Age preventing facials to soothe sun-damaged skin

Summer is finally upon us and so, for many, this means venturing out into the sunshine. Whether you’re planning on getting a bit of a tan this summer or simply getting a dose of the essential vitamin D, a healthy amount of sunlight can do everything from improving eczema prone skin to boosting the mood. However, all good things should be taken with moderation, and we all know that too much exposure to the sun can cause various other issues such as sun spots to premature ageing. This summer, remember to use sun cream to prevent the more worrying effects of exposure such as skin cancer. But, if you do still end up feeling a little weather-worn, don’t fret – there are many facial treatments that can nourish the effects of sun exposure. Luckily, on our spa breaks in Yorkshire, we offer several facials that will get your skin looking healthy and youthful again in no time.

Moisturising facials

The primary effect of sun damage is dehydration. Of course, while you’re out in the sunshine you can prevent this by drinking plenty of water. However, if you do find that your skin feels slightly less supple this summer, most facials are very effective at adding moisture to the skin, using hydrating active ingredients such as essential oils and plant extracts to bring back that dewy look to the skin. These treatments will also restore the skin’s barrier function, protecting it against external irritants. This can be very useful for sun-damaged skin, which is often more sensitive than usual.

Exfoliating facials

Often, after spending a long time in harsh sunshine, the skin can become dry and flaky, or even start peeling once it has experienced sunburn. This is caused by dehydration, and leads to an accumulation of dead skin cells on the outer layer of your skin that will eventually need to be removed. If your skin is feeling dry and lacklustre after being out in the sun, an exfoliating facial may be a great option. These treatments use gentle but effective scrubs to remove dead skin cells and reveal the healthy, glowing skin beneath. They also speed up the healing process, as moisturisers will be absorbed into the new skin more efficiently.

Calming facials

Sometimes, after spending a little too long in the sun, it’s best to avoid anything too drastic in the skincare department and focus on calming down the skin. Whilst using products such as 100 per cent aloe vera gel is a necessity for calming redness and cooling the skin if you encounter sunburn, there are also facials that can speed the healing process. Depending on the level of redness or sensitivity you are experiencing, there are several treatments you could consider. The Decleor Aroma Expert Soothe facial is perfect for comforting stressed skin and re-balancing the complexion. For something that goes even deeper, the Rebalance Skin Resonance strand of the Comfort Zone Expert Facial Care treatment may be chosen by a therapist, to soothe and protect reactive skins prone to redness, rosacea and fragile capillaries.

Brightening facials

The main reason for sunbathing is to enhance your natural  ‘glow’, but unfortunately the results can often go the other way. Luckily, treatments like our Decleor Illuminating Facial act to invest the skin with its own sunshine even after damage. Using a unique blend of wheat germ and linseed, this mask stimulates the skin and enhances the effectiveness of products applied during the treatment, to moisture and decongest the complexion simultaneously. Alternatively, for something a little stronger, the Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial uses innovative technology to resurface the skin by up to 75 per cent, and increase the skin’s smoothness by 32 per cent. Not only this, but is also reduces blemishes, evens the skin tone and removes fine lines for an enhanced look all round.

Anti-aging facials

Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature aging, with effects including wrinkles, sun spots and the loss of elasticity. Various facials use a combination of deeply nourishing ingredients and scientific principles to reverse these symptoms, from reducing the appearance of fine lines to boosting collagen production for a plumper, youthful appearance. For example, the Elemis Pro Collagen Quartz Lift has been clinically proven to reduce the number of wrinkles by up to 94 per cent and improve skin firmness by up to 57 per cent, after just a single treatment. The brightening capacities of various facials also lighten dark sun spots caused by unprotected exposure.