Monthly Archives: January 2015

How Sun Damage is Affecting Your Skin

While you may love spending hours relaxing on the beach, you may not realize the damage the sun does to your skin. Although it may not be visible at first, the extended exposure to the ultra-violet rays does more than just turn your skin a golden tan. These harmful rays are broken into two categories and effect your epidermis on multiple levels.

The UVB rays, which range in wavelength from 290-315nm, do not penetrate the skin, but do cause sunburns. UVA rays, which occur at wavelengths of 315-400nm, penetrate the deeper layers and are largely responsible for DNA damage and pigmentation darkening. To give you a better understanding of what the anti-aging products you bought online are fighting against, our experts have explained how sun damage is affecting your skin.

After a day bathing in the sun, there are two main effects that you can expect to experience immediately. The most common issue is called erythema and refers to sunburn and redness. It can happen almost instantaneously and last up to three days. In more severe cases, it can lead to blisters and scars.

Another result of sun damage is immediate pigment darkening, which can set in after only a few minutes of exposure and fades a short time later.  It occurs when UVA radiation causes the melanin to relocate in the skin cells. Since their location determines skin color, the movement can cause them to cluster together and lead to a temporarily altered coloration.

Anywhere from two hours to several weeks after the exposure, other issues can arise. Persistent pigment darkening is an extended variant of immediate pigment darkening and can last up to a day. As the melanin continues to shift, no new melanin is produced.  Delayed tanning can also occur due to sun damage and typically takes three to five days to become noticeable. The rate at which it occurs and how long it lasts depends on the shade of your skin.

Along with temporary effects, sun damage can cause permanent damage to the epidermis. One of the most noticeable results it has on the skin is photoaging, which is caused by UVA rays. The signs of photoaging include wrinkles, blackheads, sun spots, and a decrease in collagen production. Some individuals can experience immunosuppression. It results in ultra-violet rays affecting the immune system by altering the operation of the cells that repair DNA damage and fight off infection.

In some cases, sun damage can result in photocarcinogenesis, which occurs after DNA has mutated due to extended exposure to ultra-violet rays. It is the result of immunosuppression as it reduces the likelihood the immune system will recognize damaged cells.

With all of these dangers, it is easy to see why everyone is urged to take care of their skin before, during, and after a day of lounging on the beach. If you would like to buy anti-aging products to help your skin recover from sun damage, we carry a wide selection of creams and masks that will nurture your skin on multiple levels.

 

Winter Skin Care Tips

The freezing temperatures make winter uncomfortable enough, but with the added discomfort of dry skin, the season becomes unbearable. Some can remedy the issue with a simple moisturizing treatment. If you are one of the many that suffer from sensitive skin, you may need more than just a few treatments to get through the harsh climate. Beyond changing the products that you use, you may need to make certain lifestyle changes to help your skin hold up during the winter months. To help maintain your radiant appearance throughout the colder months, our skin care professionals at Shira Esthetics have provided some healthy changes you can apply to your daily life.

Humidifier: During the winter months, the air becomes less humid, even inside your house. The reduced levels of humidity can result in dry, itchy skin. To create a healthy environment for your skin, you should place two to three humidifiers around your home to maintain proper humidity levels.

Moisturize: While you may love the scent of the moisturizer that you currently use, it may not hold up well in arid conditions. You should consider switching to an oil-based moisturizer as they provide better protection against moisture loss. For the best results, look for ones that are classified as an ointment. To be considered an ointment, the product needs to be at least 80% oil.

Showers:  It is important to avoid taking long, hot showers as they will remove moisture from the body, leaving it ill-prepared to face the outdoors. Instead, take a warm shower that lasts no longer than 10 minutes.

Exposure: If you are going to spend an extended amount of time outside, be sure to have a hat, scarf, and gloves. The dry air and wind can quickly damage the skin. You should also dress in layers as sweating and overheating are a leading cause of irritations.

Foods: Eating the right foods can help moisturize the skin from the inside out. By eating more foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as flax, nuts, and fish, you will boost your body’s natural moisture levels.

These simple changes will help ward off the discomfort that has plagued you during past winters. Combining these tips with the various products offered by Shira Esthetics, your skin will be properly hydrated and ready to enjoy a walk in the snow.

The Top 5 Reasons You Should Be Using A Face Mask

Everyone knows that applying a face mask is the perfect time to sit back and relax while it works its magic, but what exactly is it doing while you de-stress. Many will say that it is one of the easiest methods to get healthy skin in a matter of minutes, but this does not answer the question in much detail. To help you get a better picture of what they do, our skin care professionals at Shira Esthetics put together a list of the inner working of the product.

Pores: The mask provides a deep clean that pulls dead skin cells, environmental toxins, and metabolic waste to the surface, removing them as it is taken off. The process will unclog pores resulting in clearer, more refined skin.

Hydration: Properly hydrated skin offers a plethora of benefits, all of which can be achieved through the use of a mask. The water in the product will be absorbed into the deep layers of the skin working to increase its elasticity and soften it from the inside out. When skin has been properly moisturized, it gives off a fuller, more youthful appearance. Another perk of thoroughly hydrated skin is that it allows for an easier application of makeup.

Tone: They are designed to create an even skin tone and smooth surface. By encouraging the sweat glands to increase their secretion rate, the skin will receive high oxygen levels. They will also lessen the effects of hyperpigmentation in the skin.

Fine Lines: Since masks are meant to smooth out the skin’s texture, they can diminish the visibility of wrinkles and various spots that may appear as we age. These results further its capacity to provide you with a more youthful appearance.

Firmness: One of the most noticeable areas they will benefit is the reduction of loose skin. Since the product can promote collagen production, continued use will lead to firmer, fresher skin.

As the mask works on a variety of levels throughout the skin, there are many benefits that you may not realize at first. Since there are so many different options available, it is important to take the time to find the one that works best for your skin type. At Shira Esthetics, we have a wide selection of masks that are sure to suit your specific needs.