Like all of your other vital organs, the skin on your body is subject to the lifestyle you live. The more you take care of it, the better it will take care of you.
In the last 5-10 years, the beauty industry has made headway in educating and helping people understand how best to care for their skin, both on the surface and at a cellular level. from the importance of sunscreen use to treatments such as Fraxel laser in Melbourne, best suited to your specific skin type or concern.
Here in Melbourne, we have such a beautiful, broad multicultural society. People of all races and ethnicities call this stunning city home, and for a good reason. We have bustling laneways, fantastic gardens for your perusal and some glorious weather, perfect for entertaining.
Having such a multicultural society means we have ethnicities with all types of skin, some who are historically made for the sun and some not so much. Those who have a deeper skin tone tend to see less immediate physical damage from the sun, whereas people with fairer skin tend to see more damage to their skin after just a short amount of time in the sun. This further affects the treatments that may be required to tackle skin damage.
What causes skin damage?
The most common type of skin damage is photoaging – this really is just a fancy way of saying “sun damage’. The sun, whilst fantastic for vitamin D absorption and a happiness boost, can be very damaging if you’re not proactive in protecting your skin.
Ultraviolet light
Ultraviolet (UV) light is invisible to the human eye, but it can do some serious damage that isn’t always readily seen. There are three types of UV light;
- UVA – Damages the skin on all levels and is more damaging on a cellular level
- UVB – Causes surface damage; it’s the kind that gives you that dreaded sunburn
- UVC – Is absorbed by the ozone layer and the atmosphere, so it really doesn’t pose much of a health risk.
Surface damage
When UV light penetrates the surface of the skin, it can cause the usual sunburn and freckles and, in turn, signs of premature aging, such as wrinkles and uneven skin texture. UVB is what most commonly causes these.
Cellular damage
UVA rays penetrate through all different layers of the skin, affecting the elasticity of the skin by breaking down collagen and can cause broken capillaries (such as rosacea or spider veins).
Using sunscreen with at least SPF30+ (Sun Protection Factor) regularly throughout the day, even when it is cloudy, will protect your skin from these harmful UV rays whilst not inhibiting your precious vitamin D absorption.
So, can it be healed?
Laser therapies that involve resurfacing treatments can do wonders for damaged skin. These resurfacing treatments use miniscule laserbeams to penetrate deep into the surface of the skin to promote increased blood flow for increased cell turnover and also promote collagen production to help return the skin to its plump, youthful condition.
These treatments are rarely a one-size-fits-all solution, so speak to your local clinician about the best treatment for you and your unique skin type.
Alongside treatment, ensuring you’re well-hydrated and taking part in a good daily skincare regime, including an SPF of at least 30+, will protect your skin. Using a foundation with SPF isn’t enough to protect your skin from the sun; an additional sunscreen should be used under makeup to ensure you’re adequately protected. This needs to be reapplied throughout the day for the best results. Using sunscreen on your body, as well as donning a hat, some sunnies and light, long layers, will keep you well-protected in all seasons for years to come.
