DAMAGE CONTROL

“Repairing the Photodamage of Yesterday for a Brighter Tomorrow”
--Kristina Holland-Natural Skin Shop’s skin-savvy writer (& biggest fan!)—

Photodamage…the name says it all! Photodamage is the direct effect of excessive exposure to harmful UV radiation resulting in the cellular deterioration of both the dermis and epidermis. Photodamage is the leading cause of premature aging both in men and women. Repairing the damage that has been done and stopping photodamage in its tracks is the key to healthy, beautiful skin.

“Run Spot...RUN!”
Photodamage can frequently be ‘spotted’ from afar due to its telltale and “tell all” attributes. A brown spot here, a wrinkle there and a bit of sagging everywhere. It’s an obvious and unfortunate offender to one’s beauty and health. As a leading expert in skin wellness, Natural Skin Shop has witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of sun-damage. What once was an even, bright and porcelain-like complexion can turn to the “dark side”…quite literally! Hyperpigmented, blotchy, dull, wrinkled and lacking crucial elasticity… the adverse symptoms of photodamage never cease to end. However, not all hope is lost in the sands of time. The key to repairing sun-damaged skin is simple and straightforward… or rather straight-backward!
Put your skin care regime into full-speed… REVERSE!

*Antioxidants: Free-radicals are molecular scavengers produced by UV radiation, which interfere with the intricate stability and performance of the skin’s DNA. Antioxidants fend off harmful free-radicals and avert the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Avoid free-radical damage by incorporating potent antioxidants such as Peel Rx Green Tea Anti-Oxidant Serum into a high-performance skin care regime.

*Chemical Peels: The results achieved from skin peels containing the alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, simply cannot be beat in terms of skin-renewal! Glycolic acid peels are the preeminent source for mature and photodamaged skin in terms of rejuvenation and sun-damage reversal. Glycolic acid reverses photoaging by simultaneously eliminating abnormal skin cells while stimulating healthy dermal fibers thereby increasing skin elasticity and uniformity.

*Sunscreen: Broad-spectrum sunscreens prevent photodamage by deflecting and/or safely absorbing ultraviolet rays. Sunscreens offering a comprehensive blend of both chemical and physical sunscreens are the ideal form of sun-protection. Natural Skin Shop recommends Peel Rx Green Tea SPF 30+ Moisturizer.
(For more information on UV radiation and sun protection, please also see the two-part blog from Natural Skin Shop titled “The Good, The Bad and The Burned”.)

*Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Antioxidant-rich vitamin C is renowned for its ability to take control of a blotchy and uneven skin situation. Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, safeguards against harmful free-radicals AND decreases inflammation associated with UV radiation. By targeting concentrated areas of melanin, this multitasking vitamin will reveal clear, luminous, glowing skin! Natural Skin Shop recommends the C-Rx Potent Topical C Treatment Pack.

The Photodamage Blame Game

*Melasma! Although melasma is directly related to fluctuating hormones, UV radiation exposure is its one and only trigger. (For more information on melasma and what you can do to treat it, please also see the Natural Skin Shop Blog titled “The Stain of Melasma”.)

*Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation! What makes the relics of an acne breakout impossible to fade? Of course, none other than sun exposure!

*Wrinkles and Fine Lines! Sun damage breaks down the skin’s structural support frame (the dermis) by deteriorating essential collagen and elastin fibers. The delicate intracellular structure of dermis doesn’t stand a chance against powerful UV rays!

*Lentigines (Liver Spots!) You don’t have to be a skin expert to know that sun damage makes you see spots! Those spots medically referred to as “lentigines” and casually denoted as “liver” or “brown spots” are concentrated clusters of melanin brought out by the skins “fight” response to injury from the sun.

*Seborrheic Keratosis! Although these mole-like skin growths are benign to your health, they can be particularly harmful to your looks. It is no surprise that sun damage manifests these clusters of pigmented and abnormal skin cells. (Be sure to have any and all abnormal moles checked out by a medical professional to rule out malignant growths).

*Freckles! Freckles are genetic, however the degree and quantity of freckles is wholly dependent on the extent of photodamage.

*Elastosis (Sagging)! A droopy appearance can’t be blamed entirely on gravity! Much ado about skin sagging can be simplified by looking towards the sun for answers.

*Acne and Rosacea! Photodamage breaks down the skin’s immune system, increases sebum production, debilitates the strength of the fragile lipid barrier and encourages the proliferation of skin infections. Now that’s a powerful recipe for both acne and rosacea!

*Hyperpigmentation/Hypopigmentation! Melanocytes are pumped into high gear during both short-lived (acute) and extended (chronic) episodes of sun-exposure. A discrepancy in melanin distribution, such as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation, is the end result of photodamage.

Of course, photodamage can’t be blamed for every skin flaw or imperfection under the sun’s powerful rays. Pollution and smoke, genetics, oxidation, wayward cosmetics as well as ill health and stress are also huge factors in the development of many a skin’s concern. However, the fact is sun damage only makes matters worse…much worse! Aging skin is a part of life, however, it doesn’t have to be premature or harmful to your health and well being. Remember, “everything in moderation” is not only an admirable principle to live by, but also an excellent philosophy to glow by! The sun is a wonderful and very necessary component of all living life… be sure to use it wisely!

Say No to High Noon or “Peak Hours”
Say No to Unstable and Limited Sunscreens
Say No to Tanning Beds
Say No to Incidental Sun Exposure

And…

Say Yes to Wide-Brimmed Hats
Say Yes to Protective Clothing
Say Yes to Broad-Spectrum Sunscreens
Say Yes to Sunglasses
Say Yes to Limited & Healthy Doses of Sun Exposure (Hello Vitamin D!)
Say Yes to Antioxidants (Inside and out!)

Photodamage doesn’t just harm one’s looks…it also places a huge burden on total health and wellbeing. Natural Skin Shop recommends regular physical exams with a certified dermatologist to scan for cancerous and pre-cancerous growths. Early detection is the key to beautiful, healthy skin! Self-exams are a proactive way to stay on top of your inner and outer health in-between professional visits.

Say Yes to Glowing, Beautiful, Healthy Skin!
Natural Skin Shop
XOXO

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