When my team discussed adding a health and wellness component to our K.M. Thornton & Co.equestrian lifestyle blog this year, I knew it would take candidness to demonstrate the importance of each topic. Little did I know I would be posting a cringe worthy image because it demonstrates the damaged effects of my skin resulting from the activities of my teenage years. Not only had I generously applied baby oil to my entire body to achieve a “golden tan”, but I also attended university near the ocean on the central coast of California and I was never one to miss a trip to the beach. By my 20’s, I was careful about covering my body and wearing sun block, but I am now paying for the long term effects I inflicted on my skin, most likely escalated by the activities of my youth.
Below is a picture that shows the reaction I had to an IPL (Intense pulsed light therapy) to remove damaged and photoaged skin. This photo was taken yesterday, five days after the procedure.
IPL targets the lower layer of the skin and the “brown marks or coffee grounds” that raise to the surface are the pigment of sun-damaged spots. As with most people, the left side of my face has more damage because this is the “driver’s side” for automobiles in the States. You will note my eyes have very few spots that I attribute to very good advice I adhered to from the time I was 16, which I will discuss later.
Besides a regular skin maintenance routine including vitamins and moisturizer, here are our top 3 product recommendations for sun protection.
1.) Sunforgettable® Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50
I love this self-dispensing powder brush because it is easy to apply throughout the day and the size is compact and perfectly fits in purses, backpacks and even pockets. It provides the skin with a soft finish and is water resistant. For continued protection, reapply every 2 hours. Refills are available for the brush.
To purchase, visit Colorscience.com. ($62, 6 grams, 90 day supply based on typical use)
2.) Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a MUST any time you are exposed to sunlight. A trainer told me when I was 16 to always wear them to prevent squinting and stop the development of crow’s feet. It is one piece of advice I have adhered to MY WHOLE LIFE and it has provided even greater benefits than pure aesthetics. Tinted lenses, particularly those with a UV coating offer protection for your delicate eyes and may assist with mitigating risk of cataracts and macular degeneration as well as skin cancer on the eyelids. Not to mention, sunglasses are a great accessory and reflect your personal style when used for both active and street wear! I wear Smith Optics for running & riding and Ray Ban Wayfarers for everyday.
3.) Epionce Medical Barrier Cream
On the advice of my aestitican, I have been using Epionce Medical Barrier cream directly under my sunscreen. According to Epionce, “Our unique approach delivers a blend of active botanical ingredients to deeply penetrate the skin. Epionce strengthens your skin’s own mechanisms, helping to improve function, restore the barrier and reverse destructive skin inflammation. This results in a stronger healthier barrier that can help defy the effects of aging and disease giving you smoother, more radiant skin that functions at its optimum.”(1)
To purchase, visit Epionce.com. (8 oz, $46)
This summer take precaution from the harmful effects of UV Rays and cover up exposed skin by wearing long sleeve sun shirts (we recommend Kastel Denmark), visors with your helmets, hats that shade your face, sunglasses, skin barrier cream and regularly reapply your sunscreen. The long-term benefits for your skin and health will far outweigh the extra investment of time and money...it's never too late to start!
Salut,
(1)source: Epionce.com
0 Comments