products and treatments that help with sun damage
every time you get a tan the DNA in your skin is being damaged, which is the #1 cause of hyperpigmentation (AKA brown spots), wrinkles & skin cancer. those “cute” freckles are actually a sign of injury to the skin that will only worsen with time. getting “a tan” is the result of your skin trying to protect itself by increasing the production of melanin (the dark pigment found in skin), that’s why people with darker skin tones take longer to burn than those with fair skin. however, no skin type is exempt from the damaging effects of the sun. even if burning is not an issue, everyone’s skin is susceptible to sun-induced wrinkles. remember, there are 2 types of rays: UVAging and UVBurning
now that we’ve scared you a little bit, let’s discuss prevention & how to treat…
SPF: look for a broad-spectrum “mineral formula” that contains zinc oxide. it’s the safest and most effective UVA/UVB filter and won’t clog your pores or cause an allergic reaction. mineral sunscreen is not absorbed by the skin, but designed to sit on the surface to reflect the sun’s rayswe recommend: these sunscreensantioxidants: antioxidants neutralize the free radicals created by them before they cause damage *look for an antioxidant serum containing vitamins C & E*we recommend the following: normal to dry / oily / sensitive
when it comes to correcting sun damage here’s what we recommend to clients…
photofacial: this treatment is the holy grail when it comes to reversing sun damage/hyperpigmentation. it works to create an even complexion by targeting brown spots (including freckles), redness and acne. we’ve both had our face and décolleté treated and can’t believe how much pigment we were able to bring to the surface. our hyperpigmentation is now substantially lighter and in some places completely gone *keep in mind, a photofacial isn’t a one-hit-wonder. it takes a series of treatments and a committed lifestyle to keep up with your results* read more on everything you need to know about a photofacial: hereretinoids (retinol/retin-A): stimulate the production of fresh, new skin cells and encourage aging/damaged cells to speed up their renewal process, which helps fade discoloration and resurface the skin’s texture for a smooth, even-toned complexion. however, they’re not designed for the faint-of-heart, so make sure you’re educated on how to use them. before jumping the gun. you can see a great explanation of what retinol is here as well as a vid on how to apply: here
