Beyond SPF: Proven Ways to Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage

I get lots of questions about skin care, especially at this time of year when my patients are outdoors enjoying time in the sun. This month on the blog, I am discussing my skin care tips and tricks. How you treat your skin today will affect your aging process and the look of your skin in 10 years, so let’s dive into the how and why of keeping your skin healthy and glowing.

Follow a Skincare Routine

I recommend following a skin care routine. That means establishing a habit of taking care of your skin each and every day. In the morning and evening, use a gentle cleanser to remove your makeup and any impurities that have accumulated on the skin. After cleansing, apply sunscreen and your topical products.

Prevention

Antioxidants get quite a bit of hype in the anti-aging space. But what are antioxidants? What is getting oxidized and why is reversal of this process important for skin health?

External (like sunlight or smoking) or internal (like oxygen metabolism) stimuli can cause abnormal changes in a molecule’s electrons. The damaged molecule is called a “free radical” and it is capable of oxidizing other molecules unless an antioxidant stops the reaction. Free radicals injure healthy cells, and damaged cells result in degeneration of tissues, aging, and cancer growth.

So, we want to minimize free radicals to avoid the uneven, rough, red, and wrinkled skin of premature aging.

First and foremost, prevention is key. We know that sun exposure causes cellular damage, photoaging, and skin cancer, so daily sunscreen is important. I recommend using a mineral (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) sunscreen. UV light can travel through window glass, so use sunscreen with broad UVA/UVB coverage in the morning whether or not you plan to spend time outdoors. EltaMD is a great choice that you can buy here at OA Facial Plastics.

Supplements

Vitamins, nutrients that are essential to bodily function and must be obtained externally through food, are a source of antioxidants. Specifically, the antioxidant activities of vitamins A, C, E, and B3 have been shown to reduce photoaging (or aging caused by sun damage).

Retinol is a form of vitamin A. Topical retinoids are available in prescription strength creams. Daily use boosts collagen production, decreases wrinkles, and improves skin discoloration. Unfortunately, many people experience redness, peeling, or dryness as side effects, but I recommend daily use of a topical retinoid if tolerated.

Vitamin C is important throughout the body; it is vital in the production of collagen and it affects elastin. It also works as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and protecting against damage caused by sun exposure.

Vitamin E also plays a role in protecting cells from oxidative damage and in the prevention of collagen breakdown. Interestingly, vitamin E’s protective effects require help from vitamin C–they work synergistically.

Both vitamin C and vitamin E are depleted in the skin by UV light. Restoration of these vitamins prevents damage to the skin and photoaging. I recommend daily topical use of both.

Vitamins can also be taken as a pill, although topical formulations have better evidence to support their use in the prevention of photoaging. I like to use vitamin C, vitamin D, and fish oil as daily oral supplements. Lipid soluble vitamins (vitamins D, E, K, and A) are stored in the body, so overdose is possible. We can discuss optimal dosages for supplementation further in consultation.

New Skin Stimulation

DefenAge is my all-time favorite skin care line because of the innovative science behind the products. DefenAge uses peptides (or very small proteins), called defensins, to communicate with stem cells located deep within the skin. Defensins, which are naturally occurring in the human body, have functions in wound healing and the prevention of infections.

This product is designed to invigorate one particular type of stem cell–the LGR6+ stem cell–that is located in our hair follicles. These stem cells are capable of producing new skin cells of many types, so when they are stimulated by the defensins in the topical skin care regimen, production of new skin is promoted.

Other agents, like retinoids, also stimulate skin turnover through different mechanisms. DefenAge is unique because it doesn’t cause the redness and irritation that can be associated with topical retinoids.

Clinical studies show improvement in skin evenness and reduction in surface wrinkles, visibility of pores, pigmentation, and oiliness.

DefenAge recommends a three step daily regimen. The first step is a soap-free facial cleanser that removes makeup and clears pores, preparing the skin for step 2. Next, hydrate the skin with the Barrier Balance Cream, 3D Eye Radiance Cream, and 6-Week Perfection Neck Cream. Finally, apply the 8-in-1 Bioserum to repair and restore the skin. Once or twice weekly, use the 2-Minute Reveal Mask to exfoliate.

You can pick up the entire line at OA Facial Plastics. In July of 2021, we are offering a 10% discount on the 3D Radiance Eye Cream plus a bundled offer: Save 20% when you purchase the Ultra Eye Radiance Treatment which includes the 3D Eye Radiance Cream, 8-in-1 BioSerum, and 1-step Multi-Cleanse ($271 total or $339 retail value if sold individually).

If you’d like to pick up the products or discuss a personalized skincare regimen, click to book your consultation or call today: 317-708-6984.