ACT YOUR S.P.F. AGE
The month of May signals the beginning of Summer and if this weather is anything to judge by we’re in for a good one. Getting the balance right between a healthy dose of sunshine and a skin damaging session can depend on age appropriate sun care.
TEENS
Unfortunately most ageing related sun damage is laid down deep in the skin pre the age of 20. Shocking as it is, teens are also the age group least likely to take care to wear sun protection, thinking of course that damage will never happen to them. Boys are just as much in danger as girls as early sun damage can lead to skin cancers. Deep skin damage happens when the skin is burnt or from prolonged exposure. Because it’s important for general health to get regular sunshine, it’s equally important to protect the skin.
Encourage teens to use a protection cream that won’t block up their skin or cause spots -another reason they can resist SPF’s, try this oil quenching Persimmon Cantaloupe S.P.F. Encourage a routine of applying sunblock to the main areas that are prone to sunburn; face, ears, neck-back and front, so that at least if they won’t be seen dead applying it in front of friends-they are pre-armed with some protection!
20’s
During the early 20’s there are rarely outward visible signs of sun damage, so it can seem like it hasn’t happened. Not so, there are no exceptions unless you have never been sunburned. Sunburn is the main cause of skin damage and can manifest itself as premature aging, it also pre-disposes the skin to changes that may become cancerous sooner or later in life.
We are keen to have a healthy approach to the sun as it provides vital Vitamin D, a pro-hormone responsible for countless activities in the body including the immune system-if you have regular infections throughout winter -you may not be getting enough. 20’s sun care prevention should include a range with anti-oxidants to mop up free radicals and should include a daily SPF that prevents breakouts, won’t clog the skin and will bathe the skin with anti-oxidants. As you approach late 20’s it is essential to begin having regular monthly facials-this way any signs of sundamage related skin changes can be noted and treated.
30’S-40’s
The tricky 30’s is the time when the first signs of sun ageing become visible: you might see more underlying redness, tiny thread veins appearing and perhaps some mild discolouration, dullness or dehydration. . If you have over done the sun in the past you may need to tackle it with a course of skin peels to address signs of dullness, accumulated skin cells and overall loss of tone. Results can be maintained with a glycolic night serum which could be alternated with a replenishing night cream, meanwhile always applying a daily SPF for your skin type. Bright Skin SPF 30 assists in maintaining a bright complexion. Having regular facials will ensure your therapist can suggest moving to treatments and skin care that aim to correct signs of age related sun damage.
40’s
When you hit this decade, you may notice some deeper changes like open pores with sun induced signs becoming more pronounced. There might be more noticeable neck signs like redness or pigmentation forming across the neck; these can be treated with IPL and Laser This is the time for more intense home care like booster serums and a detailed night care . You may want to layer more sun protection such as a BB Cream with SPF applied on top of an underlying SPF moisturiser to include neck and décolleté. During Summer it’s wise to begin to use specific skin care to reduce inflammation in the skin such as the Stone Crop Hydrating Mist.
50’s
50 + needs 50+ SPF! Use daily on face and neck and décolleté! Building on the previous advice it’s now also important to add regular skin clinic treatments if possible; skin toning and muscle strengthening treatments help to keep muscle and supporting structures under the skin healthy and vibrant. If you can’t do in clinic treatments ensure you look out for face exercises and do plenty of facial massage morning and evening with a skin firming cream or oil. Hydration is also key. Sun damage may be evident on face and neck and décolleté. Introduce rich day creams with retinol alternative ingredients to address sun damage signs and use night care to replenish lost moisture and enrich the skin with repairing nutrients.
.
ALL AGES
Stay sun safe. Never get your skin burned, especially if you are under 20. Always have any skin or mole changes checked. Do get some sun to endure adequate Vitamin D levels. Always use SPF, wear sun hats and sun glasses. Choose SPF for your skin type that is comfortable for you, the more comfortable it is the more likely you are to wear it daily. Remember if you do have sun damage there are plenty of treatments to address the skin changes to improve the complexion to a more hydrated and healthy looking skin.
