Repair (and Even Reverse) Signs of Sun Damage

source: http://www.skincancer.org/healthy-lifestyle/anti-aging/repair-and-even-reverse-signs-of-sun-damage

Are you concerned about wrinkles, brown spots, and leathery skin? Following some simple guidelines from The Skin Cancer Foundation can help you repair and possibly even reverse these signs of skin aging, up to 90 percent of which are caused by the sun.

Overexposure to the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet (UV) light can also lead to skin cancer and precancers like actinic keratoses (AKs). Since sun damage accumulates over time, it’s never too late to start a sun protection regimen.

Although most people know enough to wear sunscreen when the sun is beating down, “Protecting your skin from the sun does not end with the summer months,” says Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, a New York City dermatologist and educational spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation. “By carefully practicing sun protection year-round, you can prevent further sun damage and may even reverse some of the damage already done.”

To help stop or even reverse sun damage to the skin:
1.
Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Sunscreen is one of the keys to radiant, youthful-looking skin. Daily use may even lower your long-term risk of skin cancer. By reducing your daily sun exposure, sunscreen allows your skin time to heal and your immune system the chance to repair some existing damage.

2.
Exfoliate. The buildup of stratum corneum (the dead, outermost skin cell layer) can make skin appear blotchy and uneven. Also, remnants of self-tanning products can collect in typically dry areas (such as the elbows), causing the skin to lose its luster and appear “dirty.” Loofahs, scrubs, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)* cleansers, and home microdermabrasion kits (in which tiny crystals are sprayed on the skin) can remove dead skin cells, leaving skin looking smoother.

3.
Bleach the brown spots. Skin lightener does not actually make the skin white; it simply helps to lighten accumulations of unwanted color. Dr. Sarnoff recommends using an over-the-counter product that contains kojic acid in combination with hydroquinone, Retin-A*, and a mild steroid cream, which is useful for stubborn brown spots and blotchy brown discoloration.

4.
Hydrate. Summer exposure to sun, chlorine, and salt water can dry out your skin – even the heels of your feet can be affected. Try a hand and body cream, and, for the heels, a moisturizing foot cream. A moisturizer with AHA or facial serum with hyaluronic acid can plump up dry skin around the eyes, making skin instantly appear less wrinkled. Continued use may help stimulate the production of new collagen, a protein that helps give skin its texture and appearance.

5.
Try a light-emitting diode (LED). Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are electronic light sources, and some home units are available. Dr. Sarnoff recommends a low energy LED called the Tanda, which can help promote collagen production, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and improve acne.

6.
Visit a dermatologist. Professional laser treatments can improve everything from blotchiness and discoloration to wrinkles. Photodynamic therapy – laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) in combination with a topical solution known as Levulan (aminolevulinic acid) – can remove scaly patches of actinic keratoses from your skin.

* These products can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Use with caution! For more information about sun sensitivity, please see this article.

Skin Care by Donna: An Organic Skin Spa

“Devoted to helping you look and feel beautiful!”

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Product Review: Clarisonic Classic Cleansing System

Have you heard of the Clarisonic yet?  You need to.

The Clarisonic Skin System is a water-proof, hand-held device with a vibrating brush head. You apply a cleanser then move the brush on your face in a circular patter. A built-in timer tells you when to move from one face section to the next.

What is it: Sonic skin cleansing. Sonic technology first changed the way we clean our teeth–now it’s changing how we cleanse our skin! This cleansing method is so gentle and effective, it is used and recommended by leading spas and dermatologists.

Who is it for: All skin types.

Why is it different: This sonic micro-massage gently cleans pores–loosening dirt, makeup and oil as it reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles. It’s proven to remove six times more dirt, sebum, and makeup than traditional, superficial cleansing, allowing your serums and moisturizers to absorb better. Skin is left soft, pampered, radiant, and younger looking–without harsh abrasion or chemicals. It’s so gentle, you can use it twice daily. You can also use it on your face, decollete, and body, if desired.

How do I use it: Use for one minute once a day, every day. It’s waterproof, so you can even use it in the shower or tub. Pair it with any non-abrasive cleanser.

Think you’ve removed all your makeup with your cleanser? There is probably makeup, dirt, and other impurities left behind after you cleanse that you can’t even see. The sonic frequency moves Clarisonic’s soft, gentle brush back and forth at more than 300 times per second, thoroughly clearing pores and skin surface  The Clarisonic  goes beyond cleansing by using sonic technology to gently yet deeply cleanse pores of environmental toxins, makeup and bacteria-without abrasion or harsh chemicals.  The Clarisonic development team, led by the primary inventor of the cutting-edge Sonicare® toothbrush, is committed to creating new ways to shed years off your skin. The easy-to-use daily devices use advanced sonic technology for results that are nothing short of impressive. With regular daily use the Clarisonic reduces dry skin patches, oily areas and blemishes and immediately leaves skin feeling and looking smoother.

My thoughts:  I LOVE my Clarisonic.   I’ve become addicted to my sonic toothbrush for the deep clean it gives my teeth and the Clarisonic is no different on my face.   I use it each night to cleanse my face and remove makeup.  Nothing I’ve ever used compares to the amazing clean along with the ease of use.  It literally takes just one minute to deep clean your face each night.  One minute!  Best minute you’ll ever spend.

In my professional opinion:  I recommend the Clarisonic to everyone!  Who couldn’t  benefit from a cleaner face?  The sonic action deep cleans pores while the brush cleans the surface and assists in exfoliation.  Both keys to a clear, smooth complexion.  I recommend using the device just once per day and I recommend it for the removal of makeup as it truly does a superior job.

In addition to the Classic model, the is the Plus model which is for the body as well, and the Mia, a smaller size version perfect for travel.  Any model is recommended.  The Plus model is great for pre-tan body exfoliating.

Clarisonic is proud to support breast cancer research. With every Pink Clarisonic purchase, a donation is made to help fund the fight against breast cancer.  Think Pink…..October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October starts tomorrow!  What a great way to help yourself and others at the same time!

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Microdermabrasion

 

 

Microdermabrasion treatments make use of a minimally abrasive instrument to gently sand the skin, removing the thicker, uneven outer layer. This type of skin rejuvenation is used to treat light scarring, discoloration and sun damage and there’s even microdermabrasion for stretch marks.

There are two kinds of microdermabrasion treatments. One approach involves a hand-held device that streams tiny crystals across your skin. An attached vacuum simultaneously suctions those exfoliating crystals back into the machine, along with the dead or loosened skin. The newer approach uses a diamond-tip wand that is gently moved across your skin to exfoliate.

Each treatment will last about a half hour. You may feel a mild scratching as the procedure removes the superficial skin cells. Additionally, you’ll notice a vibrating sensation similar to a massage. There is also a vacuum mechanism to lift off the dead skin.

Microdermabrasion can:

Eliminate age spots and black heads.

Eliminate hyperpigmentation (patches of darkened skin).

Exfoliate your skin, resulting in a refreshed appearance.

Lessen the appearance of stretch marks.

Reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Reduce or eliminate enlarged pores.

Treat acne and the scars left by acne

 

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