One of the most common issues that our clients come to us with is pigmentation. If your skin produces too much melanin, then your skin becomes darker. This comes in a few forms, which you might recognise:
Melasma – this is believed to be caused by hormonal changes or imbalances, and can often occur during pregnancy.
Sunspots – sometimes called liver spots, are related to excess sun exposure over time, often found on places of high sun exposure such as the hands or face.
Inflammation – post-inflammation of the skin, a common cause for example is acne, can cause skin pigmentation.
Right now it’s winter in Sydney, and it definitely feels like it when you step outside, it’s been a cold winter this year! But that lures us into a false sense of security in terms of the sun (which is usually still shining bright). With most of us under stay home orders, we are often facing the world for our daily walk absolutely bare faced (who needs makeup when you’re not going anywhere or seeing anyone?), including no SPF.
The importance of protecting your skin from the sun all year round
Our lockdown skin care tip number two is most certainly WEAR SUNSCREEN AT ALL TIMES. Even on a cloudy day up to 80% of the sun’s rays can pass through the clouds, which we are all very conscious of in summer but it’s just as important and relevant in winter.
We all know that sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays and lowers your risk of skin cancer, but it has more benefits than the obvious.
Breakdown of collagen – the sun damages the skin’s collagen and connective tissue, leading to lines, sagging and wrinkles. Just remembering that SPF before you leave the house can make a HUGE difference.
Skin tone – we have already mentioned that exposure to the sun is one of the main causes of skin pigmentation on the face… by protecting your skin with SPF you are aiding in maintaining a more even and smoother skin tone.
How to protect your skin from the sun
Okay so we’ve convinced you to wear sunscreen, but first we want to make sure that you’re using the right sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens change the sun’s UV rays into heat and release heat from the skin. Physical sunscreens that contain active mineral ingredients such as Zinc oxide actually deflect the UV rays from the skin entirely.
Gone are the days that Zinc based sunscreens look like the white patch on a life guard’s nose at the beach! Physical sunscreens today are more elegant, and work well for all types of skin, such as sensitive skin or post-procedure following chemical peels or laser treatments.
Prevention rather than treatment
Of course at Advanced Rejuvenation we offer many different types of treatments for sun damage and skin pigmentation. From our bespoke chemical peel facials to microneedling, to the more advanced Cosmelan treatment. But prevention is a much easier way to tackle skin issues as a result of excess sun exposure (especially in a climate like we experience in Sydney). Plus, if you are undergoing treatment for skin pigmentation or sun damage, it is VITAL that you embrace a sun-safe daily skin routine when your skin is exposed to UV rays.
If you would like to know more about our sun damage and pigmentation treatments please contact us or you can book a consultation or treatment online. If you would like to order our Zinc based SPF products, please contact us and shipping can be arranged while the clinic is closed.
