Summer is almost here, the sun is shining more, and we can’t wait to start enjoying the season! But first…let’s talk about sun protection! Have you thought about how you’ll protect yourself from the sun so you can avoid irreversible damage?
Let’s review the basics of sun protection and how you can maintain healthy and beautiful skin, inside and out!
UVA and UVB Rays: What’s the difference?
Over the years, extensive research and prevention movements have emphasized the dangers of sun exposure to our health and have taught us to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful rays. We have learned the risks associated with tanning sessions, such as burns and skin cancers, whether it be outside during peak hours (11am – 2pm) or inside a tanning bed. These harmful rays are known as UVB.
What about UVA rays? These rays are present year-round (yes, even in an overcast sky) and require the same protection as their UVB cousins. In fact, UVA reaches deeper into the dermis and represents 70% of the causes of skin aging. Therefore, UVA rays are responsible for visible signs of age such as pigment spots and fine lines.
How can I protect myself?
To prevent sun damage, it is necessary to take precautions year-round! Here are two basic precautions that you can take:
+ Covering your skin
Contrary to popular belief, a white garment is not the only way to avoid sunburn! The World Health Organization has indicated that dark-coloured and tight-knit fabrics are equally effective in blocking UV rays. That being said… in extreme heat, we admit it’s not the norm to wear so many clothes…
Luckily, there’s UPF clothing! Made of synthetic materials such as nylon, elastane or polyester, these garments are generally more effective in protecting us from the sun than cotton garments. In addition, several brands now incorporate UV absorbers and reflectors into their textiles to increase the anti-UV power of their creations – the most efficient of them returning up to 98% of the rays emitted by the sun!
Lastly, of course we cannot forget to wear sunglasses and hats: their benefits go far beyond style! Hats with full face and neck coverage are ideal for sun protection and for preventing premature signs of aging. The quality of your sunglass lenses matters in order to protect your vision and prevent premature aging of the delicate skin around the eyes. It is also important that your sunglasses cover enough area and that the lens colour is suitable for the activities you do.
+ Choosing the best sunscreen
There are two types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical.
Chemical sunscreen penetrates deep into the epidermis by forming a filtering layer that absorbs and blocks UV rays while transforming them into heat. Mineral sunscreen is composed of microparticles of minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, that remain on the surface of the skin and reflect UV rays. Efficient and fast, the action of mineral sunscreen is both durable and safe! Therefore, it is the #1 choice for year-round skin protection.
The mineral sunscreen by Functionalab is highly recommended by Dermapure as it offers both an ultra-light texture and excellent antioxidant protection. Thanks to its broad spectrum of action (UVA and UVB and its specialized formula, it slows down the deterioration of collagen and elastin fibres and thus prevents signs of aging. The real bonus: it is suitable for all skin types – even the most sensitive, and it comes in 2 levels of protection: SPF 30 and 50. Make it your new go to!
How can I erase damage from the past?
It is said that skin possesses memories…it “remembers” the aggressors of the last 10 years – exposure to the sun, hormonal changes such as pregnancy, past acne, eczema or psoriasis…
Whether you worshipped the sun as a teenager or you developed skin conditions over time, a technological intervention may necessary to erase long-term effects and give the skin a youthful glow. Here are two of our recommendations to achieve a flawless complexion:
+ Photorejuvenation
IPL Photorejuvenation is used to treat conditions such as pigment spots and rosacea, and it offers visible and progressive results. Delivered by a series of pulsed light, the emitted light seeks out colour contrasts beneath the skin to dry out and eliminate tiny blood vessels and visible brown or red spots. In addition to treating the face, neck, and décolleté, this non-invasive method can also improve the appearance of hands and backs, and other areas commonly exposed to the sun.
+ Fractional Lasers
The fractional laser technologies used by Dermapure are all approved by Health Canada for the treatment of pigmented spots and allow for lasting results. These procedures create subcutaneous micro-perforations, which pushes the skin to produce new collagen and to shape a new structure – the texture of the skin is improved, the complexion is brightened, and the appearance of spots is visibly reduced. There are two types of fractional lasers: ablative and non-ablative. The recovery time will vary depending on which laser is chosen.
Now that you know how to protect yourself, you can take the necessary precautions and avoid harmful sun damage. Don’t forget, you must protect yourself year-round, whether its sunny or overcast!
Would you like to know more about the treatments offered at Dermapure clinics? Make an appointment for your FREE consultation by calling our team now at 1-877-781-1811. We can’t wait to hear from you!
