Tag Archive for: protection

Dry and arid desert climates consistently get ranked amongst the worst to live in for the condition of one’s skin. In addition to lifestyle choices like, wearing a hat, sunglasses and sun protective clothing, proper skincare regimen is highly effective in protecting against the issues that arise from this type of environment.

The Issues:

Dry climates dehydrate skin and can invite early onset of wrinkles. With intense sun and high heat, the skin has nowhere to hide. The more sun exposure you have, the more damage you’re doing to your skin. Replenishing hydration and sun protection is extremely important in this type of climate.

The Solutions:

Chose an exfoliation product that targets dead skin cell removal, sun damage and hyper pigmentation. Chemical exfoliators and enzymatic peels target all. Look for Lactic acid (found in Fresh A Peel) as the main active as it actually draws moisture to the surface of the skin, thus preventing additional dehydration and dryness.

Because skin is so prone to dryness in these types of environments, Dr. Goldfaden recommends using anti-aging serums and super hydrating moisturizer. Ingredients such as CoQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Retinol keep skin tone tight and toned, while African botanic oils, Baobob, Kalahari and Mongongo deliver Omega fatty acids for extreme hydration.

Always protect the face and body with sunscreen 30 SPF or higher. The sun can be very intense in these types of climate, so sun protection is imperative.

 

With Spring in full wing and Summer on its heels, the sun is out! The only real way to avoid skin cancer and sun damage is to never go outside during the daylight hours. Obviously this is not a reality for most people. Find out how to stay properly protected for the upcoming sunny months.

Proper SPF coverage is crucial when it comes to protection against skin cancer and sun damage (dark spots and hyper pigmentation). Every time you go outdoors you are getting sun exposure which is why it is important to cover all areas of the body. Confusion about SPF types and numbers leads many people astray and left unprotected by the correct sunscreen. Broad spectrum SPF, which simply means protection against UVA and UVB rays, at a minimum of SPF 30, is a must. A physical sunscreen (containing Titanium dioxide or Zinc oxide) is best. The most common areas people protect are the face, shoulders, arms and back, while often ignoring crucial areas like the scalp, lips, tops of feet, and eyes.

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The face is extremely vulnerable to skin cancer and burning (caused by UVB rays), dark spots, hyper pigmentation and wrinkles (caused by UVA rays) and should always be protected with an SPF of at least 30. Wearing a hat and protective gear/clothing is crucial when outdoors. Commonly missed or ignored areas such as the lips, nose and the tops of ears are in danger of non melanoma cancers and should always be covered with sunscreen, clothes or gloves.

Don’t forget about your scalp. This is not only a warning to bald men, though at highest risk, but also form women and anyone with hair. Yes, hair can protect your scalp but sun rays can still get thru and burn you. Wearing a hat is very important when in direct sunlight as well as putting on SPF if any areas of the scalp are exposed. Bald men need to always wear SPF and a hat. The other lurking danger with the scalp is that hair can hide an actual skin cancer. Visiting your Dermatologist once a year and getting a body check can protect against developing skin cancer or treating early signs.

Don’t forget to protect your eyes, they can get sun burned too! The best way to protect the eyes and eye region is to invest in good quality sunglasses that protect 100% from UVA/UVB rays, the larger the better to protect the delicate skin in the eye region.

The tops of hands and feet are also vulnerable to burns usually because they are forgotten. Apply sunscreen to both if you’re going to barefoot or in open toes shoes. Hands get lots of sun form driving, so always wear an SPF if not a trendy pair of driving gloves. One of the most common and dangerous areas for skin cancers and melanoma is the back. This is mostly pertaining to men as they tend to not ask someone to rub sunscreen on their backs. Try wearing a shirt if you’re mowing the lawn or in the water for a long period of time.

Remember to choose broad spectrum SPF, apply and reapply throughout the day, wear protective hats and clothing and always go for a yearly skin cancer check up with a dermatologist.

We all have excuses about why we don’t protect our skin from the sun. We will spend hundreds of dollars on face serums and moisturizers that promise to turn back the hands of time, but won’t take 30 seconds to spritz on a little sun screen. Those serums and moisturizers will help after the damage has already occurred, but why let it continue?!? There are so many easy and quick ways to protect yourself and most importantly, your face, from the sun!

The first and most important way to protect yourself is to use sunscreen. No more excuses about clogged pores and sticky product. You have options now. Reapply throughout the day, even if you’re not at the beach. Walking to and from your car or train, you are getting sun! This will add up. Another great way to protect yourself is to wear a hat. Hats are very fashion forward right now, so you don’t have to feel like you need to wear a big sun hat, just something that has a brim.

If you are doing outdoor activities for long periods of time, wear protective clothing and do not forget to reapply after sweating or swimming. Check the UV index in your area, so you know the severity.

Remember pale skin is beautiful and sun damage is an uphill battle. Protect yourself!