South Africa is one of the harshest regions in the world with over 2500 hours of sun exposure. Secondly, the sun in South Africa is incredibly strong – far stronger than in Europe, especially during the spring and summer months. … The African sun is harsh most of the year.
Any sun exposure can damage your skin. That’s because the sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) light that damages your skin and causes sunburn. Over time, these rays can lead to wrinkles, dark spots, and other problem areas.
The result: You can add years to your looks. Research shows that UV exposure is the reason behind 80% of your skin’s aging.
Is there any way you can turn back the clock? Fortunately, experts are shedding light on ways you can reverse some problems caused by the sun. It’s not possible to erase all of the damage, but there are some steps you can take for these common conditions.
Sunburn
By the time your skin turns pink and painful, most of the harm is already done. Sunburns happen when there’s damage to the DNA in your skin cells. Over time, these injuries add up and lead to physical changes like wrinkles and skin cancer.
While you can do plenty of things to ease the pain, there are only a few ways to counteract the damage before it’s there for good. Wear sunscreen – and reapply it at least every 80 minutes – and try to stick to the shade. You’ll protect yourself from future UV radiation and give your skin’s enzymes time to repair some of the damaged DNA.
Dry Skin
The sun can parch your skin, leaving with you rough patches. But you don’t have to be stuck with the lizard look. Gentle exfoliating the skin to remove the top layer of dead skin cells can reveal the soft skin beneath. Then moisturize with lotion. If you’re sunburned, skip petroleum-based products, which trap in heat and can clog pores. Drink plenty of water during the day to add in moisture back in to the skin.
Wrinkles
UV rays can break down collagen and elastin, two proteins that keep skin firm and smooth. Try these treatments to iron out those wrinkles:
Beta-carotene: Research shows that this antioxidant makes skin more supple and flexible and reduces sun-related wrinkles. You can find it in fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, spinach, and cantaloupe, or in a supplement.
Retinoids: These compounds boost the amount of collagen in your skin. Your dermatologist can prescribe a cream or a serum, such as tretinoin (Renova, Retin-A). You can find a less potent form, retinol, in many of the Lamelle products.
Chemical peels: This treatment removes damaged cells from the upper layers of your skin. Options can range from alpha-hydroxy or salicylic acid. It is important to do this with a professional who knows exactly how long to keep the acid on without damaging the skin.
Microdermabrasion: This technique uses tiny grains, crystals, or diamond tips to remove the outer layer of skin. It also prompts the growth of collagen.
Microneedling:We use tiny needles to penetrate deep into the Demis layer of the skin, which causes the collagen to regenerate the skin from the inside out. The Dr Pen technology is far more effective than the old Derma Rollers which could only go as fast as the therapists hand movement, the pen is faster and has adjustable depths which are set based on the skin damage and desired outcome.
Laserlicious offers a variety of treatments which can assist in treating sun damaged skin, pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles and microdermabrasion treatments for deep repairs, topical and surface improvements.
Contact us on info@laserlicious.co.za to book a free no-obligation consultation.
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