With summer upon us and beach weather beckoning, many of us are preparing to spend more time outdoors enjoying the sunshine.
But while the sun may feel good on our skin (and some exposure can help with Vitamin D), it’s a delicate balance and it is important to be aware of the dangers of too much sun exposure.
Too much sun can cause damage to the skin, including premature ageing, wrinkles, pigmentation and even skin cancer.
Prevention is key when it comes to photoaged and sun damaged skin.
In this blog we look at:
- What photoaging is,
- Signs of sun damage, and
- Preventative measures you can take today to protect your skin.
Photoaging vs Normal Aging
- Normal Aging – typical chronological aging is dictated by age and genetics.
- Photoaging – is responsible for 90% of visible changes to your skin. It happens when the ultraviolet light from the sun permanently damages the skin’s structure.
Who is most prone to photoaged skin?
Unfortunately, no one is immune from photoaging.
How much photodamage you have, depends on how much unprotected time you have spent in the sun.
Symptoms generally begin in teenagers to early 20s.
Skin Sun Damaged Signs
Here are some of the common signs of sun damaged skin:
1. Pigmentation changes – age spots, liver spots and freckles
2. Dry, rough, or uneven skin texture
3. Redness & blotchy patches
4. Spider veins around the nose & chest
5. Decreased elasticity in the skin
Are UVA or UVB rays worse?
There are two types of UV radiation from the sun, UVA and UVB. Both types contribute to skin cancer, but UVB is more harmful because it is a higher energy form of ultraviolet radiation.
- UVA rays are what cause photoaging, which can lead to wrinkles, sunspots, and redness around the face.
- UVB rays are the main culprit behind sunburns and skin cancers.
Sun Damage Skin Treatments: How does Sunscreen Prevent Photoaging?
Through their different sun blocking techniques, both mineral and chemical sunscreens can help prevent the signs and symptoms of sun damaged skin.
- Chemical sunscreens – the most common type of sunscreen is absorbed into the skin to prevent sun damage.
- Mineral sunscreen – works by acting as a mirror that reflects UV rays instead of absorbing them.
The Best Sun Protection for Face
At Define Laser, we want to help you better understand the preventative steps that you can take to help reduce the signs of aging.
Sunscreen is the single best preventative measure for all signs of aging and should be used daily to keep your skin young and healthy.
The best sunscreens are the ones that stop the signs of aging. This means they needs to protect against UV-A rays – the ones responsible for aging.
This will require you to choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ or higher with a PA+++ rating (PA+ ratings work in a similar way as SPF but will measure how well the sunscreen shields against UVA rays) and nontoxic ingredients.
If using it for swimming or exercise (sweating), remember to look for a sunscreen that is also water resistant.
Sun Damage Skin Treatments: What Works Best
While none of us like to see ourselves aging, it is inevitable and regardless of what we do, the skin will always produce a few wrinkles over time.
However, you can slow down the process and one very important thing to do is pair your daily sunscreen with other anti-aging skin care products.
Dr Watson recommends Aspect Dr products. All the products contain pure active ingredients in optimal concentrations. Both Aspect and Aspect Dr are formulated with natural, irritant-free ingredients that revitalize, nurture, and correct your skin.
Our clinicians can provide specific product recommendations and advice during your Define Laser treatment.
Be SunSmart this Summer and Avoid Sun Damage on skin
Remember to take care of your skin this holiday season by wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated.
Enjoy the sun, but don’t forget to protect yourself from its harmful rays.
By following the preventative measures above, you can help to keep your skin looking healthy and young for years to come.
Don’t wait until it’s too late, start taking care of your skin today!
Define Laser has the latest laser technology and a qualified doctor to tailor our laser and cosmetic treatments especially to you.
Our Albany Creek clinic is at a convenient location with ample parking at 3/25 Ferguson Street, Albany Creek.
With a range of services including laser skin treatments, injectables, laser hair removal and skin treatments we have a solution for you.
Enquire online here to book, or call us on 07 3325 5775.
