Ageing: Is Sunbathing The New Smoking?

After a sunny weekend, I have returned to the desk pretty much the same colour as when I left it on Friday (without tan).  After reading so much about the the effects of the sun on my skin, how it accelerates ageing and the likelihood of skin cancer (the number of cases has doubled in the last 20 years) the very idea of laying in the sun now seems foolhardy.


A decade ago I never thought twice sunbathing; in fact wearing over SPF15 was unheard of (I thought it blocked tanning).  Nowadays it is very different; I can see the effects of all that unprotected fun and it isn't cheap (or sometimes possible) to remedy.  I now wear SPF30 on my face all year round and prefer bolstering colour with a bronzer.

Despite this, at a BBQ yesterday I was amazed to see people walking around, with bright red angry stripes across their shoulders, arms and legs and even more lying on the grass (without SPF) desperately trying to earn more stripes.  This was only interrupted by some regularly applying a SPF50+ to their children!


Tanning is a bit like smoking, (it's a wee bit common and we wouldn't allow our children to do it) both habits can cause cancer and both accelerate ageing; by as much as 80%.  If you want to look tanned, why not have a spray or DIY with one of many sunless creams on the market? Or alternatively, do like Dita Von Teese - stay pale and beautiful.


I met up with Toni Warran Smith this morning, the Practice Manager at the Royal Tunbridge Wells Skin & Laser Clinic to chat about sun damage.


Toni told me 'There are a many things that play a role in skin ageing; genetics, nutrition, loss of oestregen are up there, however sun damage and smoking are the most profound factors.  The cheapest way to prevent ageing is firstly to purchase a good broad spectrum SPF45 product - and secondly, to use it every day."  


"We offer many treatments that can help give your skin a more youthful appearance, however as we always say here at the Clinic, 'prevention is better than cure!'"


Something you may want to consider when getting ready in the morning.



  
,

Review: The Obagi Blue Peel Radiance

Review: The Obagi Blue Peel Radiance

I think the best way to describe the results of my recent Obagi Peel is that I haven’t picked up my blemish concealer for two weeks.  Now for those blessed with clear skin this may not mean much, but for someone who has had more break-outs than hot dinners, it’s a miracle.  (I find myself whispering, just in case my skin is listening!)

The Blurb

The Obagi Blue Peel RADIANCE is a safe, mild, and economical way to reverse the signs of aging. This virtually painless chemical peel provides instant rejuvenation by eliminating the effects of aging, sun damage, and other skin conditions. It leaves your skin looking smoother, tighter, and younger looking.

My experience

My reason for doing this was because I have a lot of marks on my face (mainly from picking spots/acne scars). Even though I’m in my 40’s, I’m still acne prone: I have oily skin, enlarged pores and suffer regular breakouts.

I was recommended the Obagi Blue Peel RADIANCE by ToniWarran Smith, the Practice Manager at the Royal Tunbridge Wells Skin & Laser Clinic in Kent.  After downloading my product history (I have tried everything from Quinoderm to Retin A) and examining my skin (confirming have level 2 adult on-set acne) I was told the treatment would seriously improve my skin’s look, texture, and feel… in a matter of minutes.

The practitioner warned me beforehand that it would feel hot, and it was! When she first put the blue peel on it felt warm and soothing, however within seconds it started heating up and my face was seriously on fire.  This however only lasted for a few minutes and as you know it’s doing good, it kind of makes it very bearable (I just kept thinking…’take that damn acne’!)

The whole treatment lasted around half an hour and straightaway I noticed an instant radiance or reddening; my skin felt tighter, smoother and brighter; so far so good.  After a couple of days I did experience some quite unsightly peeling around my mouth, nose and jaw and for this reason I suggest you undergo this treatment when you have a quiet week!  The advice given is ‘DO NOT PICK’! But that is all you want to do! 

Overall

I am delighted.  After only a week, my skin was looking better than I have ever remembered it.  All those pigment spots from past blemishes that I had become so used to…virtually gone!  After a month, the overall improvement is in my skin’s texture and tone, however he best thing is that apart from one lone spot, I still have clear skin.

Would I recommend it?

Yes.  Especially if you are bothered by blemishes, have tried everything else and crave results.  I have already booked in my second appointment (apparently a series of 4 to 6 peels provides best overall results) and cannot wait for the deeper results.