If you go through bathroom cabinets of households in the western world, you will probably run into at least one sunscreen container in most house holds. Sun cream protector is a “must have” item in this day and age of increased awareness to the dangerous effects of the sun.
What sunscreen should be purchased? Do sun screens provide complete protection against skin cancer? How often should sun screen be applied? Many more questions should be asked about this subject and some do not have straight answers yet.
The effectiveness of sun cream is measured by the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of the specific formula. SPF is evaluated by the effectiveness of a specific cream applied at an even layer of 2 milligrams per square centimeter, for blocking the effect of UV sunrays that cause sunburns. The SPF level is defined in comparison to exposure to the same level of UV without sunscreen. SPF 30 means that compared to a body area without sunscreen, the area with sunscreen will require 30 times more UV to be equally burned as the same area without sunscreen. Be aware that SPF is evaluated per a specific quantity of sunscreen, unfortunately most people apply less sunscreen than needed, causing the SPF value to be reduced dramatically Hence the person thinks he/she is protected but in reality the effectiveness of the sunscreen is reduced.
In addition, there are three types of UV radiation emitted from the sun, a good explanation about UV classification can be found on the web site of the skin cancer foundation . UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. Both UV-A and UV-B pass the ozone layer and reach the earth, most of the UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach us.
UV-A is the most prevalent UV radiation that reaches us from the sun. UV-A is present in equal dose throughout the year and during day light hours. It also penetrates glass and clouds and has a deeper penetration depth into the skin than does UV-B. UV-A is major inducer of skin ageing, wrinkles and skin cancer. UV-A is the main contributor to tanning, according to the skin cancer foundation, tanning salons use mostly UV-A as the tanning light, the intensity in the salons can be 12 times higher than the natural UV-A levels from the sun.
UV-B has a superficial depth of penetration to the skin and plays a major role in skin burning. As apposed to UV-A, UV-B is present in lower levels during different hours of the day, different seasons and various locations on earth; it also does not penetrate glass. Similar to UV-A, UV-B contributes to skin cancer, and skin ageing.
Most sunscreens block mainly UV-B and protect the skin from burning but do not protect much from UV-A. It is important to verify, when purchasing a sun block, if the formula claims to protect from UV-A and UV-B. If not specified it is probably UV-B protection only.
The problem with sunscreen is that it causes people to feel protected from the damaging rays while they really are not. Most will assume wrongly that if they apply sunscreen on exposed areas, they can allow themselves to walk freely in the sun during the extreme UV hours (10AM-4PM).
Another misconception is that after 4PM there is no need for sunscreen as the UV radiation is lower. Very wrong assumption! As mentioned above, UV-A is present most hours of the day, so be ware!
Most are not aware that they need to apply sunscreen to exposed areas if they are driving or sitting in a car, or sitting in front of a sunny window at home, the windows will not protect you, (unless they are coated with a UV protection film).
If your skin has been damaged by years of exposure to the sun’s damaging rays you might be happy to learn that you can help rebuild collagen and decrease fine wrinkles by using advanced new technology in the comfort of your home. One of the hottest trends in the area of skin renewal is the TriPollar STOP. The STOP postpones the signs of ageing caused by the sun by stimulating the collagen production and thickening the dermis bringing about younger looking skin. It is safe for use and unlike other professional devices, it can be used during the summer.
When it comes to anti ageing, we focus mostly on our face and body. Almost every woman uses a facial anti-aging cream, eye cream and many seek rejuvenation treatments to further reduce the signs of ageing of the face and body. However, hands are also an important age indicator that many fail to address. Our hands are the most exposed organ to water, house hold chemicals and the sun, elements that are major skin aging inducers. Ageing appearance of hands includes ageing spots, thinning of the skin and protruding veins. Just like in the face, the skin of the hands will produce less collagen as we age, thinning of the skin will cause the veins to protrude and the hands to look bonier.
Fortunately there are a few options that can help reduce ageing signs on your hands and can even turn the clock back and make your hands look younger.
