Summer is one of the most exciting seasons: heatwaves, holidays and fun in the sun with friends… Despite this, summer is the time when your skin is most vulnerable to sun-damage related issues, such as pigmentation, melasma and skin cancer. Whilst the appearance of the sun in the UK may make you want to spend all day outside, it is important to be aware of how you can keep your skin safe and prevent damage from the sun’s harmful rays. In this post, we’re going to be sharing some of the ways that you can prevent pigmentation this summer.
What is Pigmentation?
Before we get into how we can prevent it, we need to understand what pigmentation actually is, and how it is caused.
Pigmentation refers to skin that appears darker than the rest, which often appears in patches. It can be present in different forms, such as melasma, freckles and age spots.
Pigmentation occurs when the skin over-produces melanin as a way of protecting itself from the sun, which then gives the skin its colour or ‘pigment’.
If you have a fairer complexion, then you will be at a higher risk of sun damage. This is because your skin cells naturally contain less melanin, which is what helps to protect the skin from further damage. Despite this, people of all skin types can develop hyperpigmentation, so therefore it is important to be aware of the top tips to protect yourself.
SPF Everyday
Every day, come rain or shine, you should be wearing an SPF! SPF’s are the main defence that you can give yourself to prevent sun damage and hyperpigmentation related issues. Which SPF type you choose will depend on your skin needs and preferences, but it is advisable to choose a broad-spectrum SPF with factor 30+ protection for everyday use.
SPF’s work by blocking the UV light from the sun, which injures the cells and triggers the production of melanin. If you already have pigmentation, wearing an SPF daily will help to prevent these areas from darkening and becoming more visible.
A range of SPF’s that we highly recommend, are the products from the award-winning brand, Heliocare. Heliocare provides high quality SPF’s, with broad spectrum factor 50+ protection in a range of different formulas to suit your needs and skin type. From tinted, mineral based and oil-free formulas, there is a Heliocare SPF out there for you. If you’d like to find out more about these products then get in contact with us today!
Antioxidant Serum & SPF Combination
Antioxidant serums are well known for the powerful lightening and rejuvenating effect that they have on the skin. Studies have shown that when used in conjunction with an SPF in the morning, they can actually help to reduce the risk of sun damage even further.
One of the most commonly used antioxidants in the skincare world, is Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a hero ingredient which works to combat the harmful free radicals, which can cause skin damage related issues. When used in conjunction under SPF in the morning, it can amplify the SPF’s protection, by creating a mega defence against harmful UV rays and free radicals. In addition to this, due to its antioxidant nature, it will also help to brighten up existing pigmentation marks.
Why not try it next time you apply your SPF? Our favourite Vitamin C serum, is the Professional-C Serum from Obagi Medical. It comes in three different strengths (10%, 15%, 20%) depending on your skin’s needs. To find out more or to make a purchase, contact us today.
Be Sun Safe
Whilst it can be tempting to bask in the sun all day when it’s hot, it is important not to over do it, for the sake of your skin and your health. If possible, try to avoid being out in direct sunlight when the sun is at its hottest (usually between 12pm-4pm). This is because during this time, the sun will be producing more UV rays, putting your skin at more risk of damage.
If you are out in the sun, also remember to apply SPF to your body. It is also a good idea to wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep yourself covered up, as well as seeking shade often to cool down.
Treating Pigmentation
If hyperpigmentation is a current issue, then luckily there are a few treatments that are excellent at reducing it.
Obagi Nu Derm System
One of the most effective home skincare programmes for reducing pigmentation is the Obagi Nu Derm system. This complete skincare system contains the powerful ingredient hydroquinone, which transforms pigmented skin and improves skin texture. Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent that works by decreasing the number of melanocytes within the skin. Don’t believe us? Check out this client’s results below after 3 weeks of using the Nu Derm system:
Due to the medical-grade nature of this skincare system, it is only available through Simply Clinics after an in-depth, free consultation with one of our expert skin therapists. Book your consultation now via this form.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are by far one of the most transformative skin treatments that we offer at our skin clinics. Targeting a wide array of skin concerns, including hyperpigmentation, chemical peels work to exfoliate, rejuvenate and reveal newer, fresher, brighter skin.
At Simply Clinics, we use the Obagi Blue Radiance Peel, which contains a unique blend of salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids to give your skin complete rejuvenation. When used to treat hyperpigmentation, the results are very impressive, as seen in this before and after:
Whilst you will see results after one session, we recommend repeat treatments in order to achieve the best results.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram @simplyclinics & @dryoussefhaffaf for more skincare tips!
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