Treatments For Your Skin

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Posts Tagged ‘sun damage’

Wear Sunscreen

January 11th, 2010

The first thing to know is that all skin types need sunscreen as all skin can burn, even the darkest. The best course of action you can take against sun damage to skin, premature aging and skin cancers is to apply sunscreen to your skin (read more about sun damage on skin).

Skin Types:

The American Academy of Dermatology recognize 6 different skin types:

Type I: This includes people of Caucasian descent (Welsh, Scottish, Irish). This is skin that never tans and burns very easily. People with this skin type are extremely sun sensitive. (If you have red hair and freckles then this is definitely you).
Type II: This skin type includes Caucasians with fair skin, light hair and blue eyes. You have very sun sensitive skin, burn easily and tan minimally.
Type III: This includes dark haired Caucasians and the average Asian skin. This skin type is sun sensitive however it can gradually tan to a light brown and sometimes burns.
Type IV: Those who are of Mediterranean or Caucasian descent, Indian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Asian and light skinned African American. This skin type always tans to a moderate brown with minimal burning and has minimal sun sensitivity.
Type V: This includes people of Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, African American and Indian descent who tan well, rarely burn and have sun insensitive skin.
Type VI: This describes deeply pigmented Africans and African Americans. This skin type is sun insensitive and never burns.

Examples of different skin types

Applying Sunscreen

Use you sunscreen daily, apply it under your makeup or alternatively you can use foundation or moisturizers that already have SPF protection in them. Protecting your skin from the sun is the main means of protecting your skin for skin cancers and premature aging. Sunscreen is the best anti-aging cream!

Apply sunscreen to your skin 30 minutes before going out. Make sure to pay specific attention to the face, shoulder, arms and hands (which are regularly exposed). Your lips can get sunburned too so make sure you add lip balm which contains SPF 15 protection or higher.

Apply sunscreen liberally every 1 to 2 hours and apply immediately after swimming.

What Does SPF Mean?

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) relates to the skin's natural protection time. For example, if you can normally stay out in the sun for 10 minutes before burning, then an SPF 15 will maintain the skin protected for 15 times longer, hence 15 x 10 = 2 1/2 hours. The higher the SPF factor the more defense against UVB rays. SPF is a system that only categorizes UVB rays, not UVA rays. As yet there is no universally recognized UVA rating system. When buying a sunscreen be sure to look for a product that says "broad spectrum" on it, although even this is not very accurate. In the meantime use zinc! Sunscreens containing 4 to 7 % zinc are the best at blocking UVA rays. Also look for Avonbenzone (absorbs UVA rays) and octyl-methoxycinnimate (absorbs UVB).

What is the Difference between Sunblock and Sunscreen?

The difference between sunscreen and sunblock is namely that sunscreen absorbs UV rays and Sunblock physically deflects them. These days sunblock formulations offer substantive protection from UVB and UVA through the use of titanium dioxide or micronized zinc (both natural ingredients which do not irritate the skin) which are absorbed well into the skin and are not visible like old zinc is. You still can purchase the old think and it is great for surfer, mountain climbers, children and anyone else who spends much time in the sun. It comes in cool colors too.

Is Sunscreen / Sunblock Enough?

NO! especially if you have a family history of skin cancers. The current sunscreens on the market will not protect you from the sun 100% make sure you use protective clothing, wide brimmed hats and stay out of the sun as much as possible between 10 am and 3 pm.

Always wear wide brimmed hats when outdoors

Choosing a Sunscreen

Firstly for the best protection choose and SPF 15 or higher and make sure that the sunscreen contains zinc or avonbenzone/Parasol 1789 to block UVA radiation.

Daily Use Sunscreen For Your Face:

Apply every morning after you have washed your face.

SkinCeuticals Sun Defense SPF 20 Or 30
Olay Complete UV-Protection Moisture Lotion
M.D. Forte Environmental Protection Cream SPF 30
Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer
Clinique City Block SPF 15

For Your Body:

Invest in a really good sunscreen for your face neck and chest that is waterproof and has zinc and SPF 30 or more.

SkinCeuticals Sport SPF 45
Copperstone Sport SPF 45
Skin Care Invisible Zinc Environmental Protector SPF30

For Acne Prone Skin:

Gel based sunscreens are best for acne prone skin, look for ones that say "noncomedogenic" (meaning it will not make acne worse). Normal creams and lotions should be fine as long as they don't cause breakouts. Some sunscreen products to consider for acne prone skin:

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55
Clinique City Block Sheer Oil-free Daily Face Protector SPF 25
Presun Ultra Gel Sunscreen SPF30
Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion SPF 15, Sensitive Skin

We Want To Hear From You!

What sunscreen or sunblock do you use? What type of skin do you have?
..and let us know any other details about your skin so we can all help each other out!

Add your comment at the bottom of the page.

Be Sun Smart! Download Your Free Summer Skin Care Guide

We've put together a free PDF to help you get proper sunscreen for your skin and stay sun protected. You can download it, email it to your friends, print it out, whatever you like!
View the Guide (or right-click to download)
You can also view it online here

You can find high quality sunscreens below:

Click for more details

Skinceuticals Sport Uv Defense SPF45 90ml3oz Fresh New
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US $31.94

SKINCEUTICALS SPORT UV DEFENSE SPF 45 WATERPROOF SWEATPROOF SUNSCREEN 3 OZ NIB
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US $27.99

SHISEIDO ULTIMATE SUN PROTECTION LOTION SPF 60 BNIB
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US $34.68

Clinique City Block SPF 25 Oil Free Face Protector1 FACIAL SUN BLOCKER
Paypal

US $19.95

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 55 100ml
Paypal

US $32.99

SHISEIDO Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF55 PAFace 50mlVery Water Resistant
Paypal

