With the summer comes the beach, backyard BBQs, pool time which means increased risk to UV exposure. What your clients may not know however, is that the hours they spend working on a sun-kissed glow can result in skin aging in its most common forms: hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. Melanin pigments, which make up sun and age spots, are derivatives of the amino acid Tyrosine. An increased production of melanin in the skin is called melanogenesis and is stimulated by DNA damage to the skin induced by UV radiation. So although your clients may not see the effects after leaving the beach, their skin is fast at work producing melanin.
Do: Recommend Sun Protection
If your clients enjoy being outdoors, they need to take extra precautions to protect their skin, such as wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses and always using a good sunscreen. Sunscreens are an absolute must for helping protect your skin from skin cancer and helping prevent the appearance of wrinkles, but some sunscreens can sometimes be harmful to your complexion. Recommend sunscreens that are mineral and anti-oxidant rich and beware of sunscreens that include: fragrance as it may be a photosensitizer, Isopropyl Myristate as it may be comedogenic, or PABAs which are known skin irritants. I also like to recommend adding a daily deep pore cleansing mask, such as our Repêchage® Hydra Medic® Sea Mud Perfecting Mask, to the summer regime to help offset any clogged pores from increased sunscreen use.
It’s also important to remember that sunscreen is not a “one and done” application. For sunscreen to be effective it needs to be reapplied throughout the day. SPF measures the length of time a product protects the skin, so if your client normally starts to turn pink in 10 minutes of sun exposure, with an SPF 15 it will take 15 times as long (2.5 hours). I recommend reapplying SPF 30 sunscreen at least every hour and before and after taking a dip in the water.
Don’t: Ignore Discoloration
As estheticians, we see a lot of skin and we can be instrumental in detecting early signs of skin cancer. When giving a facial or a massage, if you notice that your client has an irregular mark or mole, mention it to them once the treatment has finished. Approach them gently and be sure not to offend or scare your client. It is better to be safe than sorry, and we are in a wonderful position as professionals to make sure that our clients skin stays beautiful and healthy.
Most people know to wear sun protection when they are at the beach or doing outdoor activities, but few incorporate it into their daily routine. The problem is, incidental sun exposure can be just as damaging, leading to hyperpigmentation and even skin cancer. As I mentioned before, encourage clients to use sun protection, and for those who experience hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, help get them on track by recommending skin brightening products that can help reduce the appearance of uneven tones, dark spots and hyperpigmentation that come from sun exposure.
Do: Provide Natural Solutions
Depending on the severity of damage done to your client’s skin, they are going to need a professional plan of action. As always, carefully examine your client’s skin and prepare a clear and concise treatment schedule. If they are regular clients, you may need to tailor a plan for them that incorporates their usual treatment along with additional treatments to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Providing your clients with the most breakthrough natural treatments that the industry has to offer will be crucial to their treatment. In the past, ingredients such as Hydroquinone and Mercury Chloride have been used to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. These ingredients however, have been linked to a variety of health issues even when used in small percentages. Today, we have groundbreaking natural ingredients, treatments and at-home care products that can help lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation without taking the risk of causing your client future health complications. Innovative marine biotechnology, revolutionary peptide research and the earth’s natural botanicals can now help reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone. Look for ingredients such as Bellis Daisy, Licorice Extract and Willow Bark Extract for their ability to help brighten the appearance of skin, and Matrixyl 3000 and Red Clover Extract that can help reduce the visible signs of aging.
SUGGESTED TREATMENTS:
- Repêchage® Biolight® Miracle Facial
- Repêchage® Biolight® Glyco-Sea®Glycolic Peel
- Repêchage® Biolight® Luminex Mask
- Repêchage® Biolight® Express Brightening Facial
Don’t: Over Do It
While a chemical peel can be beneficial to help resurface and renew the appearance of your client’s skin, if you over exfoliate you could cause your client’s skin more harm than help. If you finish a chemical peel and your clients can’t leave the spa without a bag over their head, the product you are using is too harsh for the skin’s delicate structure. The skin has many functions including protection – you need layers of skin for it to do its job! Think about it, an apple stays white and juicy with its skin on, without it, the apple turns brown and shrivels, the same concept works for your face. Glycolic acid in a seaweed base provides a gentle treatment with less irritation than standard glycolic peels. Also look for natural fruit enzymatic peels which help to reduce dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. By using gentle exfoliation methods, you will be providing your clients with long term results.
SUGGESTED TREATMENTS:
Do: Suggest At-Home Care
Although it only took a short time in the sun for the client’s skin to be damaged, it will need your full attention during its recovery. To help your job move along smoothly, recommend a complete at home care system for your client to use in-between treatments. To help lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone, use a skin brightening regimen. To lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, an age-defying regimen with a hydrating sheet mask infused with peptides and pure seaweed filtrate can be used. For younger clients, encourage them to get ahead by committing to a full seaweed skin care regimen. This will also ensure they are making the most of their in-spa treatments.
Today we are lucky to have incredible skin care technology that allows us to help improve the appearance of almost any skin condition. That does not mean however, that we can lie in the sun for hours and soak up the rays. Esthetically we can help reduce the appearance of visible signs of sun damage and photo aging, but the serious risk of melanoma is always present. That is why it is so important to make sure that you clients are educated and prepared for the sun all summer long. And of course, it is our job as estheticians to advise our client’s on the best skin care practices to keep their skin healthy, beautiful and youthful looking.
*This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your doctor or health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about a medical condition.
