Protecting Your Skin from the Elements

July 27, 2010 | Author: | Posted in Beauty

The two most important products when it comes to defending your skin from the elements are moisturizers and ultraviolet protection. Moisturizers protect skin your from the everyday environment, creating a barrier that keeps natural oils from escaping and harsh elements from drying out or irritating your skin. Sunscreen plays a huge part in shielding your skin from damage as well, providing ultraviolet protection and preventing early signs of aging.

Moisturizers are made up of a complex combination of chemicals that make the skin’s surface layers softer and more elastic by increasing hydration. They may be made up of natural and artificial oils, emollients, lubricants, sterols, and naturally-occurring skin lipids. Besides protecting the skin, moisturizers also prevent and treat dry skin, soothe sensitive skin, and improve texture and skin tone.

There are several types of moisturizers on the market. Specialized formulas treat wrinkles, stretch marks, or tone skin. If you battle acne, you may be worried about adding oils to your skin. For this problem, there are noncomedogenic moisturizers available that won’t clog pores and are less likely to cause breakouts in those prone to acne. Protective moisturizers contain emollients, antioxidants, and sunscreens. They add a layer to the skin to prevent water loss and add protection. The best option is to find a moisturizer that already contains an SPF of 15, providing you with protection from the sun as well as loss of hydration and defense against free radicals. The antioxidants in these protective moisturizers fight against the free radicals that come from sun exposure and pollution.

UVA, UVB, and UVC rays damage skin’s collagen fibers, which leads to early signs of aging. These signs include less flexible skin, wrinkles, and discoloration. Ultraviolet protection is also extremely important in preventing traumatizing conditions like melanoma, a form of skin cancer. The best ways to fight this damage is to limit sun exposure, wear protective sun-resistant clothing, and apply sunscreen. Sunscreen works against the sun’s harmful rays by absorbing, reflecting, and scattering sunlight.

Sunscreen must be applied liberally about twenty minutes prior to sun exposure, and then reapplied every hour. According to dermatologists, an SPF of 30 or higher provides the best protection from harmful rays. Pick a sunscreen that will match your activity; waterproof or all-day-wear formulas obviously last the longest. Make sure that your sunscreen is not expired. Every bottle has an expiration date, and should not be used past this specified date.

SariMurti.com offers information on skin care including skin care & cosmetic tips. Learn about dry skin moisturizer and other products you can use to keep your skin in good health.

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