YES, you do! UV rays cause skin aging and they are out all year. You may notice that the sun rays feel “softer” and less intense in the winter, and to some extent they are. The reason being is because the UVB, the summer sunburn rays, are not as prevalent as they are during the summer months. But don’t be fooled, UVA rays are out in full force and they are as strong in winter as it is in the summer, even if you don’t feel it as much.
Effects of UVB Rays
UVB causes skin aging and irregular pigment, like melasma and sun spots/brown spots. To prevent skin aging and irregular skin pigment you need to put on a broad spectrum sun protection all year long not just in the summer months. UVB is also the ray that makes vitamin D.
Effects of UVA Rays
UVA rays are equally intense all year round as well, and easily penetrates through the clouds. UVA is also bad for your skin and is especially powerful at causing wrinkles. UVA penetrates your skin more deeply than the summer sunburn ray UVB does. Wrinkles start deep in your skin from UVA damage to the collagen producing cells. If you don’t want to look like a worn-out and old leather shoe over time, I would suggest you to apply broad spectrum SPF like Tizo, 365 days a year to sun exposed skin.
Bottom line is, YES you need UVA protection all year that comes from broad spectrum sunscreens to protect your skin from aging and pigmentation. Always choose SPF 30 or higher with zinc oxide. Zinc will bounce the UV rays from your skin back to space J
An easy way to remember what rays do what is:
UVA – age your skin (causes wrinkles)
UVB – burns your skin (causes sun/brown spots)
IPL laser is the perfect procedure to diminish the signs of aging. It removes sun damage, reduces wrinkles, decreases rosacea and gives you clearer, younger looking skin with minimal down time. In combination with a stronger peel would enhance your results and is my first recommendation.
Laser Genesis is safe on any skin types, has been shown to improve skin texture, sun damage and even reduce dark eye circles. This laser is an all around treatment but in conjunction with IPL treatments + peels it gives wonderful results for this kind of skin problem.
The CO2 Fractional Laser will lift away years from your face and stimulate new collagen. If the effects of age have caused deep wrinkles, loose skin and severe sun damage to your face and body then fractional CO2 laser treatment may be your answer. You’ll see dramatic improvement in the tone and texture of your skin.
If you have been out in the sun a lot and would like to get your youthful skin back again we do have some treatments at The Laser Image Company to help you. Please come in for a free consultation at our office and we can talk about it.
