Sun and Air Pollutants Damage Our Skin: How can we fight back?

Dr. John R. Burroughs Discusses Sun and Air Pollutants Damage Our Skin: How can we fight back?

John R. Burroughs, M.D., P.C.
Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon
Medical Director Springs Aesthetics Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa

Mychelle Lancaster, Aesthetic RN
Springs Aesthetics Medical Spa Manager

Sun exposure is vital for production of Vitamin D, and even the emotional well-being of many individuals to avoid seasonal affective disorder. Unfortunately, sun-exposure especially at the high altitude of Colorado increases our risks for skin damage, skin cancers, unsightly wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation.

Sun exposure leads to the production of free radicals in our tissues that lead to internal inflammation, collagen breakdown, reduced skin elasticity, and the other unsightly superficial skin changes called actinic damage.  Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the primary cause of free radicals.  The two major types of ultraviolet rays are UVA and UVB.  UVA cause the aging changes of loss of skin elasticity (sagging), dyspigmentation, and wrinkles.  UVA rays are powerful and penetrate glass and cloud cover, and can penetrate into the skin up to 40 times deeper than UVB.  UVA effects may not become visible for many years.  Alternatively, UVB causes sun burning, which is of course seen quickly after overexposure.   UVB rays are generally more easily protected from by the use of sunscreens.

Environmental air pollutants (e.g., particulate matter of nitrogen and hydrocarbons) can increase our skin’s susceptibility to UV rays and increase melanin production in our skin leading to darkening and wrinkling of the skin.  As our skin tries to fight these attacks it leads to the release of enzymes and inflammation.  Skin blood vessels can dilate leading to increased redness and rosacea findings.

Dr. Burroughs and Mychelle educate and recommend to our patients and clients that they protect their investments in their skin and overall appearance.  This starts with a proper and daily skin health, restoration, and protection regimen.  There is no point spending your hard-earned money on cosmetic procedures and surgery and then not maintaining your investments in your personal appearance.

One can take several steps that will not only help protect their skin, but improve the health of the skin and appearance.

10 Critical Steps To Protecting Your Skin:

1. Nightly cleansing of skin, especially the face.  Removal of makeup and environmental particles, which can contribute to premature aging.  We carry multiple SkinCeuticals* cleansers depending on your skin type.
2. The proper toner can be used to remove excess residue and debris, restore skin pH, as well as rid the skin of bacteria. We recommend SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner.
3. Application of a quality moisturizer, such as SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, which creates long lasting hydration, has anti-aging benefits and protects the skin’s protective barrier.
4. Wear appropriate attire to protect exposed areas of skin (long sleeves, hats, sunglasses etc.)
5. Minimize outdoors exposure on air pollution days
6. Apply topical antioxidants such as SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic and Phloretin CF.
7. Consume antioxidant-rich foods (berries and leafy greens), which help combat the free radicals and drink plenty of water to help hydrate the skin and foster healthy cell production
8. Don’t excessively or harshly scrub your skin, which can lead to damage to your skin barrier. Instead use SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 at night 3x/ week for anti-aging benefits and collagen production.
9. High quality mineral-based makeup acts as a barrier to UV rays, and can act like a web trap airborne particles
10. Regularly apply high quality broad-spectrum sunscreen with zinc of at least SPF40 (We offer the EltaMD line**) every morning and reapply throughout the day

At Springs Aesthetics we offer a full range of services to include:  1) non-invasive cosmeceuticals, dermal infusion Silk Peels, Chemical peels, and Photofacials (Lumecca); 2) Wrinkle blocker and Filler injectables; 3) Forma radiofrequency skin tightening; 4) BodyFx cellulite and fat reduction; 5) Fraxel-type skin resurfacing (Fractora); 6) Radiofrequency skin tightening, fat reduction, skin lifting (Facetite, Necktite, and Bodytite: and 7) Cosmetic eyelid and facial plastic surgery.  Every individual has specific needs, time frames, and budgets so we offer a full-spectrum of services to meet your aesthetic needs and concerns.

Consultation for your skin care needs with Mychelle are complementary, but must be scheduled.  Surgical and aesthetic procedure consultations with Dr. Burroughs carry a modest fee that is applicable to any treatments or surgery within 3 months of your consultation.  To schedule an appointment call (719) 749-3606.  Financing options are available.

*Skinceuticals is the top of the line of cosmeceuticals for your skin care needs.  The Skinceutical products are formulated to correct signs of aging, protect healthy skin, and prevent future damage.

**EltaMD has a wide range of broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreens to fit everyone’s need. There are oil-free sunscreens for those with combination/oily skin or breakout-prone skin, water-resistant and sweat-proof sunscreens, sunscreens for the face or body, full-body sunscreens, mineral sunscreens, and sheer-tinted sunscreens.  All are fragrance-free, sensitivity-free, and noncomedogenic.