Your Skin And The Effects Of The Sun

Sun damage of the skin, also known as photo damage can be either acute, as in a sunburn or more commonly, chronic, seen as gradual changes in the skin caused by an accumulation of sun exposure throughout one’s life. Chronic photo damage results in either a cosmetic change in the skin’s appearance called photo aging, or changes that are of medical and health concerns such as pre-cancerous lesions and skin cancers. The evidence is very strong that ultra-violet light is the cause of most of the changes that we consider to be associated with aging of the skin.

Sunshine, although essential for health and well being, is certainly a hazard for the skin. For many people it feels good to spend time outdoors and this makes it difficult to avoid excessive exposure to the sun. Most of the sun exposure we accumulate throughout our lives, is thought to be the effect of multiple short periods of time outside. If the ozone depletion continues this may also increase our lifetime exposure.

Those living in sunny areas are clearly at risk for photo damage, as are those with occupations that require working outdoors. Activities such as skiing, sailing, and gardening can contribute to chronic photo damage. Even one-time sun exposure, causing a tan, results in damage to the skin. There is no such thing as a ’safe’ tan.

Individuals with fair skin are clearly at greater risk although sun damage can occur in all skin types. Tanning studios are popular amongst many and this also adds to an accumulation of photo damage.

Smoking is another environmental factor that contributes to premature aging of the skin. Early recognition of sun damage will provide a better chance of reversal of the cosmetic appearance as well as reducing the number of skin cancers.

Protect Your Skin From The Sun

Protective Measures

From the Skin Cancer Foundation:

Protect yourself from UV radiation, both indoors and out. Always seek the shade outdoors, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. And since UVA penetrates glass, consider adding flat, tinted UV-protective film to your car’s side and rear windows as well as to house and business windows. This film blocks up to 99.9 percent of UV radiation and lets in up to 80 percent of visible light.

Outdoors, dress to limit UV exposure: Special sun-protective clothes with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) indicate how much UV radiation can penetrate the fabric; the higher the UPF, the better. A shirt with an UPF of 30, for example, means that just 1/30th of the sun’s UV radiation can reach the skin. Laundry additives can also be washed right into regular fabrics to provide higher UPFs. However, you can enhance your sun safety simply by learning to evaluate everyday fabrics’ sun protection qualities and choosing those with the best protection. For instance, bright- or dark-colored, lustrous clothes reflect more UV radiation than do pastels and bleached cottons; and tightly woven, loose-fitting clothes provide more of a barrier between your skin and the sun. Finally, broad-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses help shield the sensitive skin on your head, neck, and around the eyes — areas that usually sustain a lot of sun damage.

More tips on sun safety can be found in our Guidelines.

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and UV Radiation

Since the advent of modern sunscreens, a sunscreen’s efficacy has been measured by its sun protection factor, or SPF. SPF is not an amount of protection per se. Rather, it indicates how long it will take for UVB rays to redden skin when using a sunscreen, compared to how long skin would take to redden without the product. For instance, someone using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 will take 15 times longer to redden than without the sunscreen. An SPF 15 sunscreen screens 93 percent of the sun’s UVB rays; SPF 30 protects against 97 percent; and SPF 50, 98 percent. The Skin Cancer Foundation maintains that SPFs of 15 or higher are necessary for adequate protection.

Sunscreen Ingredients

Since both UVA and UVB are harmful, you need protection from both kinds of rays. To make sure you’re getting effective UVA as well as UVB coverage, look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, plus some combination of the following UVA-screening ingredients: stabilized a avobenzone or helioplexTM, ecamsule (a.k.a. Mexoryl™), oxyben-zone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. You may see the phrases multi spectrum, broad spectrum or UVA/UVB protection on sunscreen labels, and these all indicate that some UVA protection is provided. However, because there is no consensus on how much protection these terms indicate, such phrases may not be entirely meaningful.

There are currently 17 active ingredients approved by the FDA for use in sunscreens. These filters fall into two broad categories: organic/chemical and inorganic/physical. Most UV filters are organic: They form a thin, protective film on the surface of the skin and absorb the UV radiation before it penetrates the skin. The inorganic sunscreens are insoluble particles that reflect UV away from the skin. Most sunscreens contain a mixture of organic and inorganic active ingredients.

FDA-Approved Sunscreens
Active Ingredient/UV Filter Name	Range Covered
	UVA1: 340-400 nm
	UVA2: 320-340 nm
	UVB: 290-320 nm
Chemical/organic absorbers:
Aminobenzoic acid (PABA)	UVB
Avobenzone	UVA1
Cinoxate	UVB
Dioxybenzone	UVB, UVA2
Ecamsule (Mexoryl SX)	UVA2
Ensulizole (Phenylbenzimiazole Sulfonic Acid)	UVB
Homosalate	UVB
Meradimate (Menthyl Anthranilate)	UVA2
Octocrylene	UVB
Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate)	UVB
Octisalate ( Octyl Salicylate)	UVB
Oxybenzone	UVB, UVA2
Padimate O	UVB
Sulisobenzone	UVB, UVA2
Trolamine Salicylate	UVB
Titanium Dioxide	UVB, UVA2
Zinc Oxide	UVB,UVA2, UVA1

Right Now

To date, no criteria exist in the U.S. for measuring and labeling the amount of UVA defense a sunscreen provides. However, the FDA plans to introduce UVA standards within the next few years.

