There is new help for sun damaged skin.
Until recently, there wasn't much that the average person could do about it.
The procedures recommended by dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons are expensive and often ineffective.
Now, we don't have to resort to these measures.
There are steps that we can take on our own, to effectively repair damage done.
Topically applied creams are getting better and better.
It probably began with a prescription cream called Retin-A.
It was originally approved for treating acne, but doctors found that it was effective for reducing wrinkles and repairing sun damaged skin, as well.
Eventually, it gained FDA approval for that purpose.
The problem with Retin-A is that it causes redness, burning, irritation and increased sensitivity to sunlight.
The reason it helps to reduce wrinkling and roughness has to do with its antioxidant content.
There are other antioxidants that are just as effective but do not cause irritation to the skin.
Researchers have looked at vitamin C, but again, it causes irritation.
Vitamin E has long been recommended for the skin's health.
It is known to prevent age spots and other sun-related damage.
But, of all the antioxidants that have been investigated, it looks like coenzyme Q10 is the winner.
In a recent study, a 33% overall improvement in sun damaged skin was seen.
Now, before you run out and buy something, let me share a little secret.
Cosmetic companies are not completely truthful in their advertising and marketing.
That may come as no surprise.
But, just because the bottle says "now with COQ10" doesn't mean much.
Sure, it may have a drop or two of the antioxidant, but if the price is low, it doesn't contain much.
COQ10 is an expensive nutrient, especially when compared to common antioxidants like the vitamins A, C and E.
Not to mention the fact that it takes a special "nano-emulsion" form to penetrate through all of the skin's layers.
The reason antioxidants work is because the root cause of sun damaged skin is free radical damage.
That is also one of the causes of wrinkles, sagging and other things that go along with getting older.
Another cause is decreased production of new skin cells and elastic collagen fibers.
Part of the body's natural rejuvenation process is to replace damaged cells on the skin's surface and create new collagen fibers.
These processes tend to slow down as we get older and they become "broken" by over-exposure to UV rays from sunlight.
All is not lost.
Protein complexes, specifically protein bound to small amounts of zinc and copper, have been shown to stimulate the cellular repair process.
One such complex is called Functional Keratin.
Functional Keratin may be the cure for rough, dry sun damaged skin.
But, if hyper-pigmentation is a problem, you may need a little more help.
Look for an ingredient called EXTRAPONE Nut-grass.
It has been shown to lighten heavily pigmented areas in just a few weeks.
To sum it up, there are natural, affordable solutions for sun damaged skin.
You just need to shop with care and look for effective ingredients.