Hi Everyone! It feels good to write this post regarding the medical spa since it has been approximately 6 weeks since we have been able to see our amazing clients and render any services due to COVID 19. I feel like I have been hