Getting enough sunlight has numerous health benefits. The sun’s beneficial rays can activate vitamin D, leading to stronger bones and healthier immune system. Sunshine and light therapy are also effective ways to beat back the winter blues and keep depression symptoms at bay. Acne prone skin can also benefit from short periods of increased sunlight, which zaps acne-causing bacteria from the skin’s surface. But is there such as thing as too much sun exposure? In some cases, yes. Failing to take proper precautions and protect your skin can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and at worst, it can even cause cancer.
For all skin types, it’s a good idea to develop a summer skin care routine to protect your skin from sun damage and too much UV light. Here at Mouda Laser and Skin Clinic, we’ve been helping our clients create skin care routines so they can enjoy the beautiful summer weather without damaging their skin. Check out these top tips for summer skincare therapy from our experienced skin care professionals.
What makes the sun’s rays harmful to the skin?
The sun produces several types of rays, and two are responsible for skin damage – UV light and UVB rays. These light spectrums are crucial to sustaining life on earth. The planet’s natural ozone layer prevents these rays from penetrating too much of the earth’s surface. However, getting too much exposure to these two types of rays, especially as a child or teen, can have harmful effects. UVA and UVB rays are responsible for various kinds of health conditions and premature aging:
– Sunburn
– Skin Cancers
– Photoaging (wrinkle formation)
To protect against sun damage and harmful UVA and UVB rays, you’ll need to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat depending on how intense the ultraviolet rays are in your area, and how long you plan to be outside.
What type of sunscreen should you use?
Applying sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to protect your skin from harmful UV light. There are several different types of sunscreens to choose from, but we recommend a broad spectrum SPF, with a rating of SPF 30 or SPF 50. Broad spectrum SPF formulas protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Everyone should wear sunscreen, no matter their age, gender, or ethnicity. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancers, with one in five people being diagnosed with a lesion in their lifetime. You might think that you won’t need sunscreen on a cloudy day, but that’s not true. The sun will emit close to 80% of its usual UVA and UVB rays even on cloudy days.
How should you apply sunscreen?
For maximum sun protection, apply a liberal amount of sunscreen on all areas of exposed skin. Don’t forget the ears, and the back of the neck, and the tops of your feet. You should apply sunscreen about fifteen minutes before stepping outside, so it has time to dry. Also, skin cancer lesions can form on the lips. Be sure to use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher to protect your lips from sun damage. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or right after swimming.
Can you use facial treatments or exfoliants before summer sun exposure?
Exfoliating the skin will remove dead skin cells, and also help skin care products like moisturiser penetrate the skin more deeply. For the most part, it is safe to exfoliate the skin before sun exposure. However, it’s best to exfoliate early in the day before applying a broad spectrum SPF and heading outside for some summer fun.
What can I do to reverse sun damage and premature aging?
The best way to avoid premature aging, sun spots, and other skin damage is to prevent harmful UVA and UVB exposure in the first place. Unfortunately, most people experience harmful sun exposure as children and teens, and there isn’t much you can do to change the past.
Going forward, it’s best to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen and covering up exposed skin with light, tightly woven clothing when you’re not swimming. But if you’re dealing with the effects of past sun exposure and damage, there is something you can do to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Hyaluronic acid is a miracle serum for sun damaged skin, age spots, and dry skin. Hyaluronic acid, when applied to the surface of the skin, will also create a barrier on the skin that will protect it from harmful UVB rays.
The substance is naturally found in the skin, and it’s what keeps the skin looking refreshed and hydrated. Hyaluronic acid also promotes skin cell turnover and renewal. For people with dryness-prone skin, hyaluronic acid can be a godsend. It contains rehydrating materials that plump the skin and will give it a youthful look while smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid can be applied as a topical ointment, as an injectable, or as a digestible supplement.
Contact Mouda Laser & Skin Clinic For Professional Skin & Facial Treatments!
Are you concerned about past sun exposure? Our skincare experts at Mouda Laser and Skin Clinic are standing by to help you create a summer skin care regimen that will work for you. Contact us today to learn more about how you can reverse the signs of photoaging with effective and gentle facial treatments or medical skin peels.