Nurturing Your Skin Through Summer: A Guide to Sun Protection and Recovery

As the seasons shift and the warmth of summer beckons, our outdoor activities increase, drawing us to the beach and sunlit adventures. Despite our intentions to shield our skin, the transition to new climate conditions and the implementation of summer skincare practices can leave us with sun-stressed and sensitised skin. In this guide, we delve into the impact of UV rays on the skin, emphasising the significance of sun protection and offering insights on treating sun-sensitised skin for a healthy, radiant complexion.

Understanding UV Rays and Their Effects:

While UV rays remain invisible to the naked eye, their repercussions on the skin are substantial. UVA and UVB rays, both contributors to skin cancer, differ in their impact. UVA rays persist consistently throughout the year, inducing deep skin damage, accelerating lines, and wrinkles. UVB rays, more prevalent in warmer months, cause surface-level skin damage, manifesting as burning. It is vital to note that not all sunscreens safeguard against both UVA and UVB rays. Lira Clinical's broad-spectrum sunscreens offer comprehensive protection against both types of rays.

Sun and the Skin Barrier:

The skin barrier, often dubbed the 'moisture barrier' or 'lipid barrier,' serves as an unsung hero, safeguarding skin health by preserving hydration and repelling irritants. Prolonged sun exposure initiates barrier damage, manifesting as inflammation, a throbbing heat sensation, and subsequent moisture loss. The aftermath may include skin peeling as the body's defense mechanism, discarding damaged cells at risk of becoming cancerous. In essence, sun damage and sunburn compromise the health of the skin barrier.

Treating Sun-Sensitised Skin:

Addressing sensitised skin post-sun exposure necessitates a focus on skin barrier recovery. Avoiding heat sources, including hot showers, becomes crucial, while cooling and calming the skin take precedence. Simplifying your skincare routine and temporarily shelving active products like Retinoids, Vitamin C, and Hydroxy Acids allows the skin barrier to repair. Lightweight cooling skincare enriched with ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Oats, Aloe Vera, and Apple Fruit Extract becomes the go-to for reducing inflammation and restoring the skin barrier.

Three-Step Regimen for Restoring Sun-Stressed Skin:

1. Prep: BIO Enzyme Cleanser

  • Gentle gel cleanser for all skin types.

  • Ideal for hypersensitive, dry, and dehydrated skin.

  • Removes makeup and surface debris.

  • Beneficial post-resurfacing treatment.

2. Treat: BIO Hydra C Serum

  • Essential Vitamin C serum for skin hydration and repair.

  • Protects against harmful free radicals with powerful antioxidants.

  • Encourages healthy, refreshed skin.

3. Glow: SPF EliōDrops 30

  • Reef-safe, broad-spectrum physical SPF protection.

  • Shields against UVA/UVB/HEV damage and environmental stress.

  • Concentrated moisturising serums with smart tech delivery.

  • Supports skin barrier protection with a breathable, hydrating lattice of moisture.

For severely sun-sensitised skin, initial application of a lightweight gel-based moisturizer containing Aloe Vera is recommended. Gradually introducing additional products and ensuring adequate water intake further supports recovery from sun damage.

Invest in Professional Skincare:

In addition to a calming skincare routine, a professional skin treatment plays a pivotal role in soothing, calming, and promoting a healthy skin barrier. Lira Clinical's Hydra Calm, a professional skin treatment, adopts a personalised approach to address skin sensitivity. With professional-grade soothing formulas, healing LED light therapy, and specialised techniques, it effectively tackles skin irritation, redness, and dryness—offering a rejuvenated, hydrated, and healthier complexion. This treatment serves as an antidote for sun-irritated skin, making it an ideal choice for supporting your skin during the summer months.

Top Tips for Sun Safety:

1. Find a sunscreen that doubles as a moisturiser for added convenience.

2. Avoid advanced resurfacing treatments or peels before extended sun exposure.

3. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure.

4. Use half a teaspoon of sunscreen for the face, ears, and front and back of the neck.

5. Reapply sunscreen every two hours.

6. Extend protection to bald heads, thinning scalps, chest, arms, and hands.

7. Seek shade during the hottest part of the day (11 am-3 pm).

8. Sunscreen is not the sole form of protection; cover up, wear sunglasses, and a hat.

For personalised advice on your skin, consult with our Professional Skin Therapist for tailored advice and information on Professional Skin Treatments.

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