Summer Skincare Tips

Newsletter, Vol. 34 – July 2006

This edition of our newsletter features special skincare tips from Shizuka for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV Rays this summer. Read on to find recommended products and Shizuka Day Spa NYC’s Summer Specials!

A Message From Shizuka

Summer is here and we all need to think about protecting our skin from the sun. Regardless of skin type and color, using a good sun block can help to prevent skin cancer, wrinkles and brown spots. In addition to skin cancer concerns, Ultraviolet (UV) Rays break down the skin’s elasticity (causing fine lines and wrinkles), loosen collagen fibers, and darken melanin (producing hyperpigmentation and melasma).

It is well known that the action of the sun on our skin helps the body to produce Vitamin D but, according to recent studies, we can get enough Vitamin D from food intake with an adequate diet and so sun exposure for this reason is just not necessary. This summer, try to avoid the sun’s powerful UV Rays as much as possible. Find more information about UV rays and other skincare tips below.

An Ultraviolet Primer

UV Rays are classified into 3 types: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C on the basis of wavelength. UV-C is most damaging to the skin, followed by UV-B and then UV-A.

UV-A has the longest wavelength and reaches deeper into the skin causing wrinkles, brown spots, blemishes, and skin cancer. Tanning salons use UV-A because it stimulates the pigment cells to disperse pre-made melanin and darkening your skin quickly.

UV-B is the major cause of sunburn. There is 10x as much UV-A in sunlight as UV-B, but the risk of damage by exposure to UV-B is very high, since UV-B is 100x more damaging. Both UVA and UVB cause skin cancer.

UV-C is the most dangerous type of UV. Normally, the ozone layer prevents it from reaching the earth’s surface.

Tips for Using Sunscreen

Sun Protection products are classified into two categories, “Sunblock” and “Sunscreen.” Sunblock products do not penetrate into the skin. Rather, they stay on the skin’s surface and protect it from UV light, mainly by reflecting the harmful rays away from the body. These products contain Titanium Dioxide, or Zinc Oxide, and are visible on the skin surface when applied (they now come in a variety of colors). Dermatologists often recommend this category of products, especially for children, infants, and adults with sensitive skin. It is also recommended for skin that has been damaged by chemical peeling or laser treatments.

Recently, a new type of sunblock cream has been developed which has a natural tint color and is convenient to use. When you apply it on your face, it may appear too shiny because of its glossy surface. If this happens, you should also apply powder on your skin. This type of sun block is convenient because you can apply it without using foundation.

Unlike sunblocks, sunscreens penetrate into the skin and protect it from UV rays by absorbing (rather than reflecting) the light. These products often have a high SPF-level. An advantage of sunscreens over sunblocks is that they are invisible on the skin surface. We recommend using a Sunscreen under cosmetics in every season.

Some new products have also been developed which protect your skin from infrared rays, as well as against UV-A and UV-B. These products are Mexoryl and Tinosorb. They are available in Canada and Europe, but have not yet been approved by the FDA here.

A great skincare tip is to be careful when purchasing sun protection products: skin care marketers sometimes tell you to buy products to protect you from either UVA or UVB, but you need protection from both. Make sure you purchase product that protect you from both types of UV rays.

From Our Blog:
FDA Issues New Rules For Sunscreen Safety

Additional Summer Skincare Tips

Use Sunscreen Frequently
When you plan to be outdoors for a long time, it’s not enough to put sunscreen on your skin just once in the morning. You should apply it at least every 2 hours. According to a recent study, it’s more effective to apply SPF15 sunscreen every 2-3 hours than applying SPF30 sunscreen every 4 to 5 hours.

Wear Sunglasses with UV Protection
UV damages your eyes as well as your skin. When you go outdoors, wear sunglasses that have UV protection.

UVA Can Penetrate Window Glass!
Glass will protect you from UVB, but not UVA. When you are indoors and are near a window or in a sunroom, use sunscreen to protect your skin. When you are driving, you should also protect your hands and arms. Use sunscreen when you are not wearing long-sleeved shirts or gloves.

Sun Protection for Children and Infants
Sun damage to children’s skin can have long-term effects. In fact, research has shown that 80% of all photo-damage occurs by the age of 18. Even when they are young, children should take care of their skin by getting into the habit of using sunscreen and wearing hats and other protective clothes.

Babies have very sensitive skin. Children under six months old should not be exposed to direct sunlight. When outdoors, put a cap on the baby and cover his or her skin with clothes. After 6 months, you can put sunscreen on the baby’s skin, but be sure to choose a gentle product.

Summer Clothing Colors
In Japan, women use parasols in the summer to protect their skin from UV rays. The color of the parasols used to be a light color, such as white, but now a dark color is recommended (black parasols are now very common). Although this may seem strange, a recent study has shown that dark color clothes protect the skin from UV rays better than light colors.

Sun Protection Products

Shizuka New York Day Spa carries a variety of sunscreen products for all skin types. In this issue we introduce a number of useful and unique sun protection products.

DCL Essential Skin Protection SPF 30+
A strong combination of antioxidants formulated with Vitamin E Polypeptide to aid in moisturizing and Aloe Powder, Panthenol and Allantoin to soothe exposed skin. Offers complete UVA/UVB protection.
4 oz
More information and purchase online >>

DCL UVA/UVB chemfree superblock SPF 30
Very water resistant with micronized zinc oxide (Z-Cote) provides optimal reflection of harmful UVA/UVB rays. Non-Whitening & Fragrance-Free. Ultra-small micronized particles blend invisibly onto skin.
4 oz
More information and purchase online >>

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