It has long been known that excessive sun and ultraviolet radiation is bad for your skin. However, whilst public health campaigns have focused on the dangers of the sun in relation to skin cancer, did you know that the sun is responsible for 80% of premature ageing too? Plastic surgeons, dermatologists, cosmetic doctors and scientists now believe that understanding this photo ageing effect is key to finding solutions for sun damage and ageing and accounts for the huge growth area in photo biology medicine.
External factors
Whilst good genes may help keep you looking young up to a point, external factors are far more important. As cosmetic doctors and skin experts, we try to educate our patients about living a healthy lifestyle as a poor diet, sugary foods, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, stress, alcohol and smoking all play a part in the ageing process. However, the effects of ultraviolet radiation trump all these other factors.
What causes sun damage?
The principal contributor to sun damage (otherwise known as photo damage) within the skin occurs as a result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation in all it’s forms. This bombards the skin with tiny molecules called free radicals (examples include super-oxides) and sets off a complex chain reaction resulting in direct damage to key components within the skin such as collagen and elastin and a reduction in the formation of these components. Furthermore, the enzymes aiding the natural repair processes within the skin are also affected and are dampened down. These changes result in wrinkle formation (rhytids), dryness, patches of pigmentation, a dull complexion and ultimately the formation of skin cancers in the case of excessive sun exposure.
Prevention is the key
Minimising sun exposure and avoiding sunbeds altogether is the best approach to prevent premature ageing. In your quest to minimise the harmful effects of free radicals, use SPF sun creams effective against both UV-A and UV-B on a daily basis. It sounds boring but sun cream really is the most effective anti-ageing treatment out there. If you wish to be extra clever in your desire to minimise wrinkles and avoid leathery skin when older, use a high quality cosmeceutical skin range incorporating an anti-oxidant serum daily – look for combinations of Vitamins A, C & E – examples include Image MD & Murad to name but a few.
The good news
The good news is that there are many other treatments out there which can also help improve your skin health and minimise sun damage such as our wonderful youth boosting 1 Hour Face Lift from LA Beautiful. Chemical peels and the latest enzyme re-activators help re-balance pH and optimise enzymatic activity which are essential for exfoliation and improved clarity.Treatments such as medical microdermabrasion medical needling also help stimulate collagen and speed up the skin cycle.
Treatments are available nationwide and ask about our offer at Harmony Health and Beauty Clinic in Stratford upon Avon or O-Spa, Solihull. all 0333 577 5570 today or email hello@labeautiful.co.uk #labeautiful #matrix #rf