7 tips to shield your skin from early ageing and the effects of damaging UV rays
Proper skin protection, regular skin checks are the best thing that you can do to ensure your health and well-being today, as well as slow down the signs of ageing in the future.
Sun protection, such as a good quality sunscreen can not only reduce the changes of Melanoma, it can also help minimise the damage to your skin that causes fine line and wrinkles.
In choosing a quality sunscreen, it is best to opt for a broad-spectrum product that is SPF 30 or higher and is water resistant. This should be applied every 2 hours.
At CQ Skin, we use and recommend our range of Ultraceuticals sun care products, which come in 5 different formulations, each offering both UVA and UB protection, water resistance and a range of moisturising ingredients to aid in supporting your skin’s lipid shield. When used in conjunction with the Ultra Protective Antioxidant Complex as a primer, the powerful combination also delivers antioxidants to your skin to help neutralize the harmful effects of pollution, UV rays and other environmental factors that product free radicals.
Once you have sunscreen firmly cemented into your skin care routine, there are plenty of additional lifestyle changes that you can make to further reduce the damage to your skin and the long-term effects of ageing as a result of sun damage.
GET REGULAR SKIN CHECKS
At CQ Skin, we are passionate about skin care and sun protection. We encourage regular skin checks by a doctor and annual skin mapping. Skin Mapping at CQ Skin is undertaken by a trained Registered Nurse with follow up conducted by Dr. Manu. The modern Molemax HD equipment features 3 modes of imaging - Macro, Close Up and DELM (Dermoscopy) up to 100x zoom.
The cost of skin mapping is $100 per appointment and is a privately billed service that does not attract a Medicare benefit. Some private health covers may allow a claim against extras for this service.
2. APPLY SUNSCREEN TO ALL EXPOSED AREAS OF SKIN
When we think sunscreen, we usually only consider our face and neck. But, it is important that ALL exposed areas of your skin benefit from sun protection. To adequately protect your skin, you should ensure a good application technique and ensure that you use the right amount of product. By using less than you should, you are potentially reducing your possible protection by 60%
3. ALWAYS WEAR SPF, EVEN IF IT IS CLOUDY OUTSIDE
Just because it is cloudy, does not mean that there are no harmful rays or environmental elements that can damage your skin. Be sure to apply a protective SPF product whenever you venture outside to protect your skin.
4. USE A TINTED SUNSCREEN and/or A BARRIER PRIMER TO STRENGTHEN DEFENCES
Boost your defence by opting for a tinted sunscreen and/or a barrier primer to resist damaging effects from environmental factors, energy waves and even blue light, the kind emitted from computer screens and mobile phones.
5. KEEP YOUR SKIN HYDRATED
Time in the sun removes moisture from the skin. Replenish your skin’s hydration by ensuring that you are applying a good quality moisturiser and use products that are infused with hydrating ingredients. CQ Skin carries a large range of Ultraceuticals prodcuts for varying skin conditions that are suited to a wide range of skin types and desired results, while ensuring skin is replenished and supple.
6. CONSIDER COSMETIC SOLUTIONS TO ELIMINATE THE SIGNS OF AGEING
Chemical peels are produced in varying strengths and are often a good way to combat conditions such as age spots. Chemical peels work by removing the layers of skin that are hyperpigmented and leaving behind skin that has not been damaged by the sun.
When discussing this type of procedure with your suitably qualified cosmetic doctor or nurse, you will be made aware that for a successful peel you will need to commit to strict pre and post-care instructions, including prepping the skin before the peel and protecting it after.
To help our clients with their pre and post-care requirements, CQ Skin offers a complete care pack that includes:
1 x Ultraceuticals Skintone Serum (mild)
1 x Ultraceuticals Protective Daily Moisturiser - SPF 50 (Hydrating or Mattifying)
1 x Post Procedure Recovery Cream
Appointments for chemical peels are ideally booked 2 - 4 weeks in advance, giving time for the individual to properly prep their skin.
7. SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, SEEK, SLIDE
Still great advice, many people will remember the original slogan of SLIP, SLOP, SLAP; Slip on a shirt, Slop on some sunscreen and Slap on a hat. In 2007, this was updated to reflect the importance of seeking shade and sliding on wraparound sunglasses to further prevent sun damage. It is also important that you care for your skin following any sun exposure - this will not replace the need to offer your skin protection but will aid in repair after the fact.
