We are all, for the most part, born with good skin that ages at different rates. The rate our skin ages has to do with many factors, including how we care for it, what we expose it to, our diet and lifestyle, hormones, and more. Out of all the items that can age your skin, however, exposure to ultraviolet rays has the most negative impact. Per the Skin Cancer Foundation, the sun causes an estimated 90 percent of our skin aging, which can be prevented to a large degree if the right measures are taken.
What are the best ways to prevent sun damage?
- Wear sunscreen. The Skin Cancer Foundation also reports that those who wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day have 24 percent less aging of the skin compared to those who do not use daily sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests finding a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 and water-resistant with “broad-spectrum” printed on the label. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays emitted by the sun. Sunscreen should be applied every 2 hours, and immediately after sweating or swimming.
- Avoid the sun. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Avoid the sun during these hours. In addition to sunscreen, you should also protect your skin by wearing long sleeves and a hat. They make sun protective clothing you can look for, as well.
- Avoid tanning beds. We know more today than we did even a decade ago about the negative impact of the sun on our skin, in addition to the negative impact of tanning beds, which also emit ultraviolet rays. Many states have banned indoor tanning for anyone under the age of 18 while certain countries have banned their use altogether. If you want your skin to stay looking young, avoid indoor tanning salons at all costs.
What are the best ways to treat sun damage?
- Immediately treat sunburns. If you do happen to get burnt, apply fresh aloe directly from an aloe plant onto the burn. Aloe has been used around the world for centuries to treat burns due to its anti-inflammatory properties. If you don’t have aloe available, use organic apple cider vinegar. Apply ACV with 100% cotton wipes directly to skin. If your skin blisters, this is considered a second degree burn, and it would be wise to see a doctor for medical attention to help minimize the level of skin damage due to the burn.
- Use a high-quality skin-care regimen. Regularly cleansing and treating your skin with a skin care regimen that’s formulated to treat aging skin can help slow the aging of the skin, as well as help to heal it. We partner with some of the top brands in the industry to bring such types of skin regimens to our patients.
- Select a reputable MedSpa. MedSpa treatments, such as the Fraxel Laser and Infini System, can help remove dangerous sun damage and photo-aging of the skin with the use of infrared light and radio waves, respectively. Both are non-invasive treatments with little to no downtime. We offer both of these treatments, as well as other beneficial treatments, at Gerrish & Associates.
It’s true that the sun has plenty of health benefits, from its healing warmth after a cold winter to its support of Vitamin D production. However, studies show that we need very little exposure to the sun for the health benefit of Vitamin D. We can also get the benefit of its warmth and healing properties without being negatively impacted by taking the measures suggested above. In addition to aging, skin cancer is also a negative impact of exposure to ultraviolet light, so there’s plenty of reasons to take note and protect our skin to help it remain youthful and healthy.
If you’re still not convinced about how much Ultraviolet rays can impact your skin, consider watching the video below. The filmmakers showed people what they looked like under the sun’s ultraviolet light, and as you’ll see by their expressions, the individuals were shocked.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation to determine how we can keep your skin healthy by preventing photo-aging and reversing current sun damage. Our treatments can correct what you can see today and what lies beneath the surface which you see in the very near future. Ask for a Visia Complexion Consultation where you can immediately see your skin condition so we can plan the ideal treatment plan and homecare program designed just for you.