Do you love the feeling of sunshine on your skin? Of course – we all do! Lounging in the sun is relaxing, and working outside in the sunshine is a lot nicer than working out in the rain.
While sunshine provides a pleasurable sensation and enhances outdoor activities, it's essential to approach sun exposure with caution. Sunburns, though common and often temporary, should not be taken lightly. Overexposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to long-term damage, including premature aging, sunspots, wrinkles, scaly patches known as actinic keratoses, and skin cancer. A tan, while aesthetically appealing, is a sign of injury to the skin's top layer. UV light accelerates melanin production, leading to potential accumulation and age spots. Furthermore, UV rays can penetrate the skin, damaging collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in a loss of elasticity and the development of wrinkles. Therefore, mindful sun protection is vital for maintaining healthy skin.
Sunscreen is Essential
Sunscreen blocks out most of the harmful UV rays from the sun. Choose sunscreen products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 – some skin doctors recommend using SPF of 30 or higher for full protection. Apply the sunscreen according to the manufacturer’s instructions to uncovered skin 30 minutes before going out. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or perspiring.
Reversing Sun Damage
Fortunately, you can reverse the effects of sun damage to restore the youthful appearance of your skin. A number of products are available, both over the counter and by prescription. Skin doctors and skincare professionals can perform advanced procedures for better, longer-lasting results.
Skin creams
Skin creams and serums containing retinols and retinoids will reduce sunspots, We love two wonderful products from swiss company, Alchimie-Forever: Advanced Retinol Serum with Time Release Technology and their Pigment Perfecting Serum. Alchimie-Forever offers CLEAN FORMULATIONS: Their formulations are paraben-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free (they are PETA and Leaping Bunny certified), phthalate-free, dye-free, soy-free, nut-free. Free of sulfates, GMO, mineral oil, propylene glycol, and formaldehyde releasers.
For treating sun damage, these products are appropriate for all skin types.
Advanced Retinol Serum: Hydrates skin and visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. It contains POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANTS TO DEFEND ALL SKIN TYPES and Repair sun damage. The cocktail of antioxidants including apple stem cell extract, edelweiss, and green tea, further enhances the skin's youthful appearance and defends against signs of pre-mature aging caused by the sun.
The Pigment Perfection Serum is a 3 in 1 antioxidant serum to correct and prevent the appearance of fine lines, uneven pigmentation and dark spots. This Vitamin C serum CORRECTS, PREVENTS AND BRIGHTENS SKIN. Also contains: Alpha Arbutin - A plant extract that is a natural alternative to hydroquinone, a powerful brightening agent that targets
hyperpigmentation and uneven skin coloring; Bilberry Fruit Extract - A
powerful fruit extract, rich in antioxidants like resveratrol, that provides defense against the signs of aging; Sodium Hyaluronate - A humectant with excellent hydrating properties that revitalizes skin texture.
You can find these wonderful products at Precision Wellness Retail Locations and Online here
Chemical peels
Chemical peels are treatments that remove the top layers of skin to reveal the fresher skin below. The treatment involves applying a chemical that causes the top layers of skin to blister and eventually peel off. Some chemical peels are often uncomfortable, intense, can leave skin feeling raw and sensitive to the sun and require several days of down time. For this reason, we offer the Brightening Peel by Alchimie-Forever. This professional grade brightening peel exfoliates the skin, lightens the appearance of uneven pigmentation, and reduces the appearance of acne and breakouts, while it tightens and rejuvenates the skin. The uniqueness of this peel is the combination of AHAs, BHAs, and botanical ingredients to treat various skin conditions, and numerous skin types without the harshness and intensity of other chemical peels. Our Brightening Peel can be performed in weekly sessions with far less down time than other peels, while achieving the same results after several sessions.
For an Introductory Peel, to Book a Series of Brightening Peels for optimal results, or to schedule a consultation for the Brightening Peel, Book Here
Red light therapy/Low Level Laser/Photobiomodulation
Red light therapy can help repair sun damaged skin. Also known as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) or Low Level Laser, red light therapy uses the power of light to activate the body’s natural healing processes. More specifically, red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light that penetrate various layers of skin tissue to help sun damaged skin heal.
Red light therapy can help treat a wide variety of skin conditions, such as wrinkles, acne, burns, and scars. It works by stimulating and supporting the body’s own healing properties, such as improving circulation, controlling swelling, and boosting energy production within skin cells.
Green light Photobiomodulation therapy can treat dilated capillaries under-eye circles and hyperpigmented skin as well. Green LED Therapy is used to treat dilated capillaries, sagging skin around the eyes, dark circles, hyperpigmentation and sunspots, and even sagging breasts.
Blue Light Photobiomodulation: A common use for LED blue light therapy is treating sun damage and acne. The light can minimize and even remove some sunspots. The severity or darkness of the discoloration on the skin will affect the results, but almost everyone sees improvement. Blue Light Photobiomodulation also kills bacteria associated with acne. This is not the same "blue light" emitted from computer and phone screens.
To get the most out of your Photobiomodulation therapy sessions, prepare your skin prior to your appointment – be sure to follow any specific instructions provided when you made the appointment. Perform your skincare routine as usual in the days leading up to your appointment. Avoid irritating your skin with aggressive exfoliant products or exposure to the sun. Clean your face with a gentle, non-drying cleanser immediately before your appointment.
Avoid applying sunscreen or makeup with sunscreen before PBMT, as they may block the beneficial light wavelengths produced by the red light device. Do not apply any products containing retinol prior to red light therapy, as combining retinol with PBMT can cause unexpected skin reactions and irritation.
Red light therapy provides a wide variety of benefits for anyone hoping to maintain their youthful appearance.
Unlimited access to the Photobiomodulation Light Therapy equipment is available to members of Precision Wellness. It is $30.00 per session for non-members. Please schedule your appointment or consultation to learn more here.
Microneedling
Last but not least, there’s Microneedling.
This treatment is great for sun damage. It uses tiny needles to create small puncture wounds in the skin. The purpose of creating these micro-wounds is to trigger your skin’s own healing response, which is pretty powerful. It might sound scary, but microneedling is associated with little to no pain, and a topical numbing cream is applied before a single needle ever touches your face. The procedure is done using a specialized MicroNeedling Pen, and needles usually range anywhere from 0.25-2.25 mm in length.
Microneedling can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven texture, and hyperpigmentation. “The addition of platelet-rich plasma (or PRP) or exozomes makes the microneedling even more effective as the PRP or exosomes speed the healing process and promote skin cell renewal.
Generally, we recommend at least 3 sessions to see significant improvements, though even just one will show improvement.”
It’s not just sun damage that this treatment works well for. It also works well for post-breakout marks and indented acne scars.
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