Its true- being outdoors and enjoying the sun is something most of us love whether to exercise, for sports, to sit at a beach or park or to work in the garden; and many work outdoors. This summer in particular we have been outside more than usual to exercise, to socialize and to just get out.
It is well established that sun makes us happier we also now know that it can also be harmful. Excessive sunlight exposure will cause your skin to show signs of damage and premature aging. Your skin can become dull and lacklustre, revealing prominent pores, sun spots and broken blood vessels. And yes WRINKLES! More seriously having a sunburn or years of sun exposure raises the risk for melanoma and other skin cancers. It is, however, possible to return your skin to a healthier and more radiant state.
The first step is knowing that there are alternative safe ways to be in the sun and that there are repair solutions.
Here are six tips to getting your skin back to health—and loving your skin at its healthiest.
Limit Tanning
First and foremost: cut back on the tanning! Simply by limiting direct exposure to sunlight, you can begin restoring your skin’s health by reducing cellular damage and inflammation- allowing your skin to do what it does best: heal itself. You can still spend time outside, just cover up and avoid prolonged periods of unprotected exposure particularly between 10 am and 4 pm. Your skin will thank you.
Use Effective Sun Protection
Ensure that you’re using an effective sunscreen throughout the year. As a general rule, aim for one that’s SPF 30 or higher. The SPF number reflects UVB protection and the increase in time before burning when properly applied. Look for “broad-spectrum” which will provide both UVA and UVB protection. UVB is blocked by glass but the skin aging UVA rays still pass through it. Both UVA and UVB contribute to skin cancer risk. It is important to reapply and apply enough; the tsp ( 5 ml) rule is easy to follow. 1 tsp to cover your face and neck, another tsp for your chest, scalp or other large area. A back may need 10 ml for adequate coverage. Knowing this may make you want to use cover up instead.
Build Collagen, Fade Sunspots and add Skin Superstars
Take extra steps for restorative skin care. Use retinol creams to rebuild collagen and reduce hyperpigmenation. Retinoids aid exfoliation and help to reverse collagen loss; improving wrinkles and boosting skin elasticity and thickness. We recommend Lytera(R) 2.0 to brighten skin, reduce visible discolouration and a dark spots and improve the overall condition of your skin. Vitamin C, often delivered in a serum, acts as an antioxidant mopping up damaging free radicals and to fade unwanted pigmentation; it is best applied under sunscreen.
Improve Sheen, Texture and Pore Size
Uneven skin texture such as dry, coarse skin and prominent pores is an unfortunate side effect of excessive sun exposure. A series of glycolic acid peels and microdermabrasion “facials” will also improve texture, sheen and pore size. If you want a little more depth we suggest a microneedling series. These med spa treatments help remove the outermost layer of skin to allow restorative products to penetrate the skins surface more effectively. Your skins sheen is improved with a single treatment but a series is recommended to best address texture and pores size.
Treat Sunspots and Broken Blood Vessels
Did you know that your hands and neck are among the first parts of your body to show age from sun damage? It’s time to look after those sun spots and broken blood vessels. An Intense Pulse Light (IPL) photorejuvenation treatment can fix these blemishes wherever they occur. The IPL targets pigment or vascular irregularities in the deeper skin layers. This photofacial uses safe, light energy to improve your skins texture, colour and reflectivity. Typically 3-5 treatments are needed depending on the degree of damage and whether other restorative treatments are being used.
Deeper Level Skin Rejuvenation
If you’re looking for more comprehensive improvement then turn to the SmartXide DOT™. The DOT™ is a technological master in fractional skin resurfacing. It uses a CO2 laser to break down dysfunctional collagen and promote the synthesis of new, springier collagen. Another way to achieve similar benefits is our newest skin treatment The SECRETRF. It delivers radiofrequency energy through the skin layers to achieve the same benefits.
Both are and effective choice for skin tightening, pigmented sun damage and wrinkles for the face and eye lid, neck, chest and hand skin. They can also be used to help non- sun related issues such as acne scars, stretch marks and other scars.
Sorting through the options may seem a little daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Book a consultation for a skin assessment and individualized plan whether for protection, rejuvenation or a more involved restoration. Or to find out more about what we can do to help you look and feel your best.
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