How can I reverse sun damge to my skin? It's killing me!!?

I have destroyed my skin especially on my face and am only 24 years old. I spent a year travelling and stupidly never once used sun screen, mostly being drunk and hanging on beaches. Now I'm home and sobre every time I catch a glimpse of my face on mirror or any reflection all I can see is sagginess, lines, marks, wrinkles, red blotches and scars. It's really cracking me up. I've been trying everything bio-oil, retin a, moisturisers but its still a mess. IT MAKES ME SICK AND I CANT BEAR TO LOOK AT MYSELF WITHOUT FEELING SUICIDAL. I now hate being close with other people and talking to them, I've become a total recluse. I see poeple staring at me all the time and hate even using public transport. I see people in their 70's and 80's incl my grandparents and there skin looks younger than mine. I don't know what else to do its really killing me and I'm still so young.

How can I reverse sun damge to my skin? It's killing me!!?
I don't think that extensive damage can be "reversed" but you need an evaluation of what damage has actually been done and what can be done to treat it. I suggest you get yourself to a dermatologist for a consult.
Reply:Ask your doctor about Retin-A topical cream. It does get rid of fine lines and makes your skin smooter
Reply:This is why I really don't mind being pasty as f*ck.





I couldn't care less about having a tan and make a point out of avoiding too much time in the sun.





I'd much rather be pale as a ghost (and perhaps use fake tan) than get a nice real tan - and a few years down the line have skin that looks 25 years older than what it should.





As someone has mentioned, see a dermatoligist - and while you are at it, make sure you drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol at all costs and eat as much healthy food as possible, and give anything greasy a miss too.
Reply:We tend to exaggerate our flaws, making them out worse than they really are. Since you feel really bad about it, I recommend that you go to a board certified plastic surgeon. He/she can tell you what is the best kind of treatment for your skin problem. There are procedures such as dermabrasion, facial peel and laser surgery. In your case, laser surgery is probably what you need. Below is the link that describes the different types of surgeries that one plastic surgeon performs.
Reply:The only way u can reverse this is visiting a professional.


You made need some kind of peeling or derma abrasion; but only with a professional. For the moment you must always use a base or cream with sub blocker so u don't make it worse. Sometimes this cream, oils etc cant be used in sunlight so read very well the instruction before using anything.


They are very good treatments in the market but only a professional can tell u for sure what is the best...


Your best options is seeing a professional as soon as possible and please use sun block even if u think is cloudy!


Hope I can help u and u must remember, the only thing we don't have a cure is for death!
Reply:I am very sorry to hear about your plight. Please consult a skin specialist. Keep up your spirit. Remember 'beauty is only skin deep'.
Reply:If you have seen a dermatologist and their is no signs of skin disorders, a good make up artist would be able to cover up all your scars and blemishes, You need to get some of your confidence back and their is nothing better than a good make up artist to help boost up your confidence. if you live in the UK. try one of the big store departments like Selfridges they some times have make up artist working behind their cosmetic counters, they can sometimes give you some advice on how to cover up with make-up I no it wont get rid of the damage but it will help you to get some of your confidence back.Also check with your doctor to see if you will have any reaction to covering up with make-up. best of luck.
Reply:just make sure you use good SPF moisturiser all the time. Wear cream to bed so it goes into your skin at night. Keep well out of the sun from now on. Drink loads of fluids.


You sound like you have learnt your lesson, just look after yourself from now on. I'm sure it will hugely improve. Just take some extra care.





All the best.
Reply:You cant reverse damage done to your skin but you can treat it. Try going to a medi-spa where you can get several different options of treatment. You can try chemical resurfacers which will treat hyperpigmentation (those dark areas) and fine lines and wrinkles. The trick to this is to go as often as they will take you (it depends on how actively you want to treat it, and how much you can afford to go) and then in between keep up with the home care regime they perscribe to you. There are several kinda of peels ranging from the mildest which tend to go a little slower but gentler, to the stronger forms which take off more layers of skin revealing the newer skin underneath.





Another way is to do a photofacial, which basically uses light to treat dark spots.





Definatly try a medispa and check with your dermatologist to make sure you dont have any precancerous spots.





Good Luck, and dont worry, there are options for you. Just keep up with ur sunscreens, a minimum of spf 15 in whatever kind of weather.