Skincare & the Sun
Sun management
There is nothing more pleasant to brighten up a day than a bright blue sky......
however let's remind ourselves that blue sky and incandescent blaze of sunshine does not come without its hazards and we need to prioritise safe sun management.
Our relationship with this sunny phenomenom determines not only how we feel, impacting our mood and emotions, but how our bodies function physically, including our skin ageing prematurely.
So how much consideration do you give to the rays you are exposed to?
The melanocytes which make up the protective melanin (pigment) in our skin varies in proportion and activity from person to person, hence we respond individually.
Essentially melanin is there to help protect our skin therefore darker skins are inherently more protective than a fairer skin and essentially those who do not tan well, perhaps with either freckles, red hair, blue eyes, several moles including those on immune suppressant drugs are at increased risk of skin damage.
'Too much' UVR exposure which includes tanning bed and lamp exposure, is the main cause of skin cancer! quite a statement really and one to be taken seriously.
Sensible cautionary measures should be taken, incorporating both chemical and physical barriers and although there is no realistic fail proof protection to prevent UV radiation (UVR) damage safer sun management should make all the difference!
Clearly we need to prioritise safe sun management.
The sunshine
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on the electromagnetic spectrum are not all the same, however, we won’t concern ourselves too much with the span of nano meters😊 Suffice to say and broadly speaking, daylight hours, UVA penetrates at an increased depth of skin (A = ageing) compared to UVB (B = Burning).
Both of the above solar wavelengths are proven to cause skin damage including skin cancer. Therefore adopting safe sun management strategies from the onset pays off, even on a cloudy day or behind glass...... it penetrates both!
I suggest you consider all means of protection including products and protective clothing, consider the body parts exposed, eyes, ears, lip, scalp, face, remember all areas of the body are vulnerable. Invest in dedicated UV clothing, tents, parasols, sunglasses, scarf, perhaps a wide brim hat, a cap is popular summer head gear, however it does leave the ears and neck and face somewhat more vulnerable than a brimmed hat, bucket hats are on trend at the moment so hopefully it catches on!
What's the UV Index for the day? this is easily found on weather apps, having that data is quite a powerful incentive to take care.
Too much UVR
Apart from the obvious reddening, soreness or blistering of the skin, beneath the surface there is a repair mechanism overload, the very essence of your genetic information is impacted, damage potentially at a DNA level. Although we do have our own mechanisms of repair in place, knowing your skin type vulnerabilities, actively protecting, a strong immune system with healthy lifestyle measures in place, lowers the risk.
Too much exposure (including tanning beds) is the main risk and cause of skin cancer.
The main types being:
Squamous cell carcinoma
Malignant melanoma
Bowens disease
Basal cell carcinoma
The sunshine is actually life sustaining and not a danger if managed appropriately.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) a perceived type of depression, manifest when there are extended periods of darkness (particularly northerly geographic locations / winter seasons). Where the lack of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure negatively impacts mood, Light therapy may be a solution.
The sunshine is involved in the synthesis of Vitamin D and deficiency of the sun rays on the skin is also a risk factor for healthy ageing, necessary for the synthesis of several processors of good health. Therefore a daily supplementation is advisable, usually during the darker winter months. Perhaps try a Vitamin D oral spray, I suggest conveniently placed, perhaps next to your toothbrush, somewhere where you will be prompted to create a realistic and sustainable daily habit.
Clinically managed doses of UV therapy are used for skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis / psoriasis for its anti - proliferative / inflammatory effects
If your workplace / space is consumed with artificial lighting, then do take breaks from the office desk and get outdoors whenever possible, perhaps a walk and maximise the daylight exposure at a weekend or day off.
Extrinsic and intrinsic ageing Thinner skin will be the first to loose its integrity and show fine lines, a perfect example is around the eyes, this part of the face sits proudly supine at the cheekbone catching optimal UV rays, so rule number one, protect protect protect!
Extrinsic ageing encompasses UV exposure, the external elements you are exposed to, such as the sunshine. The skin typically thickened, dry, lined and hyper pigmented even enlarged pores, take a look at the back of an over exposed neck.
The aging process takes its toll over the years of course, this is what we call intrinsic ageing, naturally ageing, where the skin tends to be softer, less thickened with finer, less aggressive lines with a more even toned, fairer complexion
Aesthetic practice As an aesthetic professional supporting healthy ageing, with many years working as an aesthetician to support clients to optimise their skin health, I was one of the first to introduce AHA's & BHA's (alpha / beta hydroxy acids) into a clinic over 30 years ago. Now commonly used in over the counter products, mostly synthetically derived for cosmetic purposes, yet impactful.
Hydroxy acids were only used under professional guidance, however now that they are freely available over the counter (albiet different molecular size, strengths and quantities) I suspect the risk to premature ageing is not fully appreciated and unless an effective sunscreen is used in tandem with AHA and BHA's etc, then the skin has increased vulnerability to sensitivity and photo ageing (sun prematurely ages the skin)
The face is often initially the number one area of concern from a clients perspective, soon followed by the neck and chest area. Adequate care and protection will minimise creases such as breast fold lines and hyperpigmentation. Have you noticed when someone has worn a low cut or vest style top for many summers and the chest area becomes hyper pigmented with what you might identify as a freckled skin and lines.
Healthier ageing Preserving the skin is key, taking care of the skin over the lifespan with a focus on protection makes absolute sense and there is much you can do, including embracing and integrating healthy lifestyle choices as part of your journey, unsure where to start? speak to me
professionally yours,
Tamara-Louise Adcock