An Overview Of Sun Damage

Your Skin And The Effects Of The Sun:

Sun damage of the skin, also known as photo damage can be either acute, as in a sunburn or more commonly, chronic, seen as gradual changes in the skin caused by an accumulation of sun exposure throughout one's life. Chronic photo damage results in either a cosmetic change in the skin's appearance called photo aging, or changes that are of medical and health concerns such as pre-cancerous lesions and skin cancers. The evidence is very strong that ultra-violet light is the cause of most of the changes that we consider to be associated with aging of the skin.

Sunshine, although essential for health and well being, is certainly a hazard for the skin. For many people it feels good to spend time outdoors and this makes it difficult to avoid excessive exposure to the sun. Most of the sun exposure we accumulate throughout our lives, is thought to be the effect of multiple short periods of time outside. If the ozone depletion continues this may also increase our lifetime exposure.

Those living in sunny areas are clearly at risk for photo damage, as are those with occupations that require working outdoors. Activities such as skiing, sailing, and gardening can contribute to chronic photo damage. Even one-time sun exposure, causing a tan, results in damage to the skin. There is no such thing as a 'safe' tan.

Individuals with fair skin are clearly at greater risk although sun damage can occur in all skin types. Tanning studios are popular amongst many and this also adds to an accumulation of photo damage.

Smoking is another environmental factor that contributes to premature aging of the skin. Early recognition of sun damage will provide a better chance of reversal of the cosmetic appearance as well as reducing the number of skin cancers.

Skin Care Tips

Money saver

Hooked on using disposable cleansing cloths or facial wipes for cleaning your face? Since these packages are convenient but costly, take the time to cut each cloth in half when you buy the package. With a little extra effort you gain twice as many cleansing cloths and save some money in the process.

Exfoliate, exfoliate

For a fast, at-home body exfoliation, mix olive oil with sea salt or sugar. Smooth over skin in circular motions all over the body, avoiding the breast area. Rinse off in the shower and apply your favourite moisturizer.

Body brush

Dry brushing your skin before a shower is a great way to stimulate the natural oil glands in your body. Using a natural bristle body brush, start at your feet and lightly “brush” your skin in a circular motion. Follow by a warm shower and slather your body with your favourite moisturizer.

Hand moisturizer

For regular, well-moisturized hands, keep hand cream on your desk at work or in the car. Apply the cream throughout the day to rejuvenate your cuticles and keep skin saturated.

Natural cleansers

Dip into your fridge for facial cleansers when your regular cleanser runs out. In a pinch buttermilk, yogurt and even cream are gentle, natural skin cleansers.

Moisturizer alternative

Instead of using a cream moisturizer after you bath or shower, rub almond oil (available at your local health food store) into your skin for a treat. Combined with a few drops of your favourite essential oil (peppermint, lavender or neroli) it will leave your skin smooth and supple.

Make shaving easier

An easy way to avoid razor burn after shaving is to moisturize beforehand. While shaving cream is the most popular method, try prepping your leg with hair conditioner for a few minutes before shaving. It will hold moisture on the leg longer and provide a very smooth shave.

Tired eye solution

Need to get rid of tired or puffy eyes immediately? Keep a spoon in the freezer and apply to eyelids for a few minutes to reduce redness.

FACE CARE

1. CLEANSING

Women who wear makeup - see Uma Thurman - should carry out a routine of cleansing, toning and moisturing turn back the clock each evening, as well as washing the face in the morning. 5 Minute Makeover Cleansing will remove old make-up and the grime and grease that have been accumulated during the day.


Remove mascara Lashes Unlimited with a cotton bud dipped in eye-dipped in eye-cleansing lotion. To make the job easier keep your hair off your face.
Remove the eyeshadow - Artistic Palletes - by gently wiping it off with a pad of clean cotton wool moistened with eye-cleansing lotion.
Pour a little face cleansing cream into the palm of one hand and dab it generously over the nose, chin, forehead and cheeks --- using two fingers of the other hand.
Massage the cream into the skin, starting under the throat, using a gentle upward motion.
Continue massaging the cream up to the forehead, using the fingertips.
Gently massage the cream from the eyes to the nose.
Massage cream back over the chin, which is particularly prone to blackheads. Use the index finger.
Remove the cream from the face with tissue pads in each hand. Start under the chin and work over the cheeks and on to the forehead

2. TONING

Toners remove all traces of dirt, make-up or cleanser that remain after cleansing.

Immediately after cleansing apply toner to the forehead and cheeks on a pad of corron wool
Apply the toner to the crevices around the nose.
Apply the toner to the crevices around the chin.

3. MOISTURIZING

Without moisture, the skin will not remain smooth and supple. The face is exposed to the drying effect of the weather, so moisturisers -- which form a film over the skin -- contain and augment the natural moisture.

Using the tips ofthe fingers, dot moisturising cream lightly all over the face.
Press the fingers of both hands into the centre of the forehead and work the cream slowly outwards. Pat the cream gentlyaround the eyes.
Work the cream around the jawline, chin and mouth with the middle fingers of both hands.
Massage the cream over the throat with alternating hands, using upward strokes from collar-bone to chin.