Tag: Sun Damage

  • Sun Tan Removal: What actually needs to be done

    Revisiting Your Diet Chart
    A lot of essential vitamins and minerals are crucial for building the skin’s immunity. Lycopene is currently the industry favourite but there are several other important ones too which if taken in addition to Lycopene will boost the skin’s immunity multifolds.

    Citrus Fruits
    Citrus Fruits such as lemons, limes and oranges are rich source of Vitamin C, Limonene and Antioxidants. While Limonene itself is responsible for reducing the chances of skin damage as well as skin cancer by about 35-40%, Vitamin C together with Vitamin E is known to reduce the skin’s susceptibility to sunburn.

    The antioxidants in addition to the aforementioned protect the skin cells from free radical damage thus preventing premature ageing and skin cancer risks.

    Pomegranates
    Rich source of Ellagic acid and antioxidants, pomegranates are known to stimulate glutathione production in the body. Ellagic acid in specific protects the skin from damage caused by the UVA and UVB rays.

    Red Grapes
    Red grapes are rich source of phytonutrients, proanthocyanidins and quercetin which help fight sun damage both by boosting the skin’s immunity as well as by fighting the damage that happens.

    Phytonutrients help in slowing down of ROS (reactive oxygen species) thus preventing cell ageing and death which ultimately reduces the risk for sun damage and skin cancer. Proanthocyanidins and other polyphenols inhibit the risk of skin cancer caused by UV rays. Similarly, Quercetin helps in lessening the oxidative DNA damage caused by excess UVB exposure thus preventing inflammation which we call sunburn in layman terms.

    Flax Seeds
    Now this can be considered a surprise package, Omega 3 fatty acids don’t just help protect your skin from sunburn and reduce the additional inflammation that the burn causes to the nearby skin cells.

    Omega 3 fatty acids in flax seeds can protect your skin from sunburn, reduce additional inflammation if sunburn occurs, and fight against skin cancer. According to the National Institute of Health, flaxseed oil can protect your skin against UV rays and keep your skin moisturized so it won’t dry out, as well as fight against skin cancer. Try adding 2 tablespoons to your next smoothie.

    For Protection
    Now this is the part where a lot gets said usually so we will just brush through to ensure that you are well reminded of what is in store

    • Wear your Sunscreen regularly, about 20 minutes before leaving and ensure that you stick to it religiously. Also, not just that- the effect wears off after about 3-4 hours depending upon the kind of exposure that you have and so keep reapplying it. And just to reiterate, SPF 35 and beyond is absolutely necessary in the Indian climate.
    • One really sensitive area on your face is the under eye region, a few rubs and it darkens, a bit of stress and it darkens and then UV-A and UV-B attack and it darkens almost permanently if not treated. Now, since prevention is better than cure, do wear UV protected sunglasses when out. Not necessarily Photochromic (the color changing ones) but UV Tinted is the thing. Also, go for lens size which covers the entire under eye area.
    • Lips darken not because of smoking only, pigmentation darkens the lips too and most of the pigmentation concerns are because of sun damage. The solution is simple- go for lip balms which contain adequate UV protection
    • We had talked about UV protect clothings in an earlier blog. The same goes here again- they are readily available on almost all the online websites and so, your UV protection becomes just a click away. In case you do not want to buy a new clothing piece, then you can do one thing, hold on your clothes under a UV lamp and see how much light can pass. The lesser the passage, the higher the protection. Try it with different colored clothes and you can decide on your summer clothing accordingly.
    • Cover, cover and cover yourself to avoid as much sun protection as you can.
    • Last but not the least, avoid going out during the peak hours of 12 pm to 3 pm when the sun is at its hottest and hence the damage will be worst.

    For Cure

    1. Exfoliate your skin because that is how one can get rid of the dead cells that keep accumulating. Also, go for a mild exfoliator/scrub because too harsh particles can cause darkening due to friction. And not just the face, your body needs adequate exfoliation too and for that you can use loofahs, scrubs or Alpha Hydroxy Acid cleansers.
    2. Do not ignore if pigmentation spots start appearing. Pigmentation is a sign of extensive damage and any ignorance can make the marks permanent.
    3. Keep yourself hydrated. There is no right amount of water to drink. The water you need is the amount which will ensure a hassle free urination (the closest possible mark you can get to to monitor your body’s water balance)
    4. Visit a dermatologist positively. While you might feel that there are no visible marks on the skin and hence there is no sun damage, our reveal pictures taken of several clients have revealed that when the damage starts building up, it is usually not visible to naked eye. Now, it is up to the person concerned to decide whether they want to nip the issue right in the bud by taking suitable preventive measures or wait till the damage has been excessive and then go for a cure.

