5 Sun Safe Skin Care Tips
Today, we are well aware of how to protect the skin from sun damage, unlike in decades past. There are also more options for improving the appearance of skin-tone if you have dark spots that are visible. Rest easy this year, and use this guide for all your pigmentation-based questions and tips.
How the Skin Changes Color
Most people will experience some level of hyperpigmentation in their lifetime. This is when an area of skin appears slightly darker than the surrounding skin and occurs due to an excess production of a chemical called melanin. Melanin is what gives the skin the appearance of color in the first place. Hyperpigmentation spots are often called “age spots,” aptly, as they typically are more visible on older adults; the dark spots become apparent after years of unprotected sun damage.
Another reason hyperpigmentation may occur due to increased melanin production may be because of hormones (i.e. a surge of hormones during pregnancy).
Melasma, a similar skin coloration condition, looks similar to hyperpigmentation spots but often affects a larger skin area.
Acne, skin diseases, or even freckles can also affect the appearance of skin tone.
Sunscreen 101
Consistent use of a sun protection product is important to prevent the creation of new dark spots or making existing dark areas even darker. A broad spectrum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 is recommended. Re-apply every 90 minutes while outside. It does not take the sun long to make a lasting effect on the skin.
Wear sunscreen all year long. Summer or winter, the sun never sleeps, and neither should your skin care regimen.
Ask us if we have our expertly formulated ISDIN sunscreen in stock to reserve yours today.
To Lighten or Brighten?
There is a difference between skin lightening and skin brightening treatments. A lightener will actually lighten the look of areas of hyperpigmentation or larger melasma areas, effectively fading the appearance of dark spots and patches to reveal a more even-looking skin tone.
If dark spots aren’t an issue, but your skin looks dull, lackluster or just blotchy, a skin brightening treatment will be the recommended course of action. A brightening formula will likely help resurface the skin to reveal a youthful-looking vibrancy and overall glow.
Skin Care Ingredients for Sun Protection
Several products on the market lighten skin with an active ingredient called hydroquinone, essentially bleaching the skin by reducing the amount of melanin-makers, melanocytes. Long-term use can result in negative side effects. Skin care products with a more gentle forumation are recommended to decrease effects of melanin production and to brighten dull, blotchy skin. That is where some Environ products have been created and utilized for this exact purpose.
The first step should always be to normalize the skin with a Vitamin A skin care routine (see the blog- ‘“New to Environ”). Then, it is recommended to add in any targeted treatment products with lightening and brightening agents. Such gentle yet effective ingredients are Vitamin C and E, arbutin, mulberry extract, licorice, neem leaf, honeybush, and niacinamide (a form of B3). All target and work together to decrease the visible signs on pigmentation or other concerns without the detrimental effects of more harsh chemicals.
Lightening and Brightening, Long-Term?
Many people utilize lightening and brightening treatments over the course of the year to maintain a glowing, radiant look. A daily regimen of toning and exfoliating the skin with a natural chemical exfoliator like hydroxy acid (AHA), or beta hydroxy acid-based (BHA) product is a good way to remove dead skin cells. Environ’s AHA Toner and the Alpha Hydroxy Night Cream is a great way to introduce this gentle exfoliation to your daily routine. Then follow with a skin brightener or skin lightener before using your daily moisturizer and/or serum. Despite some misconceptions about how harsh continual exfoliation may affect the skin over time, it is absolutely good-skin-101 to keep the skin clear of dead skin cells; Lightening and brightening formulas from Environ are gentle yet effective enough to use for years and decades.
1. Tri Bio-Botanical Revival Masque, jar and brush included
Utilizing a unique and effective combination of lactic acid, asiatic acid and mandelic acid, this masque will leave your face brighter, smoother and more even-looking than ever before. After pre-cleansing, cleansing and toning, apply the masque with a thin, even surface. Leave the masque on for 10-20 minutes, starting by using twice a week. Rinse with tepid water. Follow with your favorite Environ moisturizer and serum combination.
You may also leave overnight as an intensive overnight masque. Apply about 20 minutes after your normal Environ moisturizer combination, and rinse it off in the morning.
2. Multi-Bioactive Mela-Prep Lotion
This silky toner lotion contains an expertly forumated solution of ingredients: niacinamide, and Vitamins A and C, which will strategically improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and visible sun damage. After using diligently, your skin will look brighter and more even-toned over time.
To use, pre-cleanse, cleanse and tone. Use your cosmetic roller for 3-5 minutes across the entire face and neck area to aid the solutions’ efficacy to penetrate deeper into the skin’s barrier. Then apply the Mela-Prep Lotion only to the darkened areas of the skin, morning and evening. Follow with the Mela-Fade Serum as well as the Intensive C-Boost cream (see below descriptions) and then finish with your moisturizer and sunscreen or night cream during day or night, respectively.
3. Vita Botanical Mela-Fade Serum A+B
Vita-Botanical Mela-Fade Serum System A + B is Environ’s innovative Serum System which contains a concentrated blend of vitamins and botanicals to assist in targeting and improving the appearance of discolorations. Apply this gentle and effective serum in conjunction with the Intense C-Boost Mela-Even Cream (see below).
4. Intense C-Boost Mela-Even Cream
This cream is a special, oil-soluble Vitamin-C infused cream which helps reclaim the appearance of younger, healthier-looking luminous skin. Pre-cleanse, cleanse and tone with your preferred Environ products. Use this cream in conjunction with your serum, and apply after using your cosmetic needling on the recommended area. Apply in the morning and evening. Finish with your Environ Vitamin A moisturizer and sunscreen if it is daytime.
Take Action
5. ISDIN Sunscreen- Ask us about our ISDIN Sunscreen and reserve yours today!
Let’s get in touch and discuss how we can best serve you on your journey to caring for your best skin ever.
Based in Las Vegas, NV, Corrective Skincare of Southern Nevada is focusing on meeting all skincare needs with highly skilled treatments using only the best, most effective products and treatments. We’re focused on science-based, results-driven skincare that addresses the issues of acne, hyperpigmentation, and general healthy aging in a supportive, customer-driven environment. Visit our website for a list of available services, treatments and about our product lines. Give us a call to schedule an appointment for you today.
If you liked this blog, stay tuned for more from Corrective Skincare of Southern Nevada
Next Month: “Soothing Self Care for the Skin” and “Targeted Treatments A-Z”