Most of us can’t wait to finally put away the winter woolies and expose ourselves to the summer sun, however even just a short amount of time spent under the sun will have repercussions on our skin both long and short term. Even though a tan makes us feel good, UV exposure can have long lasting effects on our skin contributing to sagging, lines, wrinkles, brown patches and spots.
Prevent and protect
So before you pack your bag to jet off to bake yourself brown in hot sunny climates, here are a few tips to keep you safe. When going on holiday shop for sophisticated formulas with antioxidants of Vitamins C and E, enhanced photo-protection and smart boosters that treat your skin as well as providing full spectrum protection from UVB and UVA. We recommend Dermalogica Protection Spot for the body, Dynamic Skin Recovery, Pure Light or Solar Defence Booster for the face, all SPF 50.
To keep your skin healthy and reduce the risk of skin cancer, generously apply SPF 30 minutes before sun exposure and repeat every 2 hours avoiding intense sun between 11-3. The NHS recommendation is to apply 2 teaspoons for the face, arms and neck and 2 table spoons to cover the entire body whilst wearing a swimming costume. Wear a hat and sun glasses to prevent internal eye damage. Men are twice as likely to forgo sun protection up to 31% of men would rather burn than rub in a bit of cream.
Summer skin care is not just about sun protection as heat and humidity brings out the dastardly prickly heat, rashes, dryness, blocked pores and spots. Oil production and sweat increases with heat and humidity, this combined with sunscreen chemicals, artificial colours and perfumes can irritate, clog and block the skin,disrupting its natural balance so your everyday skin routine is vital with increase application of soothing hydrating light weight products such as Dermalogica’s Calm Water Gel
Hydration is key to healthy skin, air conditioning dehydrates skin pulling out vital moisture during flying, this can lead to tight and sensitive conditions. Pack travel size hydrating products to apply while flying, for example a hydrating mist, mask and light weight water based gels. Drink plenty of water especially if you are consuming alcohol during the flight.
Whilst away cleanse your skin but avoid oil stripping soap based washes which strip the skin of its natural lipid protection instead use an oil based balms to breakdown oil soluble SPF creams, excess oil and sweat to avoid spots and blocked pores, we recommend Dermalogica Pre Cleanse Balm. Then use your regular cleansing product to clean off any remaining debris. Exfoliate with gentle daily microfoliating powders avoiding sensitivity and maintaining skin brightness, apply hydrating boosters, antioxidant vitamin serums and light weight hydrating lotions and products containing hyaluronic and lactic acid.
Incidentally, did you know?
There are 2 types of sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens which absorb into the skin and turn the UV light energy into heat energy. Physical sunscreens are mineral based and bounce the UV light off the skins surface with reflectivity, they are chemical free and recommended for people who suffer from prickly heat and sensitivity. We recommend Dermalogica Super Sensitive Shield.
UVA rays account for 95% of UV radiation reaching the earths surface, they are present during daylight hours everyday of the year penetrating through clouds and glass. UVA is largely responsible for skin ageing and initiating skin cancer.
Research confirms that using SPF does not prevent Vitamin D production
Sun damage and skin cancer can occur without burning, so if you are young or old, please please make sure your sun protection becomes part of your daily life.
If you would like further advice, please contact the clinic on 01775 249425