Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; so don’t take yours for granted. Proper sun care includes protecting the eyes with sunglasses and proper products. Not only can the delicate eye tissue of the upper and lower lids get sunburned but the actual eye cells can be damaged from years of overexposure to UV rays. Below Dr. G suggests a few solutions for keep the eyes youthful looking and safe.
https://thedailyscrub.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/margoandme-2.jpg13501080lisahttps://thedailyscrub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/the-dailyscrub-logo.pnglisa2017-06-14 15:04:592017-08-07 11:56:26Beauty and the Beach: What you need to know
Going into the Summer season there is so much to be excited about – longer days, BBQ’s, Sun, Sand and beach, but it’s also a time where we need to put skin protection on the top of our list. We sat down with Dr. G to understand what being “Sun Safe” really means and also learn about some post-sun skin tips from the king of reversing sun damage.
What are your sun protection recommendations for someone dealing with rosacea?
“The sun is arguably the most common trigger for Rosacea. Rosacea suffers need to be particularly sun smart and practice what I like to call ‘Smart Sun Safety’ or SSS. SSS consists of the use of a physical sunscreen, containing Titanium or Zinc oxide, protective clothing (which includes a hat and sunglasses) and not being exposed to the sun during high-risk hours of the day. When choosing and SPF avoid ingredients such as phalates, sulfates, artificial fragrances, preservatives and mineral oil. A physical sunscreen is always better in my opinion than a chemical one. Chemical sunscreens, due to the nature of having to be absorbed into the skin, can interact and cause irritation, rashes or clogged pores. Dry mists or sprays may be more beneficial for Rosacea suffers as there is no rubbing of skin needed thus possibly aggravating skin and causing more redness and irritation. Post ‘sun care’ is very important for Rosacea suffers also. Look for calming ingredients such as green tea, red tea or chamomile, which target redness, inflammation and irritation while delivering a cooling sensation.”
Sun protection before make-up is one thing, but is it necessary to reapply SPF during the day?
“Reapplying sunscreen throughout the day is crucial to proper sun protection. When in direct sun (at the beach, pool or on a boat), sunscreen should be reapplied every 30-45 minutes. Sunscreen should always be reapplied after swimming even if you have on waterproof sunscreen. A physical sunscreen is always better than a chemical one. Chemical sunscreens, due to the nature of having to be absorbed into the skin, can interact and cause irritation rashes or clogged pores. Another downside to a chemical sunscreen is that the sun has to actually touch and reach the skin, whereas a physical sunscreen is blocking the UV rays from ever touching the skin.”
And if so, what are your recommendations for reapplying sun protection after make-up?
“A dry mist or spray will allow over and after makeup coverage without messing up makeup and adding bacteria from the fingers to the skin.”
Are there any products outside of an SPF that we should be using to prevent against harmful UVA/UVB rays?
“The use of potent anti-oxidants have been proven to fight against free-radical damage (from UVA/UVB rays and environmental stressors) that break down skin cells and cause premature aging. Using a potent-packed anti-oxidant rich daily serum is equally as important as SPF to ensure that you are protecting the skin on multiple levels.”
What are three routine related things people should do/no do before visiting a clinic for a treatment – specifically to reverse sun damage (pigmentation/dehydration)? And why? (ie: are there ingredients they should avoid, medications, drinking water etc.)
Do not exfoliate, use peels or Retinoid type products the night before or morning of the facial, especially if you tend to be sensitive. A reputable spa will usually request paperwork be filled out listing any medications being taken or applied topically. The aesthetician should ask you if you’re taking medications or using Retin-A or retinoid products. Since Retinoids are aggressive they do not mix well with ingredients like Glycolic and Vitamin C to name a few. Some skin types can handle it but most will be irritated, so why take the chance.
Why is exfoliation important for maintaining healthy, youthful skin?
“Exfoliation is extremely important. The removal of dead skin cells will make skin look younger, tighter and absorb treatment products better.”
What does ‘un-exfoliated’ skin look like?
“I always use the example of an unpeeled onion. Before an onion is peeled or skin is exfoliated it appears dry, crackly, dull and lackluster. Un-exfoliated skin can look rough, uneven and have dark spots, as there is a build up of dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria.”
What are some mistakes people make when it comes to exfoliating?
“Over exfoliation is a common mistake people tend to make. Over exfoliation can occur from overuse (too many days in a row), too harsh of an acid for specific skin types (sensitive skin does better with Lactic acid as opposed to Glycolic), scrubbing too hard, or mixing too many exfoliation ingredients at once (don’t scrub and peel together). Over exfoliation can also happen if skin is already dry, sunburned, wind burned or during seasonal changes.”
What are your top recommendations for exfoliating at home?
“Exfoliate skin two to three times a week, unless you suffer from rosacea or eczema. Depending on the season and climate, exfoliation can be increased or decreased. Both physical and chemical exfoliation is recommended but never on the same day. Rosacea and Eczema suffers should use chemical exfoliators and gentle gel based cleansers.”
What is the best way to treat a sun burn?
“While skin is still damp, use a gentle moisturizing lotion (but not petroleum or oil-based ointments, which may trap the heat and make the burn worse). Repeat to keep burned or peeling skin moist over the next few days. The use of an anti-inflammatory serum is also recommended – look for ingredients like aloe vera, red/green/black tea and Vitamin E as it helps to soothe aggravated skin and reduce redness.”
What is one surprising complexion cures you’ve learned on the job?
“I’ve been in practice for over 40 years and one cure I always recommend and go back to is a cold compress. Cold compresses relieve issues related to sunburn, bug bites, redness, itchiness, inflammation and can be made anywhere. Sometimes simple and natural is the best.”
We all know the common skin culprits when it comes to breakouts what the causes including, bacteria and oil, hormones, and certain foods or medications. Have you ever thought about where we live to be some of the main contributing factors to some of our skin woe’s?
Beach Life – The Issues
Life is a beach until you get a sun burn or sun damage. Beach climates call for high humidity and high temperatures. Do not forget that a tan in reality is the body’s reaction to sun damage. That gorgeous glow you’re hoping for is essentially your skin reacting to being attacked by damaging rays. When the skin is exposed to sunlight the melanocytes in the body become activated and produce dark pigment to protect the skin from absorbing more rays. While SPF is a must it is only 1 of 3 lines of defense against the sun.
The Solutions
Try easing up on the heavy moisturizers and protective oils. Heavy hydrating products can cause clogged pores and breakouts. Try transitioning into a hydrating serum that contains lightening agents like Alpha Arbutin or Kojic Acid. Not only will this eliminate one step from your regimen but a treatment serum can also help to protect and reverse sun damage and dark spots. Botanical oils and dry oils can also serve the purpose of a serum, treatment and moisturizer in one. Oils should never contain Dimethicone (which can clog pores) so always read the ingredients.
While exfoliation is still imperative, ditch the acid wipes and pads and try a gentle lactic acid mask once a week like Dr. Goldfaden’s Fresh A Peel. Lactic acid is particularly appropriate for sun damaged skin, dark spots and hyper-pigmentation. Lactic acid molecules are larger than Glycolic molecules so they don’t go as deep as fast, therefore targeting the top layers of the skin (where the darkness appears). Scrubs can take a back seat during beach weather too. Over scrubbing can make skin red and dry especially if skin has been exposed to the sun or sea. If you lust cant live without your Doctors Scrub, try mixing it a refreshing, rejuvenating cleanser that gets the skin clean. Gel based cleansers that are formulated without harsh chemicals are the best for summertime.
Regardless of skin tone, ALL skin needs sun protection. Although fair skinned individuals will burn quicker, darker/olive skin tones need to be aware too. It is important to keep in mind that sunscreen does not prevent tanning, it does however help protect against damaging UVA and UVB rays. This is important for darker/olive tones to remember, just because the skin is tanning does not mean it is not being damaged.
What happens if you get sunburn?
Sun burned skin can be treated at home. Look for products that contain Organic Red Tea , which is soothing and reduces inflammation and redness. To soothe hot itchy red skin add oatmeal or baking soda to a cool bath. Topical application of aloe or a cool compress always helps. If you are really sore or swollen you can try taking Ibuprofen for inflammation. And because the sun dries the skin out, moisturizing is a must! Body lotions with avocado oil, Shea butter, coconut oil are the best for this.
“On those days you do get too much sun and skin is red, irritated, or inflamed, apply our Radical Difference antioxidant serum. Loaded with soothing organic red tea and cherry extracts to repair, rejuvenate, and reduce redness.”
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