When the sun shines, you shine back

The weather gods had predicted it and so it went. The first weekend of June saw us in the Netherlands reach almost tropical temperatures, resulting in traffic jams from the Kurhaus to the Scheveningse Bosjes. Many sun worshippers eagerly headed for the beach to get some vitamin D. In our western culture, then, it is nice to have a tan. I will honestly admit that I too can really enjoy the sun, but as a skin therapist I still get flushed cheeks when I hear someone say: today a tomato, tomorrow a chocolate. Is it still so unknown what influences sunlight has on the skin?

SUNS MAY

A little sunlight is definitely good for humans. In fact, studies have shown that UV radiation has beneficial effects on various skin, bone and muscle diseases and depression. There is also increasingly clear evidence that sunlight reduces the risk of colon, breast and prostate cancer and MS. But, all in moderation.

SUNLIGHT AND THE SKIN

Light has an important influence on our skin, both in the development of skin disorders and in the therapy of certain skin diseases. Everyone has experienced the negative effects of UV radiation in sunlight. If your skin gets too much uv and for too long, sunburn occurs. The skin becomes red and painful. Worse, blisters may appear and you may feel well and truly sick. With redness, the skin is already damaged. The best thing you can do then is soothe the skin. A nice mask is the Phyto Corrective Mask from SkinCeuticals, which I like to put in the fridge in the summer months for extra cooling! A nice complement to this is the Phyto Corrective Gel, a hydrating and calming serum (which I like so much that I just use it all year round). But, did you know that UV has a direct harmful effect on collagen in the skin? Thereby, under the influence of this radiation, certain enzymes are produced that stimulate the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Symptoms such as premature skin ageing, increased wrinkling, permanent redness, vessels and pigmentation will occur. This is precisely something we do not want!

HAPPY

In several ways, the skin protects itself from UV radiation. Under the influence of UV, the skin thickens within a few days. This makes it easier to reflect light. Under the influence of UV light, the skin also produces pigment. Certain pigment cells become active and produce, as it were, parasols that protect the cell nuclei. This is so important because our cell nuclei contain the DNA.

HELP YOUR SKIN

Your skin has a lot to endure when it protects you from the effects of the sun. So offering support is no luxury. Can I give you a tip? I use a daily vitamin C serum ( CE-Ferulic) by SkinCeuticals. With this, I protect my skin from the influences of UV rays, infrared radiation and air pollution. Moreover, my skin gets a nice glow and I get many compliments that my face glows! From the inside, the skin can also use some help. Certain foods, for example, have the properties to help protect the skin from the effects of harmful UV radiation. Choose fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants. A great complement to this is Laviesage's Skin Protect. These supplements contain a range of powerful antioxidants that help protect against the effects of pollution and sunlight and contribute to normal skin pigmentation.

During my consultation, I hear from many clients that they would like to use an anti-sunburn cream, but cannot find a fine product. It is indeed important to protect your skin from uv every day, because even on a cloudy day, skin can burn! My favourite product is SkinCeuticals' Brightening UV Defense SPF 30. This is a hydrating uv protection that can be used as a daily skincare product.

TREAT

Even in the summer months, we can treat your skin well and reduce the negative effects of sunlight. Thickening of the skin, which is beneficial for UV protection, does increase the risk of blemishes. This is partly because the sebum can no longer drain out properly. Initially, it will seem as if the impurities decrease during the summer months. But, often a breakout occurs in autumn. To prevent this, it is important to ensure that the layer of dead skin cells stays nice and thin even in the summer months. How can you ensure this? With a chemical peel! Yes, this is also possible in the summer months, with the right guidance, of course. Do you suffer from some pigmentation despite good protection? We can improve this too. At Skin+Surgery Clinics in The Hague and Bergschenhoek, we can work on radiant skin all year round!

By Lianne van Diggelen, Skin therapist at Skin+Surgery Clinics