The Beautiful Summer Sun: Hidden Effects on Your Skin and How to Repair and Reverse it This Winter
As the summer sun shines brightly, we often find ourselves basking in its warmth, enjoying beach days and outdoor adventures. While it’s easy to get caught up in the joy of summer, many of us forget that prolonged sun exposure can lead to significant skin damage. From sunburns to premature aging, the effects of the sun can linger long after the season has ended. Fortunately, winter offers the perfect opportunity to start reversing this damage with advanced aesthetic treatments.
The Impact of Summer on Our Skin
Sunburn and Hyperpigmentation Sunburn is not just painful; it can cause long-term damage. Over time, the skin may develop hyperpigmentation, which appears as dark spots or uneven skin tone. This occurs when UV rays stimulate melanin production, leading to discoloration.
Premature Aging Exposure to UV radiation accelerates the aging process. Enzymes that degrade are activated causing collagen and elastin fibers to break down, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of firmness. The skin may also lose its youthful glow, becoming dull and lackluster.
Dehydration Summer heat can lead to dehydrated skin, which may become flaky and rough. The sun’s rays strip away moisture, leaving the skin feeling dry and in need of hydration.
Increased Risk of Skin Conditions Prolonged sun exposure can exacerbate conditions like rosacea, broken capillaries, acne, melasma, and other skin sensitivities, making it crucial to address these issues as soon as the cooler months arrive. Acne can be exacerbated due to the humidity, causing sweat and oils to build up in our pores, as well as increased broken capillaries with the overall heat in our skin.
Winter: The Ideal Time for Recovery
With the summer behind us, winter is an opportune time to focus on skin recovery. The colder months allow for less sun exposure and more time for healing treatments. Here are some effective options:
IPL Laser Treatment Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is an excellent choice for addressing sun damage. This treatment uses light energy to target pigmentation, redness, and overall skin texture. It can significantly reduce dark spots and improve skin tone, leaving you with a more radiant complexion. Adding Yag Laser to IPL can target and eliminate broken capillaries which is a large component of rosacea patients.
Radiofrequency Microneedling This advanced treatment combines the benefits of microneedling with radiofrequency energy. It stimulates elastin and collagen production deep within the skin, helping to tighten and lift while reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It’s particularly effective for repairing skin that has lost elasticity due to sun damage.
Aesthetic Treatments Consider incorporating other aesthetic treatments such as chemical peels and hydrating facials into your winter skincare regimen. Chemical peels can exfoliate the top layer of skin, removing dead cells and revealing a brighter complexion underneath. Hydrating facials replenish moisture and can soothe any dryness caused by summer exposure. Microneedling can be used with stimulating products to assist in decreasing pigmentation, stimulate collagen and treat acne/acne scars.
Building a Winter Skincare Routine
To enhance the effects of these treatments and promote overall skin health, consider adopting a winter skincare routine:
Hydration is Key: Use rich moisturizers and serums containing hyaluronic acid to combat dryness. Drinking plenty of water is equally important to keep your skin hydrated from within. Example: HA5 by skin medica, Pro Heal serum by IS Clinical, and Nectar by Alastin will give you all the hydration and calming benefits.
Sun Protection: Just because it's winter doesn't mean you can skip sunscreen. Protect your skin from UV rays and prevent further damage by applying a broad-spectrum SPF daily.Make sure to reapply your SPF as it has a maximum of 2-4 hours of potency on skin. Example: Skinbetter Tinted SPF and EltaMD Broad spectrum are our most popular sells.
Gentle Cleansing: Opt for gentle, hydrating cleansers to avoid stripping your skin of essential oils. Example: Cleansing Complex by IS Clinical is a gentle yet effective resurfacing cleanser for everyday use.
Nutrition Matters: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can support skin repair. Foods like berries, nuts, and leafy greens can contribute to a healthier complexion.
Conclusion
Summer may have taken a toll on your skin, but winter provides the perfect opportunity to start reversing that damage. By investing in effective treatments like IPL laser therapy, radiofrequency microneedling, and comprehensive skincare routines, you can restore your skin’s vitality and radiance. Make sure to discuss with Dr. Brandish what the best options are for you and your specific skin concerns. Embrace the cold months as a time for rejuvenation, and look forward to glowing skin come the future seasons!
