Skin Protection

Sun protection

Protecting your skin from the sun is important because the sun emits ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Over time, UVR exposure causes many changes in the skin, including wrinkles, discoloration, freckles or age spots, benign (non-cancerous) growths, and precancerous or cancerous areas. In fact, most skin cancers are related to sun exposure.

UVR consists of two main subtypes: UVB and UVA. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and tanning. UVA rays are believed to be responsible for photoaging the damage that occurs to the skin from many years of exposure to the sun. Both UVA and UVB promote skin cancer. Regular use of broad spectrum sunscreens blocking UVA and UVB is very, very important. Additionally, sun protection recommendations emphasize certain behaviors including:

• Avoiding midday sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Wearing wide-brimmed hats and long sleeved shirts and pants
• Using a generous amount of sunscreen and reapplying it frequently (every 2-3 hours)
• Using sunscreens that have a sun protection factor (SPF) greater than 15 and that have UVA and UVB coverage
• Avoiding tanning beds
• Incorporating the use of a daily facial moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher each morning

Facial skin care for acne prone skin
If you are prone to acne, choose a cleanser specially formulated for acne. These products often contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which help to clear acne sores. Clean your face gently, as trauma to the acne breakouts may worsen the acne or cause scarring. Try to minimize your use of facial moisturizers. If you need to use a moisturizer, use only light, non-comedogenic moisturizers, which do not aggravate acne. Also, women should use an oil-free foundation, as heavy makeup or other cosmetic products that block pores may cause a flare-up of acne.

Facial skin care for mature skin
Roughness, wrinkling, irregular pigmentation (coloration), inelasticity, enlarged sebaceous (oil) glands, precancerous and cancerous lesions sometimes occur with aged and photoaged skin. Sunscreens and sun protection are important to prevent further progression of photoaging. Furthermore, smoking has been shown to accelerate aging of skin, so stopping smoking is important for good skin health. In addition, a well-balanced diet with or without a multivitamin helps the skin get the nutrition it needs to help repair ongoing damage from the sun and other environmental elements. Many topical non-prescription and prescription products are currently available for anti-aging purposes, including:

Tretinoin (Retin-A and Renova) Retin-A is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1971 to treat acne. It was discovered, however, that the drug also improved skin texture and color when used over an extended period of time. Tretinoin exfoliates (removes a layer of skin cells) the skin, helps even out pigmentation and minimizes fine lines. Many people can benefit from using tretinoin or related products at bedtime followed by a cream or lotion containing glycolic acid and using a sunscreen in the morning. Side effects of tretinoin include redness, peeling, tightness and swelling. You may be able to minimize these side effects by initially using tretinoin every other night and then over the first month gradually increasing the frequency to nightly. Tretinoin also makes the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Therefore, a broad-spectrum sunscreen must be used in the morning.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) Over-the-counter products containing alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, tartaric and citric acids) have become increasingly popular over the last five years. In the United States alone, there are approximately 185 manufacturers of products containing AHAs. Creams and lotions with AHA may help with fine lines, irregular pigmentation and age spots, and may help decrease enlarged pores. Side effects of AHAs include mild irritation and sun sensitivity For that reason, sunscreen also should be used every morning.

Beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) Salicylic acid also has been studied for its effect on photoaged skin. It exfoliates skin and can improve the texture and color of the skin. It penetrates oil-laden hair follicle openings and, as a result, also helps with acne. There are many products available that contain salicyclic acid. Some are available over-the-counter and others require a doctor's prescription.

Hydroquinone Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent that is used to remove hyperpigmentation, such as age spots and dark spots related to pregnancy or hormone therapy.