Tag: SPF

Beauty Advice, esthetician, Products

Snow-P-F: a wintry PSA

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Hello, Beautiful! New Mexico and much of the Rocky Mountain West has just had our first snow storm of the season and we want to take a moment for this snow-packed list of PSAs–drive slowly on icy roads; always keep a big coat, boots, and gloves in the car in case you have to get out and hike; kitty litter is easy to keep in your trunk for extra traction if you’re getting stuck; hydrate even if you don’t feel hot; and SPF is critical in the snow!

Because of our high altitude and sunshine, which reflects off the snow for double-exposure, New Mexicans must be particularly vigilant about sun protection year-round!

What is SPF?

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how much solar energy is necessary to damage protected skin. The higher the SPF, the better protected your skin will be. SPF can be applied through products or by donning the right kind of clothes. For example, merino wool clothing has a UPF of 50. Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is similar to SPF, but is the rating system used for fabrics instead of products applied to the skin. Great for protecting your body, wearing clothes with UPF allows you to be exposed to the sun without worrying about reapplication. However, it’s not practical to keep your entire face concealed every time you go out, and summer weather brings summer styles, which often feature bared shoulders, backs, arms, and legs. Having a skin-applied product with SPF means you can safely enjoy the sun in a fashionable outfit!

Why is it important?

UV damage, like the damage you get every time you have even a mild sunburn, is a leading cause of skin cancer. Protecting your skin from the sun is an easy, inexpensive way to reduce your chance of getting skin cancer. With a little thought and the right products, keeping your skin protected doesn’t have to take a lot of time or interrupt your normal beauty and style routine.

In addition to causing skin cancer, the sun’s harsh UV rays cause premature aging to the skin–reducing elastin, increasing wrinkles, dark patches (sometimes called sunspots), and freckles.

Protect your skin. Preserve your youth.

The easiest way to protect the largest amount of skin at once is to wear protective clothing, especially when you’re planning to be outside during the most intense exposure times (typically 11 am to 2 pm) when the sun is highest and its rays are most intense. Wear long sleeves, pants, shoes that cover the tops of your feet, and a wide brimmed hat. There are lots of companies making UPF clothing in a wide range of styles specifically designed to be comfortable and lightweight.

If covering up is impractical or impossible, rely on high quality, broad spectrum sunscreen that protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 30, but ideally 50+. Finding sunscreen for the body can be relatively easy with tons of products to choose from at your favorite retailer. Various application methods make hard to reach places (like the center of your back), easy to reach!

But the face is different–more sensitive to products and requiring a higher degree of protection both for aesthetic (wrinkles!!!) and practical reasons (the skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive). It’s important to invest in quality products that will provide maximum protection without making you look shiny and ruining your make up application.

Dermalogica has a full line of SPF products for all skin types and concerns. From super sensitive to matte application, Leticia can help you find the best SPF for your face (and neck, chest, and shoulders)–saving you money in the long run by preserving your natural elastin, and making your treatments go farther by preventing unnecessary damage.

Don’t forget!

  • Reapply every 2 hours while out. More often if it’s particularly hot (11 am to 2 pm), sunny, or you’re sweating. Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to make your life easier all around.
  • Protect your skin from the sun and cold with merino wool, which is naturally wicking and has a protective factor of 35 to 50–blocking the rays better than cotton or synthetics.
  • Scars are particularly vulnerable to UV damage. If you want to minimize healing time and get the smoothest, most discreet healing possible, you should liberally and vigilantly apply sunscreen or keep it covered for the first year.
  • Mineral suncreens are great for sensitive skin, but are often chalky or difficult to apply.
  • Chemical sunscreens come in a variety of formulas but wear off more quickly than their mineral counterparts.
  • If you already have sun damage, talk to Leticia about cosmetic treatments to erase damage and turn back the clock on sun exposure.

Beauty Advice, Spa News

Shield and Restore

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woman putting face cream on cheek
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Hey Firecrakers! Life these days is relentless and our skin is constantly exposed to various environmental aggressors like pollution, UV rays, and other impurities that compromise our skin’s natural protective barrier, leading to dryness, sensitivity, and accelerated aging. Fortunately, there are powerful skin care products to help shield and restore our skin’s barrier. Let’s explore the best ingredients for barrier relief and repair to protect the skin from damaging impurities.

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a versatile ingredient that helps strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, improves moisture retention, and reduces transepidermal water loss. Niacinamide also helps to regulate sebum production, making it beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin types. Our most trusted product line, Dermalogica, has serums or moisturizers containing niacinamide to fortify your skin’s barrier against environmental stressors.

Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that play a vital role in maintaining the skin’s barrier function. These lipids help to lock in moisture, strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, and prevent water loss. Products enriched with ceramides can replenish and repair the skin’s barrier, improving its resilience against pollution and other environmental impurities.

red pomegranate seeds
Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels.com

Antioxidants are essential in protecting the skin from damage caused by free radicals generated by pollutants and UV rays. They help neutralize these harmful molecules and prevent oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging and skin damage. Look for antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea extract, and resveratrol in your skin care products. These ingredients not only provide barrier protection but also promote a brighter, more even complexion.

