Repairing sun damage to your skin and hair

Did you know that up to 80% of visible ageing is caused by exposure to the sun’s UV (ultraviolet) rays? Those wrinkles, age spots and dry leathery skin are most likely sun damage, and are a daily reminder of too many summers in the sun.

“Sunlight exposure damages the collagen fibres in the skin and it’s not just unabashed sun worshipping on holiday that causes those tell-tale signs of premature ageing. We’re exposed to UV rays every time we walk to the car or the station, sit by a window or pop out shopping”, explains The Stress Exchange skin care specialist Ela.

The good news is that there are non-invasive advanced skincare treatments which specifically target sun damaged skin and Ela looks at two of the best non-surgical options available – Environ and CACI.

Environ reduces the visible signs of sun damage

Advanced skin care specialist Environ, is globally recognised for its pioneering research, with Vitamin A the cornerstone ingredient of its products targeting skin sun damage and ageing.

“If you’re starting to see pigmentation, fine lines and uneven skin tone then why not book a complimentary consultation with one of our skin care therapists to understand which Environ treatment would be best for you,” suggests Ela.

We offer a number of Environ facials all with a different focus; for tackling sun damage I get good results from these two treatments:

Advance Active Vitamin treatment with mini peel

Vitamins A and C, together with anti-oxidants, are driven deep into the lower layers of the skin using sound waves and small electrical pulses to stimulate collagen production. This softens lines and improves the skin’s elasticity, while increasing hydration. A mini peel then intensifies the skin rejuvenation effects of the active vitamin treatment.

“This combination is particularly effective for combating sun damage, pigmentation, premature ageing, dryness, uneven skin tone and scarring,” says Ela. “You can see a difference after just one session.”

85 min / £103

Cruelty-free

Environ products are not tested on animals, contain no animal extracts and are free from artificial colourants and preservatives

Collagen power facial

This peptide-packed facial boosts collagen production, softens fine lines and tightens lax skin, and is ideal for targeting mature or photo-damaged (sun damaged) complexions.

We use gentle sound waves to drive a serum of three peptide complexes deep into the lower layers of your skin to give a plumper, more radiant appearance.

85 min / £103

See our full Environ treatment menu. Environ skincare is not sold online and can only be purchased from trained and authorised Environ skin care professionals after a full consultation. All its ingredients are based on pharmaceutical and medical evidence.

It’s easy to equate sun-kissed skin with healthy skin. But, as Environ’s scientists point out, sadly there is no such thing as a healthy tan. In fact a tan is your skin’s way of showing you that it has been damaged by the sun’s harmful UV rays.

CACI fights sun damage

My other go-to treatment for improving sun damage to the face and neck is CACI says Ela.

Known as the ‘non-surgical facelift’, this painless treatment combines the latest LED light therapy with dermabrasion and microcurrent technology to stimulate collagen production for an anti-ageing lift.

“The facial gives instantly visible results and is a brilliant, pain-free alternative to Botox and surgery.”
Harper’s Bazaar magazine

Read our beauty manager Kim’s in-depth analysis of CACI treatments here and how they help reverse premature ageing and sun damage.

Repair sun damage to hair

It’s not just your skin that shows the signs of sun damage – your hair does too, explains stylist Mark from The Stress Exchange.

“The harsh sun’s rays, especially when combined with sea salt and chlorine on holiday, play havoc with our hair leaving it dry, frizzy and lack-lustre.

To repair intensely sun damaged hair I suggest an in-salon professional Instant Damage Repair treatment then continue the treatment at home with Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair.

Repairs and protects hair instantly:

Reduce breakage by 90% in just one week
98% naturally derived
VEGAN

Its natural super-ingredients include the protein packed Quinoa, revered as the ‘mother grain’ by the Incas. Aveda sustainably harvests the Quinoa used in Damage Remedy™ products from Peru. Additionally, Soy helps nourish hair, while Macadamia oil helps smooth the hair surface.

“I’ve used Aveda’s Damage Remedy backstage at London Fashion Week as I find it really helps prevent breakage on damaged hair,” says Mark. “It’s also a brilliant heat protector as we’re using styling tools heating up to 450 degrees on the models’ hair.”

Prevention better than cure

Prevention is easier than repair when it comes to sun damage. Read our blog packed with practical advice about selecting the right SPF (sun protection factor) for your hair and skin, and find out why you need to be wary of both UVA and UVB rays when protecting against sun damage.

To book a hair or beauty appointment or to ask for advice on repairing sun damage call…

020 7357 7006

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