SUN PROTECTION
The best protection against sun damage is prevention. Regular use of proper sunscreens and sun avoidance is crucial to effective results alongside treatments offered at Dermis Advanced Skin Care.
At Dermis Advanced Skin Care, we care about your skin and discuss sun protection with all our clients. We believe in doing everything we can to prevent skin issues before they can occur. Aging is a natural process, but without sun protection the skin can prematurely show visible signs of aging like fine lines or pigmented lesions.
Clients often say that they look “healthier” with a tan. But unfortunately, there is no such thing as a healthy tan. Tans are an indication of cell damage. Tanning beds are also not recommended. Tanning or excessive sun exposure is a sure way to prematurely age and dry your skin.
The sun produces both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays travel in longer wavelengths, penetrating as deep as the dermal layer of the skin, breaking down our collagen and elastin. UVA rays penetrate all year round, which is why sunscreen use every day of the year is recommended. UVA damage can take decades to appear on the skin, which is why these concerns are typically more stubborn to treat.
UVB rays are responsible for our skin burning with excessive sun exposure. These rays travel in shorter wavelengths, penetrating as deep as the basal cell layer of the skin, which is the deepest layer of the epidermis. The basal cell layer is also where pigment, known as melanin, is produced and distributed between the skin cells. Pigment is produced when there is exposure to UVB rays because by creating a layer of pigment (what we see as a tan), our body is trying to protect our internal organs. Unlike UVA rays, UVB rays are more intense in sunnier climates or seasons.
There are two main categories of sunscreens, chemical and physical sunscreens.
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the UV radiation and converting this energy to heat. Chemical sunscreens are not ideal for clients with easily flushed skin, as this heat can further irritate individuals who have redness concerns.
Physical sunscreens, also referred to as mineral sunscreens, use minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to create a shield on the skin’s surface which reflects the sun’s rays off of the skin’s surface. Another bonus of these minerals is that they are naturally anti-inflammatory, making them ideal options for individuals with broken capillaries, rosacea, and sensitive skin.
Sun Avoidance
Limiting sun exposure is a simple practice you can introduce to prevent further sun damage to the skin. Do not stay in the sun with unprotected skin. Make a habit of staying in shaded areas if possible and wear a broad-brimmed hat and clothing that covers the skin. Avoid being out during the prime times when the sun is very intense such as between 11pm and 4pm. Clients should speak to their physician about their options if they are rarely exposed to the sun and concerned about potential vitamin deficiencies.
Identify Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
Clients need to recognize if they are at higher risk of skin cancer. Having very fair skin, burning easily, a history of prolonged or repeated sun exposure or sun burns in the past, put clients at higher risk. Also, having had a previous skin cancer or having a family member with skin cancer, is also a greater risk. Extra care and strict sun precautions are then recommended. Moles, lesions or sun spots that are changing or are new, need to be checked for potential early skin cancers. Any moles that are abnormal in appearance, irregular in shape, border, or colour, should be checked as well. Also, beware of non-healing or bleeding lesions, crusty or rough scaly patches, especially in sun-exposed areas. These may be signs of Actinic Keratosis, which potentially may lead to skin cancers.
Protect Our Children: Avoid Sun Damage
Our children are precious. Please protect children against the harmful rays of the sun. Apply strict sun precaution with children, especially if they are under one year of age. Many skin cancers are caused by sun burns in early childhood. Sun damage is preventable.
Why Choose Dermis Advanced Skin Care for Prevention of Sun Damage?
At Dermis Advanced Skin Care, we carry a wide variety of medical grade sun-blocks with both UVB and UVA protection. We select sun-blocks that are effective yet will not clog the pores and cause break-outs. The protective ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide tend to be in higher concentration in medical-grade brands than in over-the-counter products. Furthermore, compliance is more likely since they do not feel overly heavy nor have an unpleasant odour like most other sunscreens. Compliance is crucial to effective sun-protection. We will provide a no-charge consultation to ensure that you choose a sunscreen that is best suited for your skin.
