Be Sun Aware – By Beauty Culture

by Ulster Life • August 1, 2016 • Beauty • Comments (1) • 1682

One of the most important products that I would always recommend a client is to use would be sunscreen. We know that Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is responsible for a number of skin concerns ranging from various forms of hyperpigmentation to more serious skin cancer. We also know that of a lot of our skin ageing comes from exposure to UVR! We are exposed daily to this, even through the car window.
How long does your sunscreen last for?
The FDA requires that all sunscreens retain their original strength for at least 2-3 years, and in order to make these claims the sunscreen formula has to undergo a series of real time or accelerated stability tests to prove that the ingredient is still active up until the time of expiration. Most people don’t realise that their sunscreen has a limited time in which it can be used effectively. To help the expiration dates can be found on the product packaging.
If sunscreens have expired there is a good chance they are still good for a few months; however once you reach the expiration date there is no guarantee that the level of activity is still present. The best place to store your SPF product is in a cool place out of direct sunlight and heat.
For those that have a more sensitive skin you would be better off using a physical SPF (containing Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide), as these formulations tend to have a larger molecular size that does not penetrate and potentially cause irritation.

I would recommend Dermalogica protection 50 sport for the body. A water-resistant, broad spectrum sun protection that defends against prolonged skin damage from UV light and environmental assault. Containing ingredients to help enhance SPF performance and counteract moisture loss. It is a lightweight formula with a non-greasy feel.

Explaining sunburn ….

A sunburn is the skin’s response to extreme ultraviolet (UV) exposure and indicates severe damage. In as little as 10 minutes of intense UV exposure, the skin sets into motion a system of defence against this enemy. The first indication of damage is redness. This is the body’s inflammatory response in situations requiring repair and is a result of dilating blood vessels. The skin will then start to lose moisture and hydration, which will be apparent with a feeling of tightness. Slowly, skin cells will start to thicken and melanin pigment will be produced (tanning) in an attempt to stop the UV rays from penetrating through to the deeper layers and damaging the DNA of the cells. When the skin is exposed to high levels of sunlight this may result in hypo or hyperpigmentation which appears as irregular light or dark patches. The body is excellent at coping with minimal amounts of damage, but if exposure is greater than the body’s ability to repair and mop up, more serious consequences may result. If DNA is damaged and its repair mechanisms are inhibited, skin cancer may occur.
Moles, brown spots and growths on the skin are usually harmless — but not always. Anyone who has more than 100 moles is at greater risk for melanoma. The first signs can appear in one or more atypical moles. That’s why it’s so important to get to know your skin very well and to recognise any changes in the moles on your body.
Stay sun aware!

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