Protect Your Skin In The Sun

As we all wait in excited anticipation for warmer weather & sunny holidays, we wanted to reach out early with our annual plea to make sure that you are wearing sunscreen as a daily routine to avoid developing sundamage & hyperpigmentation. Keep reading to learn about our amazing gift to you this May.

Last year we saw an increased number of patients enquiring about & booking in for the removal of ‘age/sun spots’ & photodamage from long term, excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds.

Hyperpigmentation, which includes photodamage, melasma & post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, is characterised by an increased production of melanin. This increase in melanin then accumulates & gives a patchy, darkened appearance to the skin.

Naturally produced in the body by melanosomes, melanin provides some protection to skin cells & their DNA when we are exposed to harmful UV rays. Production of this melanin automatically increases when exposure to UV rays increases. Too much exposure leads to potentially irreversible DNA damage & the accelerated rates of photoaging we are repeatedly seeing in the clinic in patients of all ages.

Once hyperpigmentation from UV exposure develops, several treatment modalities may need to be employed, this can prove costly & time-consuming. Frequently, our patients have needed to undergo chemical peels, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) & the introduction of specialised, medical grade home skin care in order to reverse & prevent further skin damage/photoaging. In addition to these costly corrective measures, it is imperative that patients make lifestyle changes such as religiously wearing sunscreen, avoiding prolonged sun exposure & avoiding tanning beds in order to prevent the return of sundamage & hyperpigmentation.

Simple steps you can adopt right now in order to reduce the development of pigmentation, early onset ageing & skin cancer.

1. Wear sunscreen. Make sure to wear suitable sunscreen every day, even when you think you may not be exposed or at any significant risk from UV rays. Be sure to reapply sunscreen regularly throughout the day, even when it is cloudy.
2. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun when it is at its most intense throughout the day (between 10am & 4pm). Wear a hat to protect the scalp and face. Choose a shaded spot over sitting directly in the sun.
3. Avoid tanning beds. Concentrated doses of UV light exposure is a recipe for disaster. Many sunbeds give out more UV radiation that tropical midday sun.
4. Try and cover up in loose fitting clothing & wear a hat if possible.
5. Certain medications and speciality skin serums/treatments can increase your sensitivity to sun exposure. Be sure to adhere to any instructions you may have been given. Retinol (vitamin A) & alpha hydroxy acid serums should be stopped 1-2 weeks before increased sun exposure.

The difference between chemical & physical sunscreens.

Most chemical sunscreens are made up of small particles & nasty synthetic additives which are absorbed into the body potentially causing hormone disruption & other undesirable effects. Ingredients in chemical sunscreens have also been proven to pollute the sea and accelerate coral bleaching

Physical sunscreens contain large particle ingredients such as zinc & titanium dioxide, these safely remain close to the surface of the skin & are not absorbed systemically. Physical sunscreens do not contain chemical reactions in the sea & so pose no threat to our already endangered sea life.

AlumierMD sunscreens sold here in clinic, are completely mineral based, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) & SPF40+. They come both untinted & with a range of tints to suit all skin types. Our best seller by far, Sheer Hydration Versatile Tint, is our personal favourite to wear every day & doubles up as a luxurious moisturiser, giving the skin a beautiful, subtle glow, whilst protecting your skin from sundamage & hyperpigmentation.

For this month ONLY, all patients spending over £250 with us will receive a FREE Alumier sunscreen to ensure you are protected this summer! Worth £37.50.