SUNSCREEN
PROTECTION now~minimizes~CORRECTION later
Many of the high SPF sunscreens use chemical filters to block UVA rays, which may offer only marginal protection. The best way to make sure you are protected is to reapply sunscreen often. You just can’t put it on in the morning and forget about it. It doesn’t matter if it claims an extremely high SPF, after a few hours it’s gone.
SPF, an abbreviation for sun-protection factor, is a number such as 15, 30, or 50 that indicates the degree of sunburn protection provided by sunscreens. SPF is related to the total amount of sun exposure rather than simply the length of sun exposure. It is a common mistake to assume that the duration of effectiveness of a sunscreen can be calculated simply by multiplying the SPF by the length of time it takes for a person to suffer a burn without sunscreen, because the amount of sun exposure a person receives is dependent upon more than just the length of time spent in the sun. The amount of sun exposure depends upon a number of factors including the length of exposure, time of day, geographic location, and weather conditions.
Whether you choose to use a high SPF sunscreen or not, their days may be numbered. The FDA, which is working on a new labeling system for sunscreens, says it plans to limit SPF claims to 50+ when the changes are finalized, possibly by the end of the year.
A common mistake is applying too little sunscreen, which can drastically reduce the effective SPF of the product. About 1 ounce (5-6 teaspoons) of sunscreen is recommended to cover the entire body. Further, sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours when staying outdoors for a prolonged period of time. Sunscreen should also be applied at least 30 minutes before going outdoors.
People with sensitive skin who burn quickly and must spend a lot of time outdoors should always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen. We recommend an SPF of 40 or more if an extended amount of time will be spent outside.
Reflections Skin Spa carries many sunscreens including sunscreens for children, individuals with sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, oily skin, and dry skin. Our aestheticians will be glad to consult with you on the sunscreen that would best suit your skin type and needs. Whether it’s a sunscreen for everyday wear for limited outdoor time or a sunscreen appropriate for fun in the summer sun-beach vacation time, Reflections Skin Spa has the right sunscreen for you.
Can I get a SHOW OF HANDS
During a cosmetic consultation most of the conversation is focused on facial rejuvenation which leads to a discussion about the neck
and as there are many options for both of these areas, there are about as many options for the HANDS. Too many times the hands are forgotten in the process of reaching for a younger-looking you. Why let your hands give your age away!
The telltale signs of hand aging are thin skin, wrinkles, brown spots, veins and boney appearance. Sun exposure is the main culprit for most of these conditions and our hands are often forgotten about when the daily regimen of sunscreen is applied. Don't forget even while driving your car your hands are exposed to the sun through the windshield when your hands are on the wheel. This exposure causes brown spots and loss of collagen leading to wrinkles and more easily visible veins on the backs of your hands.
The first thing toward correction is protection! Stop further damage by wearing a good UVA and UVB blocking sunscreen. You may choose from several options here at Reflections Skin Spa where your aesthetician would be glad to help you.
The next thing you can do for your hands is to be dedicated to a home regimen. Set up a free consultation with one of our aestheticians that will coordinate a home regimen to meet your specific needs. Generally, a good regimen will include a bleaching agent to lighten the dark spots, cream with growth factors to stimulate collagen, antioxidants and a sunscreen. The results will be gradual, but with continued, dedicated use you should see improvement.
For those who want to take a more aggressive, faster route, there are medical procedures that can be discussed during a consultation. Fraxel laser resurfacing or intense pulsed light (IPL) will help reduce brown spots and any redness and improve the skin texture. Improvement will be seen with two or three treatments, but more treatments may be required to reach the desired result.
The most telltale sign of age in the hands is the boney appearance which is caused by volume loss. This can be treated with dermal fillers that will restore volume and smooth out the skin. Dr. John Binhlam at Advanced Skin & Laser Center can consult with you on which of the many fillers available that would best suit your particular need.
So remember after you've rejuvenated your face and neck, don't let your hands tell the truth!
WEATHER or Not!!
The weather is cooler, leaves are changing colors and soon they will be dry and falling to the ground. Just as the change in weather affects nature it affects our skin. Hydration is vital to healthy skin year round, but for me personally, the colder weather is brutal to my already dry skin. If you are already on a skin care regimen you may need very little change if any. However, if you aren't on a daily regimen I can guarantee that you will need to incorporate a few products along with your cleanser and sunscreen.
Speaking of sunscreen....just because the temps are lower and the sky may seem a little more overcast, don't think your sunscreen can be put away with the bikini! The sun still rises in the morning with the same damaging rays! Sunscreen is or should be a part of your daily routine every day year round.
Our aestheticians at Reflections Skin Spa can go over your current regimen with you and after a thorough analysis suggest what would be the best products for you to use to be on the defense before the colder weather affects your skin.