The FDA would demand that manufacturers assess the sunscreen’s ability to screen out UVA with a series of tests, then the FDA would assign the sunscreen a 1 to 4 star rating, with 1 star indicating the lowest and 4 the highest amount of UVA protection. Manufacturers whose products did not meet the minimum requirements would have to label their products “No UVA protection.” New labels with UVA and UVB protection ratings might look like this:

Meanwhile, for your skin’s sake, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day to protect against UVB, along with some combination of UVA-shielding ingredients. And be aware that no matter what sunscreen you use, some UV radiation still gets through to your skin. So always follow a complete prevention program that includes seeking the shade and wearing protective clothing.

If you follow our comprehensive Prevention Guidelines, you can enjoy yourself outdoors while staying protected from both UVA and UVB year-round, whatever the weather, wherever your locale.

Prevention Guidelines

• Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• Do not burn.
• Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
• Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.
• Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
• Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
• Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
• See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

The Benefits of Anti Aging Facial Masks

Skin wrinkles are caused by two main factors: heredity and the environment. There is little you can do about heredity and the natural aging process, but there is something you can do about the other causes. Pollution in the environment, sun exposure and stress can all lead to premature aging of the skin. Using anti aging creams is beneficial for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The creams are even more effective when combined with regular facials.

Facials counteract the effects of pollutants and sun exposure on your skin. Having regular facials will also help your skin absorb your anti aging creams better. Monthly facials improve elasticity, give your skin a smoother texture and improve the hydration of your skin. In addition, a facial will help remove dead skin which aids in the absorption of other creams or lotions used to combat wrinkles.

The products used for your facial will depend on your skin type. If you have dry skin, a moisturizing mask will be used to help add moisture to the skin. A rich moisturizer will also be used at the end of the treatment. Oil free products will be used for people with oily skin.

Facials can be done at home or by a professional in a salon or spa. Facial massage is very beneficial for wrinkles. The massage increases the blood circulation to the muscles of the face, which helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There are over one hundred muscles in the face and massage helps to relax these muscles. This is particularly effective for wrinkles that result from muscle contractions, such as laugh lines and worry lines.

If you want to enjoy the benefits of facial massage, visit a salon for your facial. Facial massage is best done by a professional who is knowledgeable in massage techniques. An inexperienced person may actually cause more harm than good. When the muscles are not massaged properly, they sag which can cause wrinkles to be more prominent. The massage is also very relaxing. At some salons and spas, the arms, neck and shoulders are massaged as well. This is great for stress relief.

The basic facial procedure starts by examining the skin. This will help the professional assess the skin and determine the products that will be of the greatest benefit. Steam is then used to open the pores and remove impurities from the skin. A gentle cleanser is then used to clean the skin. This step is followed by a toner that is appropriate for your skin type. A facial mask is used to soothe and refresh the skin as well as to add moisture. At the end of the massage, a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type will be applied.

Once you have had your facial, you will want to keep your skin in good condition at home. Use a gentle cleanser that is not drying in the morning and at night. Invest in good quality anti aging creams to minimize wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming. It’s important to choose creams that are good for your skin type and the condition of your skin. Read reviews to help you choose the best products for your skin.

Everyday skincare for dry, wrinkled or sun-damaged skin

Many of us, women especially, can relate to the phrase, “I just don’t have the time.” Conversely, if you grew up in any generation or location that frowned upon wearing makeup or using ‘beauty products’ as ‘unnatural’, you might have recently had second thoughts as those lines began to show a little too much, or those dark spots were just getting darker.

You have lived long enough to know “beauty isn’t everything,” but the truth is, when it starts to fade, boy, does it sure seem more important!
Regardless of the circumstance that finally brought you to shock the last time you looked in the mirror, the good news is; there are always second chances when it comes to taking care of your skin.

The older you are, the more important it is to get started with a quality skin care regimen.

Three simple steps can aid your skin back the face you knew yesterday. You might have heard this before, but here it is again…just in case you need a refresher.

1. Cleanse - but gently. Too many professional skin care products strip your facial skin of the natural elements it needs to keep your skin soft and supple. Using a mild cleanser with a very light, delicate scent that won’t leave your face feeling tight and dry. For damaged, wrinkled skin, a moisturizing cleanser or cream cleanser is best.

2. Exfoliate - Many exfoliating products using sand or walnut shells can be too harsh to use daily - try to find a gentle exfoliating product – a natural clay or organic oatmeal. Natural skin care products tend to be less irritating and will not only exfoliate the grime and pollution of the day from your delicate facial skin, they also moisturize, soften, and increase your body’s collagen and antioxidant production.

