Hours | The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Avoid being in direct sunlight without proper protection between these times. 
  • Apply Sunscreen | The higher the SPF, the more protection you’ll have against the sun’s UV rays. 20 minutes before stepping out into the sun, apply SPF 15 or greater broad-exposure sunscreen to block out both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Wear Protective Clothing | Choose clothing that has a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating. UPF ratings indicate how much UV radiation a fabric allows to reach your skin. Normal clothing and headwear work, too. Just remember: if you can see through it, UV can get through it as well.

Reversing Skin Damage


Preventative lifestyle habits, clothing, and accessories can help protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. But what if the damage has already been done? For sunburn, you can drink extra water to prevent further dehydration, take aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce swelling and discomfort, and apply a moisturizer that contains aloe vera to stimulate the production of collagen — aiding and accelerating the healing process.

While frustrating sunspots and sagging skin can seem permanent, you’ll be happy to hear that there are ways to turn back the clock, reverse the signs of aging, and experience more youthful, radiant skin. Formulated with Elastaplex™ Technology, the NULASTIN® SKIN Intensive Hydrating Serum and Rejuvenating Facial SKIN Moisturizer help replenish the skin’s youthful-looking glow, firmness, and elasticity. An ultra-hydrating regimen that works to restore radiance to your skin and guard against moisture loss, this powerful duo works to visibly reduce sunspots and support the body’s natural ability to create elastin and collagen. Morning and night, apply the SKIN Intensive Hydrating Serum then follow with the Rejuvenating Facial SKIN Moisturizer for noticeable, transformative results within weeks!