Mischo Beauty School: Sun Damage 101

As an esthetician, you all can probably imagine how passionate I am about skincare. The one aspect I’m most passionate about is protection from the sun. My skin tone is fair and I have freckles, and growing up I was always the first to get a sunburn. Over the years my mother would stress the importance of protecting my skin, even before most products were formulated with SPF. Though I listened to my mother, I wasn’t consistent with protecting my skin. So I share this with you today so that you are informed and empowered to make educated decisions about sun protection based on your skincare needs and lifestyle.

Sun damage is the major external cause of aging and it causes 80-85% of aging. The UV rays of the sun reach the skin in two different forms, as UVB and UVA rays. UVB rays tan the skin, damage the skin’s melanin and cause cancer. Penetrating further into the skin are the UVA rays. These rays weaken the skin’s collagen and elastin fibers, causing wrinkling and sagging in the tissues. Though these fibers naturally weaken as we age, it happens at a much faster rate when exposed to UVA rays. Sun damage leads not only to skin cancer, aging, and collagen and elastin deterioration, but to hyperpigmentation, capillary damage and free radical damage. Avoiding the sun and wearing sunscreen is the best protection for skin. Sunscreens absorb or reflect UV rays. SPF refers to the sun protection factor in sunscreens. The higher the SPF, the more protection you’ll receive from the sun. Be sure the sunscreen has full spectrum protection (protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays). Sunscreen can be found in the form of a moisturizer and may come in various weights and formulas suitable for various skin types. Everyone needs to wear sunscreen- regardless of your complexion! My recommendation is to wear an SPF of 30 everyday, rain or shine!

Love your skin.

Do you wear sunscreen? Have you had skin issues as a result of sun damage? Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions!

Mischo Beauty News

For all the Smashbox lovers out there- I just received an e-mail announcing the launch of the new Bionic Mascara. From what I've read, its ionic formula contains aloe, wheat protein, silk and olive oil which all work together to strengthen the lashes, while giving you the length you need without clumping. It's brush is specially designed for a soft application and it only comes in jet black for maximum definition. Sounds like the perfect mascara to me. I’ve added it to my list!

There's also the O-Glow Intuitive Cheeck Color which works with your skin's natural chemistry to give you a natural glow. It's said to work on every skin tone to turn cheecks their natural blushing color. The best part is that it contains antioxidants such as Vitamin C, pomegranate seed oil, and marine botanicals which work together to protect the skin. The O-Gloss Intuitive Lip Gloss works the same as the O-Glow and gives your lips a natural shade of pink. It also contains avocado oil for moisture and shine.

Finally, I've just learned that the Photo Finish Foundation Primer comes in a formula with UVA/UVB SPF 15! If you've been following my blog, then you know how I feel about protecting the skin. You have to guess my age, but the majority of the time I'm usually mistaken for 10 years younger than I actually am and I know it's because I take care of my skin and protect it- along with being blessed with great genes! Anyway, this new formula still allows you to smooth your complextion of large pores and lines, but also allows for protection against UVA/UVB rays and it contains antioxidants which work to prevent aging.

If you're using any of the above products, please let me know. I'd love to hear your thoughts!