    We hope this comprehensive sun protection guide was of help to you.

    Stay tuned for more on preventing Sun Damage

    Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
    We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves in offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skin care and uses facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.

  • Soothing a Sunburn

    What is a Sunburn?

    If you stay in the sun for too long without any protection, you may get a sunburn. A sunburn is the skin’s response to extreme ultraviolet (UV) exposure and indicates severe damage. The body protects itself from this harmful radiation by accelerating the production of melanin, the dark pigment that gives skin its normal color. When melanin production is accelerated, the extra melanin produced gives the skin a darker color, referred to as a tan.

    Unfortunately, melanin can only protect the body from a certain amount of UV light. Eventually, if someone is continually exposed to it, UV radiation will cause their skin to burn in as little as 10 minutes of exposure!

    After the exposure, skin may turn red in as little as 30 minutes, but most often takes 2 to 6 hours. Pain is usually most extreme 6 to 48 hours after exposure. The burn continues to develop for 24 to 72 hours, occasionally followed by peeling skin in 3 to 8 days. Some peeling and itching may continue for several weeks.

    Sunburn can vary from mild to severe. The extent depends on the skin type and the amount of exposure to the sun. Sunburn is a serious risk factor for skin cancer and for sun damage. There is no such thing as a “base tan” – any color is a sign of damage. Minor sunburns typically cause nothing more than slight redness and tenderness to the affected areas. In more serious cases, blistering can occur. The earlier one starts treatment the more effective the healing process will be. Sunburn can lead to skin damage and sometimes it may result in skin cancer if not treated at the right time.

    Symtptoms of a Sunburn :

    If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

    • Extreme blistering or peeling
    • Dizziness
    • Fever
    • Intense pain and tingling
    • Chills
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Swelling
    • Headaches

    Once the skin is burnt, efforts should be turned toward soothing the pain and aiding the healing process. As soon as it becomes apparent that the skin is sunburnt, the first thing that should be done is getting out of the sun, preferably indoors. Once the risk of further UV exposure is minimized, there are a number of things that can be done to treat the burn.

    How to treat Sunburn?

    Cooling and moisturizing
    Cool your skin down with cold compression like placing damp towels on the skin or take a cold water bath or shower. After which, just pat dry your skin and immediately apply moisturizer to trap in water and ease the dryness. This will also help with peeling of the skin. Be aware of what ingredients are in moisturizing lotions. The skin can be hydrated by applying topical products containing Aloe Vera and/or vitamin E, which reduce inflammation.

    Pain Reliever
    Pain relief medication should be taken as soon as signs of sunburn emerge. It will not only cut back on redness and swelling, but will also help with the severity of the symptoms. A low-dose hydrocortisone cream may also help reduce inflammation and itching.

    If blisters form, do not break them. Breaking open blisters not only slows the skin’s healing process, but increase the risk of infection. If a blister breaks, make sure to clean the area gently with water and mild soap, apply antibacterial cream and protect the area with a wet dressing.

    Stay Hydrated
    It is important for people with sunburn to drink extra water to prevent dehydration and help the skin heal. If one experiences dehydration or suffering from heat stress, IV fluids may be given, and a patient may be admitted to the hospital.

    Protect your skin
    It will take a few days before you can go out in the sun again. But make sure you cover yourself with proper clothing, a hat and sun glasses. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreens meaning that it protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. The best protection is achieved by applying 15 to 30 minutes before exposure, followed by one reapplication 15 to 30 minutes after exposure begins. Further reapplication is only necessary after activities such as swimming, sweating, and rubbing.

    Without due caution, anyone can become sunburnt. You can easily prevent the damage by taking precautions when you are out enjoying the sun. If at all it happens, you will now know how to cope with this uncomfortable condition. So don’t avoid the fun, just avoid the sunburn.

    Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
    We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves in offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skin care and uses facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.

  • Worry not!!! One solution for your concerns. BB Cream!

    Tinted moisturizer is a cross between your regular facial moisturizer and foundation. Tinted moisturizer, also known as BB Cream, is a light moisturizer that has a slight tint of color for sheer coverage. It hydrates the skin and evens out the complexion with sheer and natural coverage and feels very light on the skin. You don’t look made up and caked on with Tinted moisturizer. It lets your skin breathe!!

    This is the latest buzz in the beauty industry in tropical climates, especially as the heat will not make this run and look blotchy.

    Tinted moisturizers have moisture & sunscreen to protect the skin, usually an SPF 15. They also have antioxidants and some are infused with minerals. They are applied as you would a regular moisturiser and takes a few seconds to apply giving your skin an instant lift. You can apply a sunscreen on top of this for better sun protection if you are going to be outdoors a lot. Otherwise a tinted mosituriser with SPF will replace a moisturizer, foundation and sunscreen in your bathroom shelf.

    Avoid using Tinted moisturizer with silicone, parabens, synthetic chemicals and petroleum-derivatives. Some are cloggy and are more like foundations than an actual Tinted moisturizer. Some dry into a powder form once applied and make the skin look dull. They don’t smell the best because usually they are fragrance free, but once you put it on it doesn’t smell bad.

    So who can use it?

    Everyone can use Tinted moisturizer. If you like to look natural & flawless, Tinted moisturizer is for you. It can be used in any season. If you have wrinkles go for water or oil based so that they don’t settle in your wrinkles. It actually plumps up the skin and makes it dewy to give that radiant glow. Younger skin can go for matt finish to look less oily. Although there are some that go well with both the types of skin.

    Tinted moisturizers last up to 4-6 hours, but the good part is it doesn’t wear off but your skin soaks it in. If required, You may reapply .It is very quick to apply and there is no time required for it to set in. It doesn’t conceal & cover like foundations, but it makes the blemishes, scars & pigmentation look lighter. It also covers redness or patchiness. It is not meant to be a full coverage product, but it is very beneficial for your skin.

    The greatest benefit of all, it does not run and stain your clothes like heavier foundation and all it takes is a few seconds, so when you are on the go in the morning, this eases time constraint just by the sheer ease of application.

    So the new age mantra is tinted moisturiser (BB Cream) as opposed to a foundation, especially if you are under 50 and want to look good but not made up!!!

    Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
    We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves in offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skin care and uses facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.

  • You must Use Your: SUNSCREEN!

    Everyone needs to wear sunscreen including children. Dark skinned people do have better protection from sun due to more melanin but sun rays can damage their skin as well. Health experts advise everyone, regardless of skin color, to use sunscreen regularly with an SPF of at least 15.

    What is SPF?

    The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) refers to the sunscreen’s ability to screen or block out the sun’s harmful UVB rays. It measures the length of time a product protects against skin reddening from UVB, compared to how long the skin takes to redden without protection.

    If it takes 20 minutes without protection to begin reddening, using an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer – about 5 hours. To maintain the SPF, reapply sunscreen every two hours and right after swimming.Ensure your sunscreen has broad-spectrum protection that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

    Sunscreen contains ingredients that protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Too much exposure to the sun can lead to health problems and skin irritations.

    Short term Damage: Skin that is overexposed to sunlight without sunscreen may sun burn, becomes red and dry, and discolouration may occur.

    Long term Damage: One may age prematurely; wrinkles develop due to sun damage. Skin cancer develops due to exposure to the sun without sunscreen; melanoma is especially dangerous.

    Most adults should use about 35 ml of sunscreen to cover their whole body. It’s about the same as an adult handful. Remember, most people don’t apply enough sunscreen. It’s OK to use more than you think you should. As mentioned above apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out in the sun, and reapply every 2 hours or as soon as you get done swimming or sweating heavily.

    Even with the ideal sunscreen, some UV rays can get through to your skin and cause damage. The Skin Cancer Foundation considers sunscreen one part of a comprehensive sun protection program, along with sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, shade, and sun avoidance from 10AM to 4 PM.

    Kosmoderma Skin, Hair & Lasers Clinics are dedicated to medical excellence in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology with international accreditation and facilities.
    We offer scientifically proven treatments using US FDA approved technology. All our products have undergone extensive research and trials in USA, Europe and India. We pride ourselves in offering safe, effective and affordable treatments with high standards of quality. Kosmoderma gives personalized consults with skin care and uses facial analyzer and 3D imaging of the skin to analyze and personalize the treatments and skin regimen.