Skin Care Tips for Summer Weather

Read our blog post on tanorexia.

The allure of a sunny day in New York City is undeniable as people and pets flock outdoors to soak in the rays and the sights.  Sunlight has often been linked to mood and wellbeing, and has been revered and worshipped throughout ancient history.  “Sun worship,” in the modern sense, means going out to your favorite park or beach to work on those tan lines.  Being tan is often thought of as a sign of health and a leisurely lifestyle, and many of our favorite celebs show us that when they’re not working on the set, they are definitely working on those tans.  As a result, indoor tanning has blossomed into a multi-billion dollar industry, spawning reality television shows and hundreds of tanning salons in Manhattan.  It seems that everyone wants to get that “healthy glow” of tanned skin.

Ironically, there is no such thing as a healthy tan.  The frequent tans that can make us feel younger and healthier in the short-term are, in fact, aging the skin and leading to an opposite effect in the long run.  In order to better understand this concept, it is important to first understand how tanning works.

A suntan is actually the body’s way of defending itself from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.  UV exposure causes the skin to produce more melanin—the pigment that gives your skin its natural color—leading to a darker and tanned skin tone.  However, exposure to ultraviolet light can also lead to Photoaging and many undesirable effects:

• UV light weakens connective tissues that give your skin firmness and elasticity, resulting in wrinkles and thinner, more translucent skin.

• Hyperpigmentation—usually seen as small dark spots or freckles—occurs when an excess of melanin is produced in these small patches of skin.  A recent study by scientists Karl Grammer and Bernhard Fink showed that, in addition to wrinkles, evenness of skin tone (color distribution) can drastically affect how old we look.

  

  Grammer and Fink used 169 digital images of women, aged 17-70.  The color distribution on each woman’s face was imposed on a generic 3-D form devoid of fine lines, wrinkles, and other traditionally age-defining characteristics.  Faces with more even color distributions were perceived to be healthier and younger in appearance.

  Source: http://www.pgbeautyscience.com

• In extreme cases, overexposure to the UV light can lead to skin cancer.  According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 60,000 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year, and New York ranks fifth out of the top ten melanoma-prone states.*
  
  *Source: Cancer Facts & Figures, 2007. American Cancer Society.

Fun Facts Legendary fashionista Coco Chanel accidentally set a new trend in 1923 when she returned from the Duke of Westminster’s Paris-to-Cannes cruise with a tanned face.  Sun bathing, once shunned by European socialites, became instantly “à la mode.”  The CHANEL brand now retails the self-tanner SOLEIL IDENTITÈ ($40, available at Saks.com) as a healthier alternative to the trend its founder started over 80 years ago. “tanorexia” n. an unofficial term used to describe people who obsessively frequent indoor and outdoor tanning sites to imitate the bronzed complexions of their celebrity idols.

Prevent Photoaging

• Minimize sun exposure, especially between 10am – 4pm when the sun is at its brightest.

• Always protect your skin by applying sunscreen 30 minutes before you step outside.

• If your schedule requires you to be in the sun for extended periods of time, wear protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants.

• Remember that you can burn as easily on an overcast day as a sunny one.

• Be cautious of reflective environmental surfaces such as sand, water, concrete, and snow as these can multiply the power of the sun’s light.

• Stay away from tanning salons and UV tanning beds, and beware of false advertising claims that indoor tanning with UVA light is safer than sunlight.

• Teach children proper sun protection from a young age.  The effects of sun damage accumulate over their lifetimes, and it is never too early to create good habits.

• Although darker skin is less likely to burn, it is still important to protect darker skin with sunscreen to prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Shizuka NY Sunscreen Products

The following products are available in the spa and online (please follow links below).

	UVA/UVB Chemfree Superblock by DCL (SPF 30) Powerful sun protection in a gentle formula appropriate for all skin types, including sensitive skin. This SPF 30 sunblock provides optimal reflection of harmful UVA/UVB rays with micronized zinc oxide particles. Lightweight and oil-free, so it won't clog your pores; non-whitening so you won't look like a Geisha. 4 oz., $27.80
	Essential Skin Protection SPF 30+ by DCL Offers complete UVA/UVB protection in a lightweight texture that won't clog pores. A strong combination of antioxidants and Vitamin E Polypeptide moisturizes; Aloe Powder, Panthenol and Allantoin soothe exposed skin. Perfect for everyday use. 4 oz., $27.80
	UV Cut Écru Q10 by Cefine (SPF 25) A lightweight lotion that prevents dark spots and freckles by protecting the skin from UV radiation. Can be used as a makeup base. Uses silk protein instead of chemical additives to protect skin from the sun. Coenzyme Q10 is also a beneficial anti-aging skin care ingredient. 1.22 oz, $42.00

*Limit $5 off per order. May not be combined with any other coupons or promotions.