7 Tips for Healthy Skin

As we dive into the July Fourth Holiday weekend and more time at the beach, pool and outside, I would like to just repost a blog from The Center for Facial Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery.  Stacey Bernhardt is a Licensed Esthetician and Certified Laser Technician who is brilliant in her field, knowledgable, professional, personable and just a sweetheart! Last week, she shared her findings and her 7 tips for healthy skin this summer. And I would like to share them with you!

We are all guilty of sitting in the sun, “forgetting to put on sunscreen” but let’s be wiser with our skin just as we are with the rest of our bodies!

Taken from The Center for Facial Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery blog:

Below are some helpful tidbits to help you enjoy the summer while protecting yourself and your family.

1. Truth time! Tan skin is damaged skin, therefore there is no “healthy” tan. Skin color is produced by a cell called Melanin, which is activated when we are exposed to the sun to protect the structures below the skin. Uneven skin tone and “age spots” are caused by several factors, but perhaps the largest cause is UV exposure.
2. UVB rays cause skin burning. UVA rays cause skin aging. Both cause skin cancer. Look for                broad spectrum protection.
3.  To go further: look for sun products that contain a PHYSICAL sunblocking agent: such as Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide. Physical sunscreens form a barrier ON TOP of the skin. Chemical sunscreens absorb INTO the skin. Because chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin, they may cause irritation. Many chemicals have been found to cause hormone disruption and break down over time, offering less effective sun protection
4.  Reapply every 1-2 hours especially when sweating or swimming, and make sure you are applying enough product to get thorough, even coverage (especially with spray sunscreens, which we love!
5. Look for changes with sunscreen regulations and do your research. New FDA laws state that sunscreens can only be listed as SPF 50+ (higher SPF numbers, such as SPF 100, are misleading and do not necessarily provide superior sun protection). Products cannot claim to be a “sunblock” but only a “sunscreen”, nor can they claim to be “waterproof” or “sweat proof”
6. Scientists estimate that nearly 42% of adults suffer from vitamin D deficiency. The best way to get an optimal level of vitamin D is through sensible sun exposure (using a physical sunscreen) and daily vitamin D supplements, if deemed necessary by your physician
7. No sunscreen, no matter the formulation, is enough to protect against the full spectrum of UVA/UVB rays. A topical antioxidant, such as Obagi Vitamin C 15%, is necessary for the most complete sun protection.

At The Center For Facial Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, we use Elta MD and Obagi sun products to provide our patients with “an ounce of prevention” before needing “a pound of cure”.

So, again, thank you Stacey for doing research for me.  I now know even more than I did before! I am on a very a good regimen (Thank you Stacey) for my skin protection, but I will be honest, I want the “tan”. I will think again and continue to use Elta MD sunscreen and apply more frequently! If you are interested in purchasing the sunscreen, you can get it at their office in Chesterton and Michigan City anytime. Just call The Center for Facial Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery at 219-878-5031 for sunscreen, a facial, or anything else you may need.

Also, all those who referred clients this past month get entered into our drawing for a free facial with Stacey! One more day! Bring in your friends!

Sharing Barre Love at the Barre + Beyond!

Orlee