Do You Truly Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage?
As we move closer to the autumn and winter months, you may be starting to notice some skin damage from the long months of the strong summer sun.
Fortunately, there are several non-invasive options available that can refresh and rejuvenate your sun-weary skin. These include laser skin treatments, chemical peels, and specific skincare treatments.
Still, the best course of action is to protect your skin from sun damage before it happens. Plus, regardless of what you might think, it’s never too late to take advantage of proper sun protection and skincare practices. These will only benefit you.
How to REALLY Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage
While non-invasive treatments are highly effective in addressing summer sun damage, you can work to reduce or even block potential sun damage by taking a proactive stance. Consider the following questions:
- Are You Using Sunscreen… Correctly?
The summer sun is warm and bright. It’s also a huge contributing factor to the negative appearance and health of your skin as you age. So if you’re not using sunscreen, it’s time to start!!
But even if you’ve been diligent about using it, there’s a chance you’re not using it correctly. Especially if you’re still experiencing sun damage.
The first mistake people make is not getting a high enough SPF. You should be using a minimum SPF 50. Also, be sure that the product offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. UVA is the main culprit for aging, and UVB causes burns. Mineral sunscreen lotions that contain titanium or zinc are more effective than their chemical cousins. Not everyone likes them though, as they leave a bit of a white film and can have a strange smell. So that’s the trade-off.
Finally, how thoroughly do you apply your sunscreen? Be sure to include your ears, the back of the neck, the tops of your hands, and any part of your scalp that’s even partially exposed. And keep in mind it’s not a ‘one and done’ venture. You need to reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors or after being in the water.
- How Do You Dress for Being in the Sun?
You can’t grow extra layers of skin, but you can put on additional clothing if you know you’re going to be in the sun for a prolonged time. Sun-protective clothing is specially created to block the UV rays that can penetrate regular clothing and swimsuits. Plus, it’s designed to be more breathable than a lot of other fabrics.
The other two items you should always wear when under the summer sun are a hat and sunglasses. Sunglasses protect your eyes from damaging rays. But they also keep the skin that so easily wrinkles around the eyes less exposed. Add a proper hat and the whole face (and scalp) has it made in the shade.
- What’s Your Skincare Regimen?
The hard truth is, UV radiation changes the DNA of your skin cells and it can’t be reversed. A good skincare regimen can reduce and even repair the effects of sun-damaged skin though.
With the help of the right skincare products, you can reduce wrinkles and fine lines, remove spots and discoloration, and stimulate new skin and collagen production that will naturally improve the look, tone, and quality of your skin.
Skincare professionals often recommend products that contain retinoids or retinol. These chemicals encourage skin cells to slough off so that new cells will rejuvenate the skin’s surface. They also stimulate collagen production.
Another consideration would be an antioxidant serum such as vitamin C. Antioxidants slow skin damage and aging caused by free radicals, decrease the breakdown of collagen, and lessen UV radiation damage. So take care of your skin and it’ll take care of you.
Now Is the Time to Speak with a Skincare Professional
When you protect your skin from sun damage, you’re potentially adding years of resilience to your skin. So make it a priority.
If you could use some guidance on best practices, reach out to a skincare professional at a board-certified plastic surgeon’s office.
Contact us today to set up your free consultation so you can explore your options and move into next summer with confidence.
