“Healthy Skin Solutions as Unique as You”
Dr. Zein Obagi , over three decades defined the concept of skin health and development skincare, treatments and programs that truly can create truly healthy skin. He developed a wide range of therapeutic treatment protocols for everyone regardless of age, gender or skin condition. Zo uses the latest advanced biothechnology complexes, plant stem cell components and multi therapy delivery systems.
Summer has arrived and besides sweating more than we want to, we have to worry about getting sunburned while we are trying to enjoy the sun and summer. Sun exposure plays an important role in our overall health as well as the health of our skin. For one thing, it is important in the production of natural source vitamin D, and experts feel this is the best form of Vit D available; however, the current trend is to supplement with pills and rely on vitamin D in the diet as it can be difficult to know if you are really meeting your required dose of Vit D each and every day. For many of us, the question on our minds is: “To sun or not to sun?” Certainly exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun is something of a double-edged sword.
The skin is the largest organ in the body, acting as a shield against the external environment and also controlling the absorption of external substances into the body and subsequently into the blood stream. Most popular sunscreens recommended by physicians who don’t provide the exceptional products that Laser and Skin Care Medspa, Red Deer’s Med Spa offers, contain high concentrations of questionable chemicals.
Two types of sunscreens/blocks are available: chemical blockers, and physical barrier types (recognized as the healthier, safer choice). At Laser and Skin Care Medspa we carry a variety of physical barrier sunscreens/blocks for all skin types.
With so many products available and new products being introduced in to the market, it is easy to get confused when considering which sunscreen is best for you. To help you make healthier decisions for your skin, the Environmental Working Group recently tested 800 commercially available sunscreens/blocks. A dismal proportion, just 25%, of these products provided effective protection for the skin without including a heavy dose of potentially harmful ingredients. According to the groups recommendations, a safe sunscreen:
It is clear that the safer sunscreens are those that include zinc and/or titanium oxide to provide a physical barrier for UV rays.
Choosing the right sunscreen can feel like a guessing game but we offer some tips below to help you make an informed choice when it comes to protecting your skin.
Firstly, sunscreens with an SPF of just 8 or 15 are no longer considered acceptable. The depletion of the ozone layer over the last few decades means that experts now recognize that a minimum of SPF 30 is needed in a sunscreen (although any higher than SPF 50 is unnecessary). It is also important to realize that the SPF number refers only to UVB protection, so make sure you choose a product that is labeled as providing broad spectrum coverage for both UVA and UVB. Unfortunately, a high SPF does not mean that you can simply get away with applying less of the product. Indeed, most people tend not to use enough of the product for it to be effective: a minimum of one teaspoon is required for full face and neck protection, with up to two ounces of the sunscreen required to cover the rest of the body in most cases.
Second, it is also essential to realize that certain medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and if your skin care program contains Retinal, or if you recently underwent microdermabrasion or a chemical peel, make sure to use a higher SPF formula such as factor 40 or 50 to protect the skin and reduce the risk of pigmentation problems arising.
Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreens
Some sunscreens contain chemicals such as oxybenzone, avobenzone and octinozate that absorb UV radiation, while others (referred to as physical barrier or mineral sunblocks) include zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide to reflect most of the UV radiation and prevent its absorption. These two mineral ingredients are insoluble and sit on the skin to form a physical barrier.
It soon becomes quite clear which of these two options is the better for your skin as those chemicals that actually absorb the UV radiation break down much faster than the physical barrier sunscreen ingredients. In addition, there is a delay between the application of a chemical sunscreen and the time when it is actually able to start protecting the skin. This is because it can take some 20 to 30 minutes before the chemicals are properly absorbed by the skin and are able to then absorb and neutralize the radiation from the sun. Physical sunblocks, in contrast, are immediately able to block the absorption of
the UV rays as the zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide work by sitting on the top of the skin and do not require time to be absorbed before becoming effective.
UVA and UVB: What Do They Mean?
The idea of sun protection is to shield the skin from short term and long term damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. In certain areas of the world this radiation has become very strong as the depletion of the ozone layer has created extensive holes through which more ultraviolet rays can reach the Earth. There are approximately 20 times more ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays than ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays in the atmosphere at any one time. UVA rays are arguably more sinister as they can penetrate glass and are present no matter what the weather conditions. UVB rays, which people are more familiar with, are the cause of sunburn and are more prevalent during summer months, are stronger at higher altitudes, and are particularly problematic in areas of high reflection such as on snow or water (skiers beware). The combination of these dangerous factors is responsible in part for the irreversible skin damage that leads to premature ageing and various forms of skin cancer
Common Myths
Q: Sunblocks and sunscreens are essentially all the same – only the bottles are different.
