WITH sunny days come UV rays, which we all know can cause serious damage to our skin.
While you may long for that “healthy summer glow,” doctors warn that there is no such thing.
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Just a few episodes of sunburn as a child dramatically increases the risk of skin cancer, dermatologist Dr. Jonathan Kentley, ambassador for the Melanoma Research Alliance, told Sun on Sunday Health.
Meanwhile, nine in ten cases of melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, could be avoided by staying safe in the sun and avoiding sunbeds, estimates Cancer Research UK.
The bad news doesn’t stop there.
Dr Omar Tillo, medical director of CREO cosmetic surgery clinic in London, warns that UV rays can also wreak havoc on your appearance.
“UV rays from the sun can damage the skin in several ways,” he says.
“This includes accelerating the decline of skin fibers, collagen and elastin, which can cause wrinkles and sagging skin.”
Dr. Tillo adds that UV rays can also increase the number of active melanocytes responsible for producing melanin, causing age spots and pigmentation.
They can dehydrate the skin, causing dryness and damaging DNA, which can lead to the formation of precancerous cells.
As it is our largest organ, it is important that we take care of and protect our skin.
However, research by Nivea Sun and Cancer Research UK found that 21 per cent of us say we don’t take more care in the sun in summer or spring compared to winter and autumn.
But there are ways to care for sun-damaged skin to avoid any aftereffects. Notepads ready!
ALOE THERE: Even if you apply SPF30 religiously, your skin feels the effects of a day in the sun. Sasha Core, award-winning skincare expert, says: “Soothe your skin by applying a budget-friendly aloe vera gel.
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“Aloe vera has incredible cooling properties that help reduce redness and inflammation.
“You can find pure aloe vera gels at drugstores or online without breaking the bank.”
Aloe Pura Laboratories Organic Aloe Vera Gel (£3.49, Superdrug) is an affordable way to soothe your skin.
Aloe vera has incredible cooling properties that help reduce redness and inflammation
Sasha Core, award-winning skincare expert
WIDE BRUSH: It’s worth remembering to apply – and reapply – sunscreen meticulously to prevent skin cancer and skin damage.
However, the type of sunscreen is essential.
Dr Tillo says: “The most crucial step in preventing further damage is to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen containing UVA and UVB protection, with SPF 30 or higher, as part of your daily skin care routine.”
Additionally, if your sunscreen is part of your moisturizer, Dr. Tillo recommends using a moisturizer that contains other ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin.
These can help hydrate the skin and restore its natural moisture barrier, which can be compromised by sun exposure.
FEED YOUR SKIN: Whether in skin care or diet, antioxidants are the skin’s best friend.
While they were once an expensive addition to skin care, Dr. Tillo says, “There are now more affordable skin care lines that include antioxidant serums like vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, or green tea extract, which can help fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. caused by sun damage.”
Antioxidants are in abundance in foods.
Opt for dark chocolate (ideally 70% cocoa or more), green vegetables like broccoli and spinach, and purple foods.
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants – try adding a handful to a smoothie or spreading them on top of Greek yogurt for breakfast.
SET A TONE: Noticed some discolored spots on your skin as you age?
Abi Cleeve, founder of online store SkinSense, says: “After the risk of skin cancer, one of the long-term consequences of sun damage is pigmentation.
“Pigmentation is a major skin concern for many, as uneven skin tone can age.
“Brown pigmentation spots, or darker spots on richly colored skin, appear on the hands, face and décolleté areas and are specifically caused by UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the skin.
After the risk of skin cancer, one of the long-term consequences of sun damage is pigmentation
Abi Cleeve, founder of the SkinSense online store
“These rays stimulate melanocytes – dark cells that exist to protect us – and can become more visible.
“For some, the pigmentation is semi-permanent and disappears when they are out of the sun for an extended period. For others, it stays on all year round.”
In addition to using a high UVA filter SPF (ideally 90 percent or higher) year-round on your face, Abi recommends adding products that contain hexylresorcinol, vitamin C, retinol, or niacinamide to your nighttime skin-care routine.
She says: “All of this helps to lighten existing pigmentation and prevent further occurrences, as well as brightening and supporting the texture of the skin’s appearance.”
Dr. Tillo adds that there is also a prescription-only hydroquinone that can combat pigmentation. Visit your doctor to discuss.
GUT INSTINCT: You are what you eat, and probiotics are not only good for our gut, but they can also help our skin.
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In fact, our skin has its own microbiome – the set of microorganisms, good and bad, that are needed to stay healthy.
Probiotics are live bacteria that research shows can help reduce skin damage caused by UV rays.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, are essentially types of fiber that feed good bacteria and help them thrive.
Try Dr Vegan’s Skin Savior supplement (£24.99, drvegan. with) which contains a variety of probiotics, prebiotics and live botanicals designed to keep your gut and skin as healthy as possible.
BE CAREFUL WITH. . . Although retinol has been dubbed the Holy Grail when it comes to reversing signs of aging caused by the sun, Amish Patel, skincare specialist at Intrigue Cosmetic Clinic in Kent, advises reducing the use of retinol products in the summer. or before a holiday abroad.
He says: “Vitamin A, known as retinol, can make skin more sensitive to the sun.”
But if you use it in the summer, Amish recommends using sunscreen at all times and keeping your face covered to prevent damage.
The importance of sunscreen in your skin care routine
Dermatologist and skincare enthusiast Andrea Suarez – known as Dray – revealed why you should wear sunscreen.
The one thing you can do that will make the biggest difference — and this is important for all ages — is to protect your skin from the sun, Andrea emphasized.
“The vast majority of external aging is due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation,” she continued, not because you “aren’t using a jazzy serum or putting 90 different things on your face every day.”
“If you’re not in your 20s, start now.”
But she said using sunscreen alone isn’t enough. Andrea recommended that you also wear sun-protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves, and not spend too much time in the sun.
Doing this throughout your life—and year-round, not just during the summer or on sunny days—”will reduce the visible signs of photoaging,” Andrea said.
These are wrinkles, confused pigmentation and sagging skin.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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