For prevention of ageing hands, make sure to apply sun screen on your hands every day (don’t forget to re apply sun screen after washing your hands).
Use gloves when washing dishes or when using house hold chemicals; this will help reducing further damage and protect your hands from dryness.
To help with very dry skin, apply hand cream at night and wear cotton gloves over the cream to enhance absorption.
In addition to the above cosmetic solutions there are a few technologies and more invasive methods that can address the different aspects of ageing hands. It is important to understand these different methods in order to ensure the correct order of treatment as one treatment can interfere with the process of other technologies.
Photorejuvination technologies like IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) or fractional laser are well established methods for laser skin rejuvenation. These methods will help with reduction of age spots and induction of new collagen growth. Complete healing from photo rejuvenation techniques will take a few weeks as the skin is purposefully damaged to cause minor injury to the skin surface, hence inducing scabbing, peeling and healing.
Dermal fillers can be used for the hands, such as Restaline, to restore “plumpness” and improve the general appearance. When combining dermal fillers with skin rejuvination, it is important to perform the photorejuvination prior to the dermal fillers in order to ensure that you do not damage the dermal filler.
A more aggressive option for treatment of protruding veins on the hands is a cosmetic surgery that removes the veins from the hands. This surgery requires a few months for complete healing and usually is performed on one hand at a time.
A safer technology, with no down time is the TriPollar STOP RF technology. The STOP is a home use device, which is safe to use and has very good results for skin rejuvenation in general and for hand rejuvenation specifically. Unlike light technologies, it doesn’t work on the spots, and therefore can be used during the summer. The STOP TriPollar energy gently heats the skin from inside. A warm, relaxing sensation is felt over the skin surface while the anti-ageing, therapeutic action is taking place in the deeper layers of the skin. This heat induces an increase in dermal activity resulting in the stimulation of collagen production and thickening of the dermis, therefore, leading to visible skin tightening, firming and renewal.
How others perceive us, is very much dependants by our physical appearance. Therefore, it pays to look younger and more in fit. Mens Grooming has become very popular and legitimate in the past few years. Most of the focus is on your face and hair, but also on your body. In the following post, I will present to you great tips and advices for how to maintain youthful and attractive appearance.
Hair removal – most men find it highly significant to keep the hair on scalp, and make sure this is the only visible hair on their bodies. In the past few years there is a huge emphasis on smooth, hairless skin.
The market offers many options for hair removal, either temporary or permanently. Temporary methods include shaving, waxing and different depilatory creams. Permanent methods include laser treatment or IPL treatments for permanent hair removal. Choosing the right option for you depends on cost, time available, skin type and the desired results.
Anti aging skin care for men – this is a hot trend for men, as men are almost as concern as women with the signs of age. Finding a reliable and effective device for men can be hard. One of the hottest gadgets for men is the TriPollar STOP. The STOP is a new clinically proven device which postpones the signs of age, making the skin look younger and reduces wrinkles. Since it is a home use device, you can use it in your intimate space, saving time of going to the clinic or spa.
Moisturizers and Sun Screen- we all know that san exposure contributes to aging skin and wrinkles. Therefore, it is important to make sure, as a part of your daily routine, moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher. Daily use of moisturizer makes the skin more rich and flexible.
Fitness for men – getting into fitness is not only important because it makes you look better, but because it makes you feel better. If a gym membership is too pricey for you, don’t let that become your excuse for not working out. In fact, you can get some of the best cardio and muscle training right at home and outside. Summer is here! No need to spend all your time in a dank gym anymore.
Non-Invasive Body Contouring for Men – sometimes even diets and exercises won’t bring you into the exact body you desire. If you still have few body deposits, your best option is to have body contouring treatment. One of the best options now in the market is the TriPollar POSE , which can be used to treat areas of the body in need of firming or fat reduction including the abdomen, buttocks, waist, thighs and arms. The POSE is non-invasive, at-home treatment based on the advanced professional TriPollar technology to help you reshape your body in the comfort of your own home, without any pain.