Answer: There is huge variation in sunscreens/blocks in regards to UV protection, ingredients, and resistance to sweat and water. Look for sunscreens labeled broad spectrum against UVA and UVB and which indicate whether they provide mild, moderate or are highly water resistant. It is not necessary to buy a sunblock beyond SPF 50 as there are no further benefits for the skin beyond this level. The most recognized physical barrier sunblocks are zinc oxide followed by titanium oxide.
Q: Some sunscreens have been linked to cancer development
Answer: A chemical called oxybenzone, which is frequently found in commercial sunscreens, has been the subject of recent investigations due to concerns over a possible increase in the risk of cancer development with its use. However, the present data, courtesy of the Canadian Cancer Society, currently shows no evidence to support a causal link. What we do know is that protecting your skin from the strongest sun rays or entirely avoiding exposure at these times is the best defense against skin cancer. As mentioned earlier, the other concerns about chemicals sunscreens do suggest that it is better to switch to a formula providing a physical blocker such as: Total Defense and Repair SPF 50 with water resistance from Skin Medica and Zo Medical Sunscreen & Primer SPF 30. (stocked by Laser and Skin Care Medspa).
Q: The body needs sunlight for vitamin D
Answer: There is a lot of confusion surrounding the blocking by sunscreens of essential vitamin D absorption. Many experts agree that the amount of sun exposure needed to get the required daily dose of vitamin D is minimal and that most people (depending on their latitude and the time of year) are able to obtain this with just 15 to 20 minutes of sunlight exposure a day. This is considered sufficient except in cases where existing health problems may affect the use or synthesis of vitamin D in the body. Furthermore, over the last 30 years or so there have been significant increases in the fortification of foods with vitamin D (including dairy products) as well as the availability of soluble vitamin D supplements, providing some reassurance for those concerned about levels of intake.
Q: Sunscreens are only needed in the summer months
Answer: This is definitely a misconception; any time that you are exposed to sunlight, even inside your house or driving in your car, your skin is being exposed to harmful rays. Overcast weather and rainy days don’t protect you from UV rays as they still pass through clouds, just with a little less intensity. At Laser and Skin Care Medspa in Red Deer we provide a variety of sunscreens/blocks for all types of lifestyles, such as Total Defense and Repair SPF 50 with water resistance from Skin Medica and Zo Medical Sunscreen & Primer SPF 30.
Q: Light-skinned people are the ones that really need sunscreens or blocks
Answer: This idea is definitely wrong! Even the darkest of skins can burn, resulting in permanent adverse effects including hyperpigmentation and cystic changes in the skin. It is true that those individuals with olive tone or darker skin are less likely to burn but, unfortunately, they are still vulnerable to sun damage and sun-induced aging. For those with such skin types, the effects of photo aging can be seen as darker blotches and increased pigmentation. There is no such thing as a healthy tan: A tan is an indication of a skin reaction to excessive sunlight with the spectrum of damage seen as full-blown sunburn that goes from pink to red to blistering and resulting in the three degree phenomena of skin sloughing off.
Q: Sunscreens make my skin greasy and/or give me more acne
Answer: The greasiness of sunscreens has been a thorn in the side of the sunblock industry since such products first appeared. Throughout the decades many of the products’ formulations have improved but most of the over the counter commercial products (because they use chemical barriers) just cannot get away from that gooey feeling that people complain about. Unfortunately, for those with sensitive skin, acne, rosacea or psoriasis this is particularly problematic.
Fortunately, however, there are oil-free sunscreens and healthier options -the key is to know where to find them. Laser and Skin Care Medspa specializes in providing only therapeutic medical grade products that provide the necessary skin protection without the negative effects of greasiness and bacterial build-up in the skin
There is so much more to say about the science and marketing of sunscreens and sunblocks but I hope that this information answers the most “burning” questions you have and helps you to make a more informed choice when it comes to protecting your skin.
If you have any questions on this topic then PLEASE ASK US either by leaving a comment below or by contacting the Medical Spa directly at 403-347-8050. We are more than happy to help you figure out what is best for you to protect your skin from sun damage and preserve the health of your skin.
There’s snow on the ground and only the faintest signs of spring but even though you’re probably still bundled up in layer upon layer of clothing, now’s the time to be thinking about sprucing up your skin. Eating skin-nourishing foods and making use of powerful medical grade skin care now can make sure that when those sweaters and ski-pants come off you’ll have glowing, healthy-looking skin.
It’s also the perfect time to address pigmentation problems and to experience the benefits of laser hair removal as ultraviolet light radiation is still at a low level and you’ll want to avoid sun exposure immediately after treatment.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Laser hair removal using Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a lasting solution for unwanted hair and much more effective, comfortable, and long-lasting than shaving, waxing, and electrolysis. Able to treat larger areas of skin such as the back or legs, as well as the upper lip and under-arms, IPL laser hair removal is quick, pain-free and totally safe and there’s no need to let hair grow out between treatments like there is with waxing and shaving.