3. Moisturize - Use a dry skin care anti aging lotion each morning after cleansing. Excellent high quality moisturizers not only replace vital moisture in your face but leave it soft and smooth. Additional moisture will also supplement the antioxidants your skin needs to produce to stay looking healthy and young. If you use an SPF of in your moisturizer or foundation, it will also help protect your face from sun damage throughout the day.

One more thing…

The goal of your skin care routine is to address wrinkles, dark spots and dryness with products that deliver lighting, moisturizing and anti-wrinkle ingredients.
It’s not enough to get a facial to keep your skin clear and beautiful. You need to have a great home skin-care routine. I never hurts, to get a professional facial to deep cleanse your skin at least four times a year, as the seasons change. Every 4-6 weeks is ideal. But please, throw away the grocery-store soap and use quality skin care products that are right for your skin type. Also, if it still has to be said, wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days and in the winter. Use a good quality, high-SPF sunscreen. Sun damage is the single most important cause of premature aging. Last, if you have a tendency to engage in skin-damaging habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and tanning booths, please try to reduce or eliminate these habits altogether.

Remember, you want your skin to reflect and shine the beauty that we know you already are on the inside. Make all those years of wisdom and experience show on the outside as well.

Anti-aging Skin Care Tips

If you want to avoid the early signs of aging, there are plenty of anti aging skin care products available for you. You can also look up tips and guides on how to make your skin firmer and healthier. On the other hand, there are treatments for anti aging, which are easy to follow. These treatments will not take up much of your time. The best skin care treatment does not necessarily involve expensive products. You do not have to buy costly products, in order for you to prevent wrinkles from appearing around your eyes and your mouth. Anti aging tips include simple reminders such as drinking water constantly. As simple as this step, you will be able to keep your skin healthy.

Exposing your skin to an appropriate amount of the sun’s rays is one way of preventing premature aging. Sunlight is capable of providing your skin with vitamin D, which is also great for keeping your teeth and bones healthy. However, too much sun exposure can cause skin problems. This is true especially if you expose yourself to sunlight between 9 AM to 4 PM. During these times, the heat of the sun is harmful and can lead to skin cancer and heat stroke. Minor problems caused by too much UV rays exposure include skin rashes, blemishes, and dark spots on the skin.

If you need to go out, when the sun is really hot, you have to keep yourself protected. You should wear a hat to keep your face away from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Sunscreen lotion and cream are anti aging skin care products that keep UV rays from penetrating into the inner layers of your skin. However, you have to remember that there are some products for anti aging that are harsh for your skin. One of the best ways to know if the product is good for you or not would be to check its ingredients. You should be aware of products that contain petroleum and alcohol-based ingredients.

Another anti aging tip is to take in much filtered water. Avoid tap water since this contains chemicals that are harmful to your body and to your skin. The sad fact is that there are several individuals that do not consume enough amounts of fluids that are needed by the body. This can lead to dehydration and premature aging. Aside from anti aging skin care products, water is a great way to keep your skin looking radiant. To make your skin healthy and supple, you have to consume at least eight glasses of water everyday. This anti aging guide is better than any kind of skin care product.

You also have to remember that a proper diet is a good anti aging tip. Organic leafy greens are great for maintaining the health of your skin. Green and leafy vegetables are comprised of antioxidants that prevent free radicals from damaging your systems. Free radicals are capable of destroying your cells. Once your cells are damaged, this can cause early symptoms of aging like wrinkles.

Face creams, hand and body lotions, and moisturizers are among the most effective anti aging skin care products. They support your body’s production of elastin and collagen, which help in making your skin appear younger. What is more, these products even out dark spots on your skin and face, and they eliminate wrinkles and fine lines.

Why is Shea Butter important for Anti-aging?

Pure Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the Shea-Karite tree. It is found in the tropic zones of Africa.

It is yellowish, or ivory-colored. It is the natural fat that gives African Shea butter its unique healing properties. It is especially known for its cosmetic properties as a moisturizer and emollient. In addition, it is a popular ingredient in many other products.

For example, it far superior to cocoa butter and other vegetable butters. It is also edible. It is used as a cooking oil in Africa, and is used as a substitute for cocoa butter in the chocolate industry. Actually, it is considered to be superior to cocoa butter and other vegetable butters.

The benefits of African Shea butter products also have outstanding anti-inflammatory properties. It has been found to be useful to combat cases of arthritis and of rheumatism. Further, research has discovered that it can be used even as a nasal decongestant.

It has been proven to be helpful in cases of eczema and dermatitis and can help reduce skin bruising and soreness. Add to this, treating skin conditions such as burns, rashes, fading scars, eczema, severely dry skin, and in reducing the irritation of psoriasis. And, it even provides limited UV protection against the sun.

It is also an integral ingredient in many expensive moisturizing skin products. Moreover, it is used in high quality hair conditioners to add moisture to dry hair, and reconditioning split ends. In addition, hairdressers use it to hold hairstyles and relax curls. It can used to moisturize dry scalps and even encourage hair growth.

It is a key ingredient in the most reputable anti-aging beauty products. Shea butter actually helps stimulate collagen production in the skin, making it most effective in facial wrinkle treatment. An anti-aging product that is magically available to us.