Summer Skin Defense
Now that the sun is out in full force (for now!) protecting your skin from damaging UV rays becomes even more important.
However, even when the sun isn’t out, or it isn’t warm, UV rays still penetrate through the atmosphere and into our skin. So this information is important all year round!
The main UV rays we will discuss today is UVA and UVB. UVA – which makes up 95% of sun rays – is nicknamed “the ageing ray”. It penetrates into the skin causing damage to the collagen, which contributes to wrinkles and skin fragility; encourages the production of abnormal elastin, which makes your complexion sallow and the skin tissues slacken due to loss of elasticity; and finally it causes a suppression of the immune system which contributes to increases in malignant and non-malignant lesions such as cold sores.
UVB – nicknamed “the burning ray” – is believed to be mainly responsible for sunburn. Whilst UVA will cause some immediate, although temporary tanning effects, UVB increases your production of melanin which results in delayed tanning that becomes visible around 72 hours after exposure. This effectively means that a tanned skin is considered a damaged skin. Protecting from burning will limit the tan effect and reduce potential damage.
Sunburn is considered a medical condition as severe burns can cause shock, fever, nausea and even death. The skin has the ability to repair about 50% of the DNA damage incurred within the subsequent 24 hour period. This means that over several days, whilst most damage will be rectified, there will always be a margin left unrepaired. Continuous exposure means that the skin will not have time to repair.
Risk factors for sunburn include fair skin, red or blonde hair, blue eyes and freckles as these skin types produce very little protective melanin pigment.
Here in Beauty Haven, we offer a range of treatments that help deal with pigmentation and from sun damage, as well as to help prevent it.
Ellipse IPL Photo rejuvenation treatment is excellent for sundamaged and pigmented skin, as well as assisting the skin to appear firmer and smoother. Prices start at £125 for half the face.
Ecopeel microdermabrasion also helps with sun damaged, uneven skin tone, as well as the appearance of fine lines. Treatment costs £60 and a course of 6 is recommended.
The number one protection from UV rays, other than completely abstaining from sunlight, is sunscreen. Solar Defense Booster SPF50 is one of our top selling products.Added to your moisturiser or foundation you will add critical UVA and UVB defense with this Broad Spectrum sunscreen for all skin conditions. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colours. A new addition to our solar range is the Dermalogica protection 50 sport (SPF50) This sheer solar protection treatment defends against prolonged skin damage from UV light and environmental assault.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for further advice on any of the products or treatments we have discussed.