US $29.98

NEW SET LOT CLINIQUE CITY BLOCK OIL FREE DAILY FACE PROTECTOR SUNSCREEN SPF 15
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US $.99

CLINIQUE CITY BLOCK SHEER SHIMMER GOLDEN DAILY FACE PROTECTOR SUNSCREEN SPF 15
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US $10.50

SHISEIDO ULTIMATE SUN PROTECTION LOTION SPF60 33 oz
Paypal

US $29.92

SkinCeuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 45 3oz 90 ml
Paypal

US $29.99

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 PA For Face 50 ml NEW
Paypal

US $25.95

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 For Face
Paypal

US $17.09

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 PA 1oz
Paypal

US $21.99

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream For Face SPF 55
Paypal

US $25.99

NEW Lot of 4 Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer SPF 50 All Skin type
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US $.99

NEW Lot of 4 Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer SPF 50
Paypal

US $.99

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Posted in sun damage

Tags: acne skin Skin Types SPF sun damage sun damaged skin sunblock sunscreen UVA UVB zinc

Sun Damaged Skin

January 11th, 2010

When you compare the skin of a young child with the skin of your face you'll be able to begin to understand what sun damage looks like. A young child has skin which is uniform in color, carries a radiant translucent glow and smooth texture. By the time most of us reach 30 to 40 years of age we have some redness or blotchiness, some sagging, some wrinkling, brown spots and dry perhaps leathery skin. Most of this is thanks to photoaging - sun damage.

If you believe that the way your face looks at that age is due to normal aging then you need only look at the skin in parts of your body which have been regularly protected from the sun like your upper thighs or the skin on your breasts. Notice the difference? That is how the skin on your face would look if it had not received any sun damage. Of course time does eventually etch lines into the face, but sunlight exposure helps the aging process accelerate dramatically. By the time we reach the age of 18 many of us have already received 80% of our lifetime sun exposure. Skin damage caused by sunlight builds up from continuous exposure even when you do not burn.According to dermatologists the worst type of sun damage occurs when the skin receives a prolonged dose of sun exposure after weeks or months of hardly any sun exposure at all.

Tanning causes sever damage to your skin in the long run

It is important to know that both UVA and UVB radiation can contribute to skin cancer and photoaging.

UVA Radiation

UVA radiation consists of longer wave lengths than UVB. This may generate fewer burns but it creates more damage the elastic fibers and collagen as it is capable of penetrating deeper into your skin. This of-course can cause wrinkles and skin cancers.
UVA radiation is able to penetrate through windows and through clouds. Tanning salons use this type of radiation so while you may come out of there without a burn you can be sure that you exposed your skin to some radiation damage. In fact tanning yourself using sunbeds is worse than basking in the suns rays because the UVA light tanning beds expose you to are 3 times more concentrated than the suns. One session in a sunbed is the same as a full day at the beach. Tanning beds and skin cancer go hand in hand because most people who use tanning beds do not wear sunscreen thereby dramatically increasing their risk of skin cancer.

UVB Radiation:

UVB emits shorter wavelengths of light and is at its strongest between the hours of 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. UVB rays penetrate the epidermis causing an immediate reaction in the skin in the form of redness and sunburn. This is the type of radiation that is responsible for most sunburns and unfortunately it is the severe sunburns caused in childhood which are responsible for the deadliest skin cancer - melanoma.

To prevent sun damage which is the cause behind wrinkles, age spots, skin cancer and many other things, it is important to always wear sunscreen that blocks both UVB and UVA light. For detailed information on sunscreens and for choosing the correct sunscreen for you please read the following: Wear Sunscreen Guide.

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Posted in Anti-aging, Bad Skin Habits, sun damage, Wrinkles

Tags: aging photoaging Skin cancer skin damage sun damage sun damaged skin sunbeds tanning UVA UVB

Skin Care in Your 30s

January 6th, 2010

Your skincare regime in your 30s should consist of staying out of the sun where possible, wearing sunblock when necessary and cleansing, toning and moisturizing twice a day.

Your 30s is a great time to repair damage that has already been done to the skin and to protect the skin from further damage. This is often the time in your life when lines start appearing on your face and it can also be the hardest time to keep your skin regime going as your have many other time consuming priorities in life such as looking after your kids, working, paying of mortgages. A good idea is to buy one great product that will aim at both repairing and protecting your skin, a serum that is high in vitamin A, C and E. Aside from the serum make sure you apply a natural plant based moisturizer. It is also a good idea to exfoliate ever morning with either a beta hydroxyl or alpha hydroxyl serum.

Alpha Hydroxy acid is the only one of the hydroxy acids which helps create collagen production. Lactic acid helps to thicken and refine the skin which tends to thin out the older we get, it assists in developing moisture within the skin's layers.

Hyaluronic acid is another amazing ingredient for your skin to look out for at this phase in your life. This acid helps keep the skin hydrated and moist and can be found naturally in your skin. However, when we age this acid reduces so it is a good idea to replenish the skin with it to keep it soft. This is also great for rejuvenating the neck area.

Rosehip oil is high in essential fatty acids and in a natural form of trans retinoic which helps inpinge skin aging. There are many more antioxidants to look for in moisturises that help benefit the skin, these include: green tea, grapeseed extract, co-enzyme Q10, B Vitamins, genistein, amino acid peptides and ellagic acid.

After the age of 30 skin can become more photosensitive, pigment cells decline and brown spots may start to appear from sun damage. stress can also cause lipid production to slow down, try to relax as much as possible. Stay clear from excessive showering in very hot water as this dehydrates the skin. Try to use lukewarm water and keep showers brief.

Complimentary articles: Fine Lines Around The Eyes and Sun Damaged Skin