applying spf sunscreen

Preventing Sun Damage and Treating Sun Damaged Skin

Long term exposure to the sun without appropriate protection is possibly the largest contributor to the visible signs of ageing. Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays can reduce the chance of sunburn, brown spots (sun spots) and ageing skin, whilst helping to protect against skin cancer.

The Effects of Too Much Sun

Protection from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays is important all year round, not just in the warmer months.

Extended exposure to the suns rays contributes to the ageing of the skin. Photodamage is a result of sun exposure that can cause skin changes such as wrinkles, roughness, and hyperpigmentation.

What is ‘Photodamaged Skin’?

Characteristics of photodamaged skin include:

  • Skin cell turnover significantly slows; old cells remain on the surface
  • Melanocytes produce excess melanin, resulting in mottled hyperpigmentation / dark spots
  • Collagen and elastin are damaged and the top layer of the skin is no longer supported; the skin appears wrinkled and saggy

 

Sun Damaged Skin Treatment

Obagi Sunscreens are formulated to prevent sunburn and protect your skin. Guarding against the damaging rays of the sun helps to prevent the visible signs of ageing, such as:

  • Fine lines
  • Wrinkles
  • Dry skin
  • Sun spots
  • Sallowness
  • Poor skin tone

Chemical SPF vs Physical SPF vs Combination SPF

What’s the difference between chemical sunscreen and physical sunscreen?

Chemical Sunscreen:
  • Absorbs radiation
  • Provides broad spectrum protection from UVA/UVB rays

Commonly used ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, homosalate and octycrylene

Physical Sunscreen:
  • Scatters/reflects radiation
  • Provides broad spectrum protection from UVA/UVB rays

Commonly used ingredients include: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide

Combination Sunscreen:
  • Combines all of the effects above

How to Protect Your Skin

Every Day:
  • Seek the shade, particularly between 10am and 2pm
  • Avoid all tanning booths
  • Cover up with clothing, a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses
  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF30+
  • Apply 2 tablespoons of sunscreen all over the body 15 minutes before going outside; reapply every 2 hours, and after swimming or sweating
Every Month:

Examine the skin head to toe for changes

Every Year:

See a medical professional for a complete skin exam

 

 

 

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