Sunspots: Cause, prevention, and treatment
Sunspots are a type of hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure. Ultraviolet (UV) light can speed up the skin’s production of melanin (the substance responsible for our hair, eye, and skin color), causing it to accumulate within the skin and promoting the discolorations that make up hyperpigmentation. Sunspots present themselves as flat, brown spots that can appear all over the the body. Typically, they are located in the areas of the sun most exposed to sun light, particularly the face.
Sun protection is the first step in preventing sunspots from forming. Broad-spectrum SPF, protective clothing, and seeking shadow are vital steps for overall protection, and can help block the sun's radiation from penetrating and causing changes within the skin. Also, research suggests that topical use of vitamin E can help protect the skin from sun damage and assist in fading sunspots (cf. source 1).
Vitamin A (retinoid) is another powerful ingredient that has been known to actively work in the skin to counteract hyperpigmentation. These properties stem from the ingredient’s ability to induce cell turnover within the skin, thereby lifting away the hyperpigmented skin cells and bringing new, even-toned cells to the surface.
Lactic acid is another ingredient that helps promote the skin’s cell turnover process to brighten uneven areas of the skin (cf. source 2). Aloe (aloe vera) is also well-known, over-the-counter ingredient that has shown itself effective at brightening hyperpigmentation thanks to the content of aloin and aloesin (cf. source 2). In other words, the remedy for hyperpigmented skin cells may just be a skincare shelf away.
Locate the ingredients in our:
Vitamin E: Vitamin E Serum
Vitamin A: Vitamin A Treatment Cream
Lactic acid: Intense Peel Mask
Calming components for sunburns and irritation
Aloe vera is found in a variety of products, such as soothing body lotions, cooling masks, and refreshing shower gels. The ingredient is derived from a succulent plant and is especially hailed for its ability to heal and soothe damaged skin. This is largely due to its antibacterial compounds that assist in reducing inflammation within the skin, while promoting moisture retention as well as the skin’s healing processes (cf. source 3). Therefore, it’s no wonder why we’ve chosen to enrich various woods_ formulas with this multipurpose ingredient.
In summer, our Intense Hyaluronic Mask serves as a cooling and relieving treatment that can help alleviate symptoms of sunburns. The soothing effects are a result of a nourishing complex of aloe vera, combined with hyaluronic acid and carbamide, which actively boost and preserve the skin’s moisture content. Finally, the addition of vitamin-rich sea buckthorn calms and protects your complexion when in need.
Many have added our Repair Body Balm to their collection of restoring skincare. The multipurpose balm covers the skin with concentrated care to actively optimize and repair dry and damaged areas. When applied to struggling skin, the formula’s combination of regenerating shea butter and nourishing, wildcrafted berries set in to soften and relieve the skin.
(Body) breakouts and sweat-induced impurities
The summer months equate to more outdoor activity, including enhanced exposure to bacteria and extraneous threats while the higher temperatures often accelerate our production of sweat. This accumulation of extraneous particles and bacteria can cause our pores to congest, leaving black and whiteheads. Some will experience these breakouts forming on their back, arms, or shoulders, which can be a result of a combination of tight clothes and increased sweating.
Whether facial or bodily breakouts are a seasonal concern of yours, or you’re struggling with recurring impurities no matter the season, the compound salicylic acid (also called Beta Hydroxy Acid or BHA) could be the ingredient your skin has been waiting for.
When applied to the skin, salicylic acid works on the outer skin layers and dives deep within to decongest clogged pores and promote the shredding of dead skin cells. By preventing build-up, the potent formula effectively promotes a smooth, even-toned surface and fends off future breakouts. Find it in our Skin Perfector 2% BHA, which can be used to treat both facial and bodily breakouts.
Steps to defeat dryness
While some find their skin to be more on the oily side as the temperatures begin to rise, others experience the complete opposite reaction.
As the warm weather threatens to dehydrate our skin, opting for replenishing formulas with hydrating ingredients can help keep your complexion bouncy and glowy no matter the season. Our water-based gels, such as our 24-Hour Hydra Gel and Daily Mineral Gel, absorb quickly into the skin to deliver long-lasting hydration and protective antioxidants.
If your skin craves an extra boost, adding a hydrating serum can be the product you’ve been searching for, as these formulas boost the skin’s ability to retain and draw in moisture, increasing its overall moisture content and leaving it smooth and supple. Our Intense Hydra Serum is an active serum enriched with organic carrageenan, which effectively prevents moisture loss by forming a thin, protective barrier on the skin’s outermost layer. Apply your serum first, then shield the enriching formula with a gel to encapsulate the nourishment and fend off dryness.
We’ve now summarized our best tips for healthy and happy summer-skin. If you have any other questions, or we haven’t covered your summertime skin concern, always feel free to drop us a message or question.
Sources:
Source 1: Santos, A. (2018) Are Sunspots on the Skin Cancerous? Comparing Different Types of Skin Lesions, medically reviewed by Cobb, C., healthline.com.
Source 3: Hobbs, H. (2024) How to Use Aloe Vera for Eczema, medically reviewed by Caldwell, A., healthline.com.
