SKIN BASICS
Skin is one of the most visible parts of your body. Overexposure to the sun's invisible rays - ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) - can cause skin damage. UV-A rays are harmful to your body because they can lead to skin cancer and aging of your skin. UV-B rays cause sunburn. Tanning occurs when the skin produces additional pigment (melanin) to protect itself against sunburn from ultraviolet rays. The damage can be immediate and long-term, with effects ranging from sunburn, rashes, and cell and tissue damage to premature wrinkling and skin cancer.
In general, most people "over wash" and "over stimulate" their skin by using hot water, harsh soaps, rough wash cloths and buff puffs. With normal or sensitive skin, these items can cause broken capillaries and redden skin.
SKIN CARE REGIMEN
First, above all else, never use soap, insted use a mild facial wash with tepid water. Gently wash your face with your fingers using a circular motion. For oily/breakout skin, try a salicylic wash. And for normal, dry or photo-damaged skins, try a milky cleanser. Rinse thoroughly and blot dry with a soft fluffy towel.
To reduce your risk of skin damage from sunlight, try to minimize your exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
Wear a hat and tightly woven clothing that covers your body, when you go out in summer. Sun-protective clothing protects skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) value, that is, the level of protection the garment provides from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. The higher the UPF, the higher the protection from the sun's UV rays.
Use sunscreens when you are in sun. If you are worried about sunscreen giving you acne, which it can, use an oil-free kind, especially for your face. All sunscreens have a sun protection factor (SPF) on their labels. The SPF represents the length of time that sunscreen-protected skin can be exposed to UV rays before a minimal darkening appear, compared to the length of time it takes on unprotected skin. Sunscreens with SPF numbers higher than 15 may work better for people who are fair-skinned, live at high altitudes, work or play outdoors much of the day, or perspire heavily.
Apply sunscreen every couple of hours when you are in the pool.
SUN SCREENS
Physical Barriers to UV rays like heavy petrolium jelly, calamine, zinc oxide etc were used as sun screens. Most of the commercial preparations have chemical sun screens like 5% PABA, 2 to 6% oxybenzone, 1 to 3% cinoxate and 3 to 5% menthyl anthranlate. It is important for you as a consumer to identify these and select the proper commercial one that suits you best.
ANTI OXIDANTS
Although most of us have some form of sun-damaged skin, there are ways to regain healthy, smooth skin. After many years of research, scientists have discovered that a variety of natural ingredients and vitamin extracts significantly help slow down and even reverse the signs of aging skin. These ingredients are now found in many physician developed and physician recommended anti-aging skin care products, which are specified below.
Vitamin A (Retinol) - Topical Vitamin A has been suggested to help build collagen fibers within the skin in addition to its more superficial exfoliating property. This is the basis for its use in minimizing the appearance of fine wrinkle lines. Rich sources of vitamin A are marine fish, liver oils and carrot.
Vitamin C - Vitamin C or ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant and is considered vital in wound healing because it aids in stabilizing collagen. When applied topically, vitamin C can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and may lessen the severity of sunburns. Vitamin abundant in citrous fruits.
Vitamin E - Vitamin E is another antioxidant that shows to have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. When applied topically, vitamin E has been shown to improve moisture, softness and smoothness and also provides modest photo protection. The plentiful sources of natural vitamin E are spinach, egg yolk, cereals and nuts.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) - AHAs are designed to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, to improve skin texture and tone, to unblock and cleanse pores, to improve oily skin or acne, and to improve skin condition in general. Glycolic acid is proven to be very effective in the treatment of acne as well as in cosmetic uses.
Green Tea Extract - Green tea's anti-inflammatory and anti-growth qualities are found in many skin care products.
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