Pigmentation
Sunlight, environmental factors, medical conditions and the natural passage of time all contribute to the development of dark spots, skin pigmentation and freckles. Your face, hands and chest are the first parts of the body to show signs of ageing because they receive so much sun exposure. Age spots, skin pigmentation and freckles are forms of pigmented lesions. They are caused by excess production of melanin in the skin by cells called melanocytes.
Skin pigmentation (melasma) can also occur in pregnant women due to the associated dramatic changes in circulating hormones during pregnancy. In some cases, skin pigmentation in pregnant women disappears after child birth, but for some women the melasma may worsen with further light exposure and skin ageing.
Lasers and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) devices have been used with great success to remove problematic skin pigmentation. This state of the art technology selectively emits charged light energy to target the pigmented areas and this energy is absorbed by the melanocytes, sparing the normal surrounding skin. Topical remedies such as bleaching agents, glycolic acid, and retinoids can help in cases of minor skin pigmentation but as they only treat visible skin pigmentation they do nothing to treat the underlying cause of dark spots and pigmentation problems.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses wavelengths of heated light which are directly aimed at the pigmented spots. The advantages of this technology include the fact that the pigment is able to be targeted precisely without damaging the surrounding tissue. Skin pigmentation in the face, neck, chest and hands can be treated safely and effectively. The added benefit of the Cynosure IPL Technology is that is also works to activate cells in the skin called fibroblasts which stimulate collagen remodeling and new collagen production. This added benefit is due to the fact that the laser works with a full spectrum light beam and a unique application tip. Effectively, this helps to rejuvenate the skin, improving its texture, visibly minimizing pores and reducing superficial fine lines and wrinkles to reveal a more youthfully hydrated appearance.
Protecting the Skin
Once you’ve got your skin smooth and hair-free you’ll want to make sure that it’s protected from photodamage and age-related changes such as wrinkles, liver spots, pigmentation problems and abnormal vascularity (spider veins). This involves nourishing the skin inside and out with a combination of nutrition and medical grade natural skin solutions like vitamins C, E, and A.
Vitamin A – What’s in Your Skin Cream?
Retinoic acid (vitamin A) is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the cells of the skin from the visible signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and skin spots. Not all creams containing vitamin A are able to actually deliver this nutrient to the underlying skin cells however.
This is why it’s important to choose a medical grade formula like those available from Zo® Skin Health which penetrates the epidermis to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and boost the repair and regeneration of youthful, firm, and healthy-looking skin. The Zo Skin Care range is ideal to maintain fabulous skin.
Vitamin C – It’s Not All the Same!
Vitamin C is also vital for collagen production and applied topically it can improve the tone, texture and overall health of the skin. Vitamin C is a highly unstable molecule however, meaning that the vitamin C included in most skincare products has a very short shelf-life and is of practically no use for skin health. Luckily, there are forms of vitamin C, that are much more stable and able to penetrate deeper into the epidermis to support healthy collagen and melanin production (minimizing pigmentation problems such as dark circles), to brighten the skin and help repair UV damage.
Feeding the Skin
As well as ensuring that you choose medical grade skin care to spruce up your complexion, it’s also wise to ensure that your skin is well hydrated and nourished during these colder months. Try adding pomegranate juice into your morning breakfast regime to get a regular supply of anthocyanins and antioxidants. These strengthen blood vessel walls helping to maintain healthy circulation to oxygenate the skin and help clear skin toxins quickly and efficiently.
More Great Skin Foods
Try adding pumpkin seeds to your morning granola to boost levels of zinc, a mineral needed to produce collagen and elastin, to help skin heal and to maintain a healthy immune system to fight off skin infections and scarring. The oats in your porridge or granola are also great for the skin as these provide dietary fibre that helps lower inflammation and keeps the bowel regular to flush out toxins. Oats are also rich in silica, which is needed for strong and healthy skin, hair and nails.
Add a little flaxseed to your daily diet and this will also help control inflammation that can make skin look angry, red, and blotchy. The omega 3 found in flaxseed helps to keep cells flexible and strong and the fibre in these seeds even plays a role in balancing healthy hormones, which is great for anyone suffering from skin problems such as acne.
There are so many great foods for the skin but a good general rule is to eat organic, minimally processed, brightly coloured wholefoods that are high in fibre, plant-based proteins, healthy unsaturated fats, and antioxidants. That way, when you finally get to slip into that sun dress your skin will not only be smooth thanks to IPL laser hair removal but also healthy, happy and better protected against photodamage and pollution.
