In the short term, the sun’s rays can make us look (and feel) so good. However long-term, not enough protection from the sun can lead to premature aging, discolouration and put us at risk of skin cancer. Whether you’re looking to prevent sun damage, or need solutions to correct existing damage, Enlighten Laser and Skin Care Clinics has your solution.
The number one aggressor to the skin is too much sun exposure. Although many of us know this, our desire for a perfect bronzed tan can take over and make us forget. Sun damage is not shown strictly through sunburns alone. It has many forms, such as hyperpigmentation (freckles, sun spots, blotchiness, etc.), sallowness, signs of aging (wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin), as in extreme cases, cancerous skin lesions. When it comes to sun damage, the best defense is a good offense.
Here are a few preventative measures you can include in your arsenal this summer:
Apply SPF.
This might seem obvious, but only about 30 to 40 percent of adults in Canada and the US actually use sunscreen on a regular basis. Incorporating SPF into your daily skincare and makeup routine is the most foolproof way to ensure you are always protected. One of our favourites is the Jane Iredale Amazing Base Loose Mineral Foundation. With an SPF of 20 this formula provides comfortable coverage and sun protection all in one. Our clinics have a full range of shades to suit every skin tone.
We also carry a line of more heavy duty sunscreens courtesy of LaSpa. Both the SPF 20 and 30 formulations are completely mineral based, making them perfect for those with sensitive skins. With the key ingredient zinc oxide, these sunscreens effectively block both UVA and UVB rays from penetrating the skin. If you know you’ll be out in the sun for an extended period, don’t forget to reapply every two hours for maximum protection. Also, pack an SPF lip balm—it will be your new best friend.
Wear sunglasses.
When it comes to your eyes, sunscreen can only go so far. Protect your retinas and the skin surrounding them with a solid pair of UVA/UVB protective sunglasses. Since the eyes are one of the first areas of the face to show aging, sunglasses will help to diminish their effect. For optimal protection, go for a wider lens that will cover the sensitive skin around the eyes.
Cover existing skin lesions.
Preexisting skin lesions, such as moles, can increase your chances of developing skin cancer by up to 35 percent if unprotected. Covering these lesions with a high SPF or a piece of clothing will dramatically lower your chances of developing cancerous cells.
Stay in the shade.
If being outside for long periods of time is unavoidable, try to stay in shaded areas as much as possible. This is especially important if you are out at peak times, such as between 10AM and 4PM. Whether it’s a big leafy tree or a sun umbrella giving you the shade you need, giving your skin a sun break is important.
Although these preventative measures are useful, sun damage can still happen. If you’re looking to correct existing skin damage caused by the sun, our trained technicians can help. This doesn’t just mean sun spots or pigmentation—Enlighten Laser can help reverse all signs of premature aging.
SRA
SRA, short for Skin Rejuvenation Advanced, is a laser treatment that combines the technologies of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL and bipolar radiofrequency (RF) to effectively fade or erase areas of unwanted pigmentation. At Enlighten Laser and Skin Care Clinics, our trained professionals use Syneron Candela’s Elos Plus system to administer SRA treatments. All types of pigmentation, such as age spots, sun spots, birthmarks, broken blood vessels, spider veins and melasma can be effectively removed in as little as just one treatment.
Even our own team swears by these treatments. As you can see below, our president and CEO Aimee Avery had an intense flare-up of post-pregnancy melasma after a trip to Mexico. 10 days after one SRA treatment and the pigmentation was almost completely gone.
Sublime Skin Tightening
If your skin is starting to produce pronounced wrinkles, or even sag and droop due to excess sun exposure, we have your solution: Sublime Skin Tightening. This revolutionary treatment uses the power of both bipolar RF energy and deep infrared heat to stimulate the body’s collagen and elastin production, tightening any loose skin and creating a more youthful, contoured appearance. After only one session skin will gradually start to appear noticeably tighter and firmer—as if you’re aging backwards. With Sublime Skin Tightening, you can say goodbye to the aging effects of sun damage.
To learn more about our sun damage corrective services, drop by one of our nine locations across Canada for a free skin consultation. Click here to find the closest location to you.
