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Sun protection. Not the most exciting thing to think about when you’re having fun this summer, but it is vital for protection your skin’s health and good looks. Find the perfect match for you. You can thank us later.
Last time, we discussed Surviving Summer: myths and facts about sun protection. Now we get down to the sun protection creams and SPF 50 sunscreens that work for you, plus the other things you need to do to protect yourself.
And did you know that there are professional treatments that help to treat and reverse some of the effects of sun damage? Let’s explore…
We need to say it again
- If you don’t practice sun protection, you will see noticeable changes to your skin from your late twenties onwards (if not before), especially if you have a lighter skin tone. Some of the signs are freckles, fine wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and later, age spots, leathery texture, deep wrinkles, and loss of firmness due to collagen degradation. That’s without even touching on skin cancer.
- Sun protection is so much more than just using sunscreen. Stay out of the sun between 10am and 3pm. Wear a broad-brimmed, tightly woven sun hat, UV-protective clothing and sunglasses (to protect your eyes against macular degeneration). Use the right sunscreen for your needs. Reapply after swimming, towelling off and sweating.
The right protection for your skin type
The right level
Make sure your kids are well protected with all of the above, and use sun protection specially formulated for children on their delicate skin. Best to keep sun exposure to a minimum while they are under 3 as their natural skin protection is not fully developed.
Although your skin type may differ from the person next to you, it’s important that we all strive for the highest level of sun protection, preferebly SPF50 and one that can protect us against UVA, UVB, infrared light, as well as visible light such as the Heliocare 360° Airgel SPF50.
The right texture
Sunscreen formulations have come a loooong way since the sticky goop that left us looking like sand-crusted ghosts.
Today’s textures are so much more comfortable, and you can choose formulas that work for different skin types – sensitive (most probably mineral-based), oily, dry… you name it. For example, if you have oily skin, you may prefer a gel texture or mineral powder sunscreen. Find your match here.
Then there’s the other type of sun protection
Did you know you can protect your skin from the inside? Oral anti-oxidant supplements such as Lamelle Ovelle D3 and Heliocare 360° Capsules are good to use if you’re are at high risk of pigmentation, skin ageing and skin cancer.
They generally work by helping to increase the skin’s resistance to UV damage as well as addressing some effects of existing damage. Ovelle D3 also gives you the benefits of vitamin D (vital for your bones, nervous system, etc.)
It is recommended you use these supplements during summer months, when the sun is most dangerous.
Please note: oral supplements are not a substitute for sunscreen. You need to use them together.
Daily protection and correction
Back your skin by choosing quality skin care that is rich in anti-oxidants and ingredients that help to fight sun damage, such as Lamelle’s Nourish range, which fights off and helps repair recent DNA damage.
If your photo-ageing is a little more advanced or worrying, Lamelle Helase Photo-Repair Cream SPF 50 gives you a potent antioxidant mix and Lamelle-exclusive ingredients that actually help to repair skin cell DNA.
Try to choose a day cream that has anti-oxidant ingredients and SPF 30 or SPF 50.
Professional sun damage repair
But what if you already have sun damaged skin?
Skin Renewal has a range of in-clinic treatments that can help to reverse the effects of sun damage. These include laser treatments for sun damage and other ways to repair sun damage.
There are also many in clinic treatment that can reverse some signs of photo damages as well as stimulate collagen and elastin production. Treatments include Chemical peels, Laser and light therapies as well as Skin Needling.
Speak to a skin-care consultant at your nearest Skin Renewal clinic to find out which option is the best for you.
To find out more about protection against the sun or to find suitable treatment solutions after the damage was done, visit Skin Renewal on www.skinrenewal.co.za or contact 0861 SKIN SA (754 672).
Take the quick Beyond Beauty Survey and you could win a R2 000 Skin Renewal voucher to spend in our online store, with free delivery within South Africa. T&Cs apply.