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Want to secure a sexy tan while protecting your skin from sun damage? Check out these must-do sun-time tips!
It’s a startling statistic, especially to a sun lover like me: 90% of wrinkles result from sun exposure.Say it isn’t so.
I bet I’m not the only one who enjoys baking outside—there’s nothing like sporting a gorgeously glowing Arizona tan, and I remain in denial that skin and sunshine simply don’t mix.
However, I’m in the process of facing the harsh reality, courtesy of Scottsdale Cosmetic Dermatologist, Dr. Susan Van Dyke. She (along with the rest of the world) says soaking in the sun can be a scary thing.
“The only way to avoid sun damage is by abstinence; avoiding the sun all together,” said Dr. Van Dyke.
But we all know that’s impossible living in paradise, coincidently dubbed the Valley of the Sun.
So Dr. Van Dyke is offering skin-safe tips as we embark on solid triple digit temps.
Of course, she says all Zonis should wear SPF 30 and reapply an entire ounce every two hours. Oddly enough, sunscreen is actually destroyed by the sun—that’s why it wears off fairly fast. However, that’s not the only solution to treating and preventing sun damaged skin.
Dr. Van Dyke suggests searching for products with high doses of antioxidants. When you’re in the sun, UV rays rev up the skin, and those molecules can be downright dangerous. To block those rays, it’s a good idea to apply antioxidant-rich products directly to the skin--those chemicals absorb the pesky molecules. The doctor encourages you to carefully inspect product labels, and look for things like Vitamin C, Kinetin, and Coffee Berry…all three are damage-fighting antioxidants.
“Most physicians offer proprietary products specific to sun damage,” she said.
You can also opt for the new generation of Retinal.
According to Dr. Van Dyke, the original Retin-A debuted about 30 years ago, and the harsh product was specific to acne. However, doctors found the ingredients also helped with wrinkles, so there are now over-the-counter re-vamped retinols perfect for prepping the skin for sun-time. All you have to do is apply the substance like a moisturizer.
But if you burn baby burn, Dr. Van Dyke’s to the rescue. She says there are number of treatments that can repair the skin after soaking in the sun.
“Photodynamic Therapy removes pre-cancerous cells, cures sunburns, and has cosmetic improvements.”
Sounds good to me!
The treatment involves a special chemical applied to the skin for about an hour. Consider the process a photo-facial; the treatment is activated by a light that allows the chemical to destroy the harmful cells. The $100+ treatment enables healthy skin to take over, and rids your body from sun spots, scaling, and wrinkles. You’ll experience slight redness and swelling after the procedure.
However, you can always try a simple laser treatment.
Dr. Van Dyke offers three levels of laser resurfacing treatments, and the process is bound to result in flawless perfection.
Younger sun goddesses can opt for the Clear and Brilliant treatment to repair and prevent sun damage. But if you’ve had years of sun-time, you’ll probably want to try the Fraxel, Active FX, and Deep FX laser treatments. Those can exceed $1000.
So if money grows in trees in your neck of the woods, bid a final farewell to those sunny reminders seemingly glued to your skin.
And remember, the doctor warns what you do now will impact your future. So for all those sun lovers out there (guilty as charged), ask yourself: is soaking in the rays now worth having wrinkles in your 40s?
Tan wisely.
For more information, visit: www.vandykelaser.com
