Did you know that damage to your skin caused by the sun can make you look up to twelve years older than you really are? It’s true.
In many cases, sun damage, or hyperpigmentation as we call it in the biz can age you faster than wrinkles. Consider that the next time you leave your house without applying sunscreen, or before laying out to take in some sun at Gurneys.
That tiny bit of advice may save you a visit to my spa when you reach your thirties. Some of you reading this post might be thinking…oops! Too late.
Its’ never too late to correct sun damage. And on a positive note it is much easier to correct than deep wrinkles or sagging skin. That’s because sun damage lives right on the surface of the skin making it an easy target for lasers and IPL treatments. Facials and peels can help too. I always recommend a combination of the two.
Before we dive into solutions I want to say one thing- The best way to keep a youthful face is to avoid sun damage to begin with. I meet clients and talk to Skinbers (Skin Bar members) all day long about their habits and lifestyle. When I discuss protection from the sun most people think the next words out of my mouth will be, “you have to stay inside and always avoid the sun”. I can tell you that’s not true.
A sensible approach to sun exposure will dramatically reduce sun damage to your skin over a lifetime.
Follow these two tips and you’ll be golden:
Apply Sunscreen
And do it like it is your job. It takes about a second to apply and the benefits are enormous. Chose a sunscreen with Zinc oxide and Octinoxate for broad coverage. Make sure your sunscreen has an SPF of 30 or higher.
Moderate Sun Exposure
You don’t need to avoid the sun like a plague to steer clear of sun damage. Let’s face it we are in the sun everyday of our lives and we hardly notice. Walking to work or waiting for the bus, if you’re outside any exposed part of your body is absorbing sun. Be aware of the amount of sun you are getting when you lay out at the beach and from time to time sit under the umbrella or wear a hat. Your skin deserves a break.
If you follow these two simple steps you will be way ahead of the game.
If that ship has already sailed, (for those in my generation when we substituted sunscreen for tanning oil) we need to correct the damage that has been done. The options are plentiful and success rates are very high and very predictable. But, the treatment that is right for you depends on the amount of damage, your skin tone and how quickly you want results. I always recommend a consultation in our Fit-Skin-Photo-Booth with one of our expert Skinticians to guide you.
Below are the most effective treatments. They are time tested and proven:
IPL Photofacial
This is considered the gold standard for correcting sun damage. IPL or Intense Pulse Light zaps pigmentation that lives on the surface of the skin and whisks it away like magic. The discoloration will crust after the treatment and flake away after a couple of days. The result is striking especially for clients with a lot of damage. Results after the first treatment are always the most striking. But, IPL is not for everyone. IPL is not suitable for darker skin types. For optimal outcomes a series of 4-6 treatments is recommended.
Fraxel Clear & Brilliant
Clear & Brilliant lives up to its name. This laser treatment does more than an IPL because it resurfaces the skin in the process removing sun damage, evening skin tone and shrinking the appearance of pores. It’s a one stop shop for improving the overall quality of your skin in one service. And it is safe for all skin types. So, for clients who cannot opt for IPL, C&B is a terrific option. Optimal results with C&B are achieved with 3-6 treatments. Leave sun damage in your tracks and enjoy the radiant glow that only C&B can offer.
Facials &Peels
Facials and peels alone can yield results albeit much slower than lasers. But, they’re budget friendly and provide benefits well beyond one skin condition. I prefer facials and peels between the treatments discussed above. They speed cellular turnover assisting in speedier recovery after laser. These services also increase the effectiveness of laser treatments by preparing and cleansing the dermis. Thus providing an optimal canvas for the laser to work. I recommend a facial or peel between each session of laser scheduled about 2 weeks apart.
Maintenance is important after the damage has been undone. You should maintain regular facials to keep your pores tight and clean. And never forget the importance of peels to keep dead skin cells from accumulating and dulling the skin. Both will help maintain your reclaimed glow for many years to come!
If you want great skin, but you’re not sure where to start, let Skin Bar NYC help you. Our Skinticians can customize an at home routine that will help you achieve your beauty goals. At Skin Bar NYC we offer the ultimate skin care program in the form of memberships. Pay a monthly membership fee and chose from any of our services, based on your skin care needs. Our program is designed to ensure that you maintain a consistent skin care program. It’s like having a trainer for your skin. And it’s affordable- memberships start at $125. Call us today to find out more.
