Every person needs to beware of the sun. There are of course health reasons; skin cancer has approximately 15,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Although survival rates are high, this mostly preventable disease is not something to be messed with.
Most people are mainly concerned about the ageing effects of the sun over than anything else, and with good reason. There isn't anything more ageing than wrinkles and age spots. When it comes to age spots, after we turn 30, our melanin (the part of our skin that gives us pigmentation) becomes more active making us more prone to these telling signs of the passing of the years. The same can be said for our face, where uneven pigmentation is often hidden behind foundation.
The misconception is that our overcast climate will give us protection against the sun. Whilst there is a degree of truth in this, easily seen when we compare ourselves with our neighbours in sunnier climates, we still need to protect ourselves against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Your skin has the most astonishing rejuvenating qualities, but if you feel that you have over done it in the tanning department and are now wondering what you can do, please read on.....
Sun Screen
If you have been a sun worshipper for most of your life, your skin has been left vulnerable to problematic conditions. So no matter how long it has been since you've worshiped the sun, you still run a high risk of developing skin cancer.
It's vital that an SPF 50 is used even when overcast. This will reduce your chances of getting skin cancer now and later in life.
There are wonderful ranges of sun-screens out there that will go into your skin easily without leaving a white residue. Do not skimp on quality. Good ones can be pricey but they will offer a much better quality of protection.
Clinical Treatments
If your skin visibly shows sun damage there are clinical treatments that may help. Laser can blast away those dreaded age spots and melanin patches. You may need up to three or four treatments to achieve the best results.
Vitamin injections can also help in shifting the melanin patches but you also need to use a selection of aftercare creams at home to keep the melanocytes (mature melanin cells) in the skin from going into overdrive again.
A combination of both therapies can also be used with great results.
Home Remedies
Remember that raw feeling you get on your tongue after eating fresh pineapple? That's because it has an enzyme called Bromelain. This enzyme is a natural exfoliator and it has effective bleaching qualities.
If you rub fresh pineapple over the affected area twice a day, you could watch melanin spots fade. This is particularly effective for anyone that has post acne pigmentation.
Choosing a practitioner
Research and try to find someone who is an expert both for your problem and your skin type. Caucasian and African skins have completely different requirements and specialities.
Make an appointment for a consultation, which you will probably have to pay for. Reputable practitioners are busy and cannot afford to book in no shows (this often happen with free consultations) nor are they willing to double book themselves and chance a long wait time for all patients.
Most of all, ask questions during the consultation.
Build a rapport with the practitioner and if your gut tells you they're not the one for you, they aren't, so WALK OUT!
For further information on Lorena Öberg Skincare click here