12 diy ways to improve sun-damaged skin

9. DO A SUBTLE SELF-TAN If you still crave a sun-kissed look (and let’s be honest, some of us do), self-tanner is one way to get it while giving sun-distressed skin a more uniform

appearance. The active ingredient in self-tanners, DHA (dihydroxyacetone), reacts with the amino acids in the top layer of your skin to create a tan. That said, the key here is going for a

low-contrast glow that blurs all together rather than faking an unrealistic shade. Tanning drops like the Tanologist Self-Tanner Drops for Face + Body ($20, target.com), Sol by Jergens

Deeper by the Drop Face + Body Serum Tanning Drops ($20, target.com) or St. Moritz Radiant Glow Tan Boosting Facial Serum ($19, target.com) are a simple solution that allows you to control

and customize the tint. All you do is add a few drops to your face or body moisturizer. Be sure to exfoliate and moisturize before applying self-tanner, and slather on that SPF 30+ daily for

protection, too. (Left to right) Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish; Bondi Sands Glo Matte Cream One Day Tan; Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Body Sauce Body Luminizing Tint Walmart;

Target; Sephora 10. DIFFUSE LEGS WITH MAKEUP One of the pet spring peeves of women 50-plus with sun damage is the spotty, veiny state of our legs. For many, this can make going bare-legged 

an issue and limit clothing choices to pants or midi-length skirts and dresses. For a way out of this dilemma without going the self-tanner route, try a water- and sweat-resistant makeup

like the Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish ($35, walmart.com), Bondi Sands Glo Matte Cream One Day Tan ($14, target.com) or Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Body Sauce Body Luminizing

Tint ($49, sephora.com) that tint legs like a BB cream to blend and blur all issues. These products are much easier to use than total coverage makeup, and the results are more

authentic-looking when you compare legs to other exposed skin, such as arms and décolletage (though they work on these areas too). Plus, you can wash them off at night. bit245/iStock/Getty

Images Plus/Getty Images 11. EAT HEALTHIER Sorry folks, but skin care gummies and collagen drinks are not the answer. Your daily diet influences the appearance of sun-damaged skin more than

any supplement can. So, lay off the sugar and processed carbs and get into eating a variety of colorful, healthy foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, antioxidants and vitamins.

They’ll help your skin fight off free radicals, increase collagen growth, reinforce the protective barrier layer to improve sagging and elasticity, and reduce inflammation. On the

most-wanted list: salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds and sardines, which are rich in omega-3s; avocados and olive oil, which are rich in healthy fats; and vibrant fruits and veggies like

blueberries, bell peppers, tomatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, oranges and lemons, which are powered by vitamins and antioxidants. And don’t forget a bite of dark chocolate — that

sweet touch can help reduce inflammation and the appearance of wrinkles, too. Foreo Bear Mini (left) and NuFace Mini Facial Toning Device Ulta Beauty; Sephora 12. SPLURGE ON AN AT-HOME

MICRO-CURRENT DEVICE Surprised? I was, too, but these trendy gadgets are getting rave reviews on TikTok. “With age and cumulative sun exposure, the collagen and elastin fibers that support

your skin weaken, causing the skin to sag,” says Zeichner. “At-home micro-current devices emit low-level electrical energy to help boost skin-cell activity. Results are modest but certainly

help with continued use over several months.” Hmmm. While they’re pricey, you could consider trying a mini version like the Foreo Bear Mini ($199, ulta.com) or NuFace Mini Facial Toning

Device ($209, sephora.com). “At-home devices and more in-office procedures are worth it,” adds Zeichner. “Compare at-home skin care to going to the gym and in-office procedures to getting a

personal trainer. It’s the next level of self-care.” Certain medical conditions may rule out these micro current devices for you, so please ask your doctor before splurging on one.