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Month: August 2022

sunscreen mistakes
18Aug

With spring beckoning, we’d like to remind everyone who treasures their skin: don’t make these sunscreen mistakes. After all, we don’t want the burn!

The difference

Sunscreen, which contains organic chemical compounds such as octyl methoxycinnamate, octyl salicylate and ecamsule, has a chemical reaction to absorb UV light and convert it into heat, which is then released from the skin.

But sunblock contains mineral ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide that physically block UV rays. So the difference is basically the way in which they protect the skin from UV rays. Sunblock blocks UV rays by forming a physical shield, while a sunscreen contains chemicals that absorb UV rays before your skin can.

Check the expiry date

It’s pointless slathering on a product which is past its sell-by date. So, make a point of checking. Most sunscreens have a shelf-life of six to 12 months.

Don’t apply in the sun

Applying sunscreen in the sun is also rather a waste of time because 60% will evaporate.

Cover the upper lip

Nothing worse than a crinkly, sun-damaged upper lip. Therefore, it’s important to cover this area with sun protection too. In fact, the upper lip is also prone to basal cell carcinomas, which makes it even more important to cover liberally with sunscreen.

Don’t skip cloudy days

Often, the UV index on cloudy days is sky-high. Therefore, make a point of applying sunscreen every single day – come rain or shine.

Not topping up

We’ve said it over and over again, but once more: reapply your sun protection product every two hours. Sweat, exposure to water and towel drying will reduce your protection. And do apply liberally all over your body.

Moisturise before

Sunscreen is not a moisturiser or cosmetic product. It’s skin protection – designed to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays. There are sunscreens that contain some moisturiser. But sometimes, when sunscreen is mixed with a moisturiser, its effectiveness may be reduced. That’s why experts recommend using sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF).

It’s best to always apply your moisturiser before the sunblock. And then, top up the sunscreen throughout the day.

Application

Sunscreen needs to be absorbed by the skin, so you have to rub it in. However, because sunblock acts as a physical barrier, you can simply slather it on.

So, don’t make these sunscreen mistakes and enjoy a fabulous spring going into summer.

Frax 1550
10Aug

Get the joy of a smoother skin after Frax. Post-procedure, most people see smoother skin within a few weeks — and the results continue to improve for another six months.

The good news is that with the Frax 1550 there’s less risk of significant complications such as scarring and pigmentary changes compared to fully ablative lasers.

How it works

This next-generation laser uses high-grade medical technology to deliver a deeper skin resurfacing experience. Instead of removing the top layer of skin, it warms up the underlying layers of skin by strategically administering small columns of heat energy. This helps stimulate collagen production, as well as addressing several skin concerns.

Because the roller is programmed to offer consistent resurfacing, you’ll be getting the more balanced, even skin tone you desire. Also, the device is quiet, giving you the opportunity for a good nap during treatment.

Good candidates

Optimal candidates for fractional laser resurfacing have facial lines, wrinkles, acne scars, surgery or traumatic scars, sun spots, or more extensive sun damage. Fortunately, there isn’t an age minimum or maximum.

However, people who have particularly sensitive skin or are prone to vitiligo, keloid scars, psoriasis or scleroderma should skip Frax treatment. Unfortunately, these lasers will only irritate the skin further. The same applies to those with skin cancer. But once the cancer has been removed, the fractional laser can provide significant improvement to scars.

Dark skins

Typically, people with dark skin tones are more at risk for melasma or hyperpigmentation, so it would be best to avoid Frax treatment. But people with fair to medium skin tones can tolerate the procedure well, barring there are no other contraindications.

Benefits

  • It can treat acne scars, age spots, and even wrinkles, often producing significant results after a single session.
  • Typical downtime is less than a week, with a shorter and easier recovery than from fully ablative lasers.
  • This laser is equipped with a continuous cooling mechanism which improves comfort levels significantly, while also reducing burn risk.

For smoother skin after Frax, most people opt for at least three treatments at monthly intervals. After that, you would do well with yearly maintenance.

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