Sun Spots, Freckles, and Wrinkles: The Real Impact of Sun on Your Skin and How to Protect It

How Ultraviolet Rays and Tanning Affect Your Skin

The sun’s rays have a dual effect on our skin. While insufficient sun exposure can lead to a weakened immune system, a pale, grayish skin tone, and loss of elasticity, excessive sunbathing and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can be equally harmful. The skin may age prematurely, triggering its defense mechanisms, which can deplete its resources, cause dryness, and disrupt the sebaceous glands. Although sunlight can have both positive and negative effects, it’s crucial to protect your skin from direct ultraviolet rays, especially during the spring and summer months.

Sun Protection Options

The best barriers against the sun’s rays are natural minerals, such as titanium dioxide and zinc, which can be enhanced with iron oxides. Products containing these reflective components are excellent for sun protection. For example:

• Mineral BB creams that offer UVB/UVA protection of 15-25.
• Mineral powders composed of mica, titanium dioxide, zinc, and iron oxides.

Mineral powders provide a minimum protection of 15, which can be increased to 30 by applying multiple layers. These powders are hypoallergenic, natural, and allow the skin to breathe while offering UV protection. However, they may not be sufficient for highly sun-sensitive skin prone to burning or pigmentation, or for extended outdoor activities.

Anything that limits UV penetration helps protect the skin. For both beauty and protection, consider wearing wide-brimmed hats or stylish panamas.

Sun Spots and Freckles: Causes and Removal

Both sun spots and freckles result from excessive melanin production by melanocytes. Melanin production is the skin’s defense mechanism against ultraviolet rays, absorbing them to protect the tissues.

Freckles occur when melanocytes cluster together, forming visible spots. If freckles appear in early childhood, their presence is genetically determined and cannot be permanently removed.

Sun spots (chloasma) vary in size and shape, ranging from light yellow to dark brown. They can appear at any age and have various causes, often linked to liver or gallbladder diseases, pregnancy, or prolonged, irrational sun exposure.

Persistent, darkened spots may also result from using irritating creams containing acids and urea, deep-cleansing masks, or scrubs. Removing such spots is challenging and requires a comprehensive skin restoration plan and careful selection of maintenance products.

Sun spots can be primary (such as moles, freckles, and age-related formations) or secondary (post-inflammatory or post-infectious). Skin changes can occur at any age due to hormonal imbalances and other factors, including pregnancy, menopause, oral contraceptive use, phototoxic medications, vitamin deficiencies, genetic predisposition, or a toxic lifestyle.

Addressing the internal issue is crucial for easier removal of the external symptoms. After resolving the underlying cause of acquired pigmentation, you can proceed with removing the sun spots themselves. This process should only be performed by a specialist and after consulting with a dermatologist. Avoid using whitening agents solely based on others’ experiences.

Can You Do Peels in the Spring?

Peels and cosmetic procedures are possible during the spring and summer, provided that maximum sun protection is ensured. If you undergo these procedures, use SPF products with high protection levels (at least 50).

How to Choose and Apply SPF Products

Apply SPF cream in three steps:

1. Create a cushion between the skin and the cream by applying a moisturizing serum or gel before the SPF cream.
2. Optionally, apply a moisturizing cream after the serum.
3. Apply the SPF cream and remove it with a cleanser at the earliest opportunity.

Choose SPF based on the UV index, which varies by country and season. For example, in Belarus, the UV index can range from 0-2 in winter to 6 in summer. For high insolation levels, use SPF 30 or 40+. For moderate insolation levels (around 6), SPF 25 is sufficient. Prefer products containing titanium dioxide, zinc, and iron oxides. The darker your skin, the higher the iron mineral content should be in the product, such as a BB cream with SPF protection.

During the summer, always apply sun protection before going outside. After sunset, SPF protection is no longer necessary.

Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and take measures to prevent premature aging!

Remember, sun protection is essential year-round, not just in the summer. The difference lies in the insolation level: strong protection may be required in some cases, while a mineral powder may suffice in others.

Skincare Guide

Proper skincare is a pressing issue today. Cosmetic manufacturers often create “super products” that combine cleansing, toning, nourishing, moisturizing, and SPF protection in a single container. But do these all-in-one products truly work?

Skincare consists of three essential steps:

1. Cleansing (including neutralizing alkaline agents).
2. Moisturizing.
3. Protection from environmental damage.

“What about nourishing the skin?” you may ask. Indeed, nourishment is another crucial step. However, remember that the skin primarily receives nourishment from within and through massage techniques, not just from skincare products and cosmetics!

The most important aspect is moisturizing, using serums and hydro-gels, preferably with low molecular weight and sodium hyaluronate for a concise ingredient list.

For more information on skincare, visit American Academy of Dermatology.