Rebecca Treston discusses ways to protect your skin from sun damage as well as the benefits of Picogenesis
Q: I have just moved to the UAE from the UK and I am worried about sun damage. What should I do?
Given the climate in the UAE it is essential we fully understand the risks of sun damage as well as how to minimise if not prevent them. It is easy to forget the danger of over-exposure to the sun, and many of us are guilty of forgoing sun lotion on cooler days or when it has clouded over. On particularly hot days the temptation to cool off in one of Dubai’s many pools or beaches often mean that our sun lotion is washed off, with many of us then forgetting to reapply afterwards. These reasons for prolonged exposure to the sun can result in a number of negative health and aesthetic problems in the future.
The best way to protect from sun damage is to practice preventative measures to ensure that your skin is always safe. Wearing a physical sunblock with IR and UV protection is essential whenever you go outside, and it is important to remember to reapply lotion every two hours for maximum protection. If possible, avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, usually from 11am until 3pm, but if you have to venture out, stay in shaded areas and wear a hat as much as possible. If you have sensitive skin or skin that has been previously burnt, I would recommend wearing loose-fitting light clothing to prevent any further sun damage. Furthermore, keeping your body hydrated with water and wearing a good quality moisturiser will ensure that your skin is kept in the best condition possible.
Despite our best efforts, we all can forget to practice safe sun care and many of us experience the negative effects of prolonged sun exposure at some point in our lives. Some of the most common aesthetic problems that can occur include:
Premature Ageing – Sun-exposed skin can gradually lose moisture and essential oils making it appear dry, flaky, and prematurely wrinkled.
Actinic Keratosis – This small, thickened and scaly growth develops on parts of the skin that suffer from regular sun exposure.
Pigmentation – Over the course of 10-20 years our skin begins to show the effect of prolonged sun exposure in the form of discolouration, often called sunspots or age spots.
Thanks to modern day medicine and technology, it is now possible to reverse many of the negative aesthetic effects of sun damage. For a completely non-invasive procedure I would recommend undergoing a Chemical Peel. Although it can sound scary, this treatment offers a fast and effective way to remove dead skin cells and improve the overall appearance of damaged skin –and with the latest generation of chemical peels, there is little if any downtime.
A further method of rejuvenation is the Dermapen treatment, which involves a unique spring-loaded needle tip, which is equipped with fine vibrating needles, piercing the skin at a predetermined speed and depth. This results in enhanced collagen and elastin rejuvenation with little damage to the epidermis, and can vastly improve the appearance of scars as well as improve the general tone and texture of the skin. Particularly beneficial for pigmentation, the Picogenesis is one of the most innovative non-ablative skin perfecting lasers available today. Using a unique rejuvenation process, the Piogenesis has multiple benefits such as shrinking pores, reducing sebum production, stimulating collagen remodelling, and fracturing the melanin that causes uneven pigmentation.
If you’re worried that prolonged sun exposure has damaged your skin then why not schedule a consultation with one of my team? Remember, it is never too late to start protecting your skin, or to begin addressing the negative effects of sun damage.
For more information or to book a consultation, visit the website
