Here’s why there’s no such thing as a ‘healthy’ tan
Tanned skin may look aesthetically pleasing, but we’re here to tell you that there’s no such thing as a healthy tan, and your bronzed glow is actually a sign of damaged skin cells.
* Apply sunscreen thoroughly to all exposed areas.
**^Good! You should do this too! Daily!
Before you commit even more firmly to your vitamin D-obsessed bestie, arm yourself with hard facts. To save you from a trip to the internet, we’ve got Dr. Annika Smith, a dermatologist at Darlinghurst Skin Hospital, for advice.
“In simple terms, tanning is a sign of stressed skin and (irreversible) DNA damage. In fact, it’s the skin’s response to damage from the sun’s UV radiation. Our skin cells try to prevent further damage by producing melanin, a substance that gives skin its colour and makes it darker,” explains Dr. Smith.
This damage is cumulative, starting from the first time you get a tan, whether it’s accidental or not. Every time you pursue/experience the feeling of a tan, the damage accumulates and you develop more genetic mutations, essentially increasing your risk of skin cancer.
Dr. Smith aptly places these decisions in the basket of life decisions, labelling them “short-term decisions with long-term consequences” (aside from not brushing your teeth and eating a musk stick for breakfast). He points to the skin discomfort and short-term effects of sunburn that occur during the tanning process, while afterwards you may face “premature skin ageing (wrinkles, pigmentation) and the development of skin cancer” which we know can be life-threatening.
Australians are fairly well-informed about the dangers of the sun, as our sun is harsh year-round, but we still have a long way to go. Every six hours an Australian dies from melanoma and every 30 minutes an Australian is diagnosed with melanoma, and it remains the most common cancer among Australians aged 20 to 39.
Just in case you simply can’t avoid the sun during peak UV season, and perhaps didn’t quite manage it when you first applied sunscreen, here’s what you should do after sun exposure: “Hydrate your skin, avoid further sun exposure and keep your skin care routine simple. Moisturize, avoid active ingredients that may dry out or irritate the skin, and stick to lightweight formulas with soothing and calming ingredients. Most importantly, make sunscreen part of your daily skincare routine.”
To best protect yourself, you need to tick all the boxes, not just some. We’re talking broad-spectrum sun protection with SPF 50+, wearing a hat, clothing, sunglasses, seeking shade and avoiding the midday sun. “Sun protection can actually prevent most skin cancers, and ultimately prevention is better than cure,” explains Dr. Smith.
As expected, Dr. Smith encourages everyone to work with their GP or dermatologist to assess their skin cancer risk profile and develop a skin check schedule that works for them. “Know your skin and keep an eye out for anything new or changing, as early detection offers the best chance of recovery.” Distinctive spots – the ugly duckling – can also be a sign of melanoma.
Scared enough? Sorry (not sorry). When it comes to skin health, we don’t do things halfway.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