Hyaluronic acid is a hydration powerhouse that attracts and retains moisture within the skin. It forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing water loss and maintaining optimal hydration levels. By keeping the skin moisturized, hyaluronic acid helps strengthen the skin’s barrier and enhances its ability to defend against environmental stressors.

a woman applying sunscreen on arm
Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com

Shielding your skin from harmful UV radiation is crucial for maintaining a healthy barrier. UV rays are one of the primary causes of skin damage and premature aging. Sunscreens containing ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide provide a physical barrier that reflects UV rays. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, work by absorbing and neutralizing UV radiation. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays.

Protecting and restoring our skin’s barrier is essential for maintaining healthy and radiant skin. Incorporating skin care products enriched with barrier relief ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and sunscreens can help shield the skin from pollution, UV rays, and other environmental impurities. By fortifying the skin’s barrier, you can maintain optimal hydration, prevent moisture loss, and combat the signs of aging.

Finally, stress takes a toll! Create time for self-care. Take a warm bath, read a fun book, savor your favorite treat, or go on a walk outside to ensure your daily regimen is looking out for your whole wellbeing.

Book a little spa self-care here!
esthetician, Products

Weather Warm-Up: An SPF refresher course

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With the start of March budding thoughts of spring and the tease of warmth in between crazy winter storms, many minds are drifting to afternoon picnics and sun hats replacing beanies. While the glow of sun-kissed skin may be en vogue, it’s critical to protect your skin from the trauma of UV rays so prevalent in our high desert state–even when the temperature has you bundling from head to toe. Because of our high altitude and sunshine, New Mexicans must be particularly knowledgeable and vigilant about sun protection.

What is SPF?

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how much solar energy is necessary to damage protected skin. The higher the SPF, the better protected your skin will be. SPF can be applied through products or by donning the right kind of clothes. For example, merino wool clothing has a UPF of 50. Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is similar to SPF, but is the rating system used for fabrics instead of products applied to the skin. Great for protecting your body, wearing clothes with UPF allows you to be exposed to the sun without worrying about reapplication. However, it’s not practical to keep your entire face concealed every time you go out, and summer weather brings summer styles, which often feature bared shoulders, backs, arms, and legs. Having a skin-applied product with SPF means you can safely enjoy the sun in a fashionable outfit!

Why is it important?

UV damage, like the damage you get every time you have even a mild sunburn, is a leading cause of skin cancer. Protecting your skin from the sun is an easy, inexpensive way to reduce your chance of getting skin cancer. With a little thought and the right products, keeping your skin protected doesn’t have to take a lot of time or interrupt your normal beauty and style routine.

In addition to causing skin cancer, the sun’s harsh UV rays cause premature aging to the skin–reducing elastin, increasing wrinkles, dark patches (sometimes called sunspots), and freckles.

Protect your skin. Preserve your youth.

The easiest way to protect the largest amount of skin at once is to wear protective clothing, especially when you’re planning to be outside during the most intense exposure times (typically 11 am to 2 pm) when the sun is highest and its rays are most intense. Wear long sleeves, pants, shoes that cover the tops of your feet, and a wide brimmed hat. There are lots of companies making UPF clothing in a wide range of styles specifically designed to be comfortable and lightweight.

If covering up is impractical or impossible, rely on high quality, broad spectrum sunscreen that protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 30, but ideally 50+. Finding sunscreen for the body can be relatively easy with tons of products to choose from at your favorite retailer. Various application methods make hard to reach places (like the center of your back), easy to reach!

But the face is different–more sensitive to products and requiring a higher degree of protection both for aesthetic (wrinkles!!!) and practical reasons (the skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive). It’s important to invest in quality products that will provide maximum protection without making you look shiny and ruining your make up application.

Dermalogica has a full line of SPF products for all skin types and concerns. From super sensitive to matte application, Leticia can help you find the best SPF for your face (and neck, chest, and shoulders)–saving you money in the long run by preserving your natural elastin, and making your treatments go farther by preventing unnecessary damage.

Don’t forget!

  • Reapply every 2 hours while out. More often if it’s particularly hot (11 am to 2 pm), sweaty, or wet. Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to make your life easier all around.
  • Stay on top of easy to miss areas: the ears, scalp (when hair is parted, skin is exposed right on top of your head!), back of the neck, tops of sandaled feet, and chest.
  • Scars are particularly vulnerable to UV damage. If you want to minimize healing time and get the smoothest, most discreet healing possible, you should liberally and vigilantly apply sunscreen or keep it covered for the first year.
  • Mineral suncreens are great for sensitive skin, but are often chalky or difficult to apply.
  • Chemical sunscreens come in a variety of formulas but wear off more quickly than their mineral counterparts.
  • If you already have sun damage, talk to Leticia about cosmetic treatments to erase damage and turn back the clock on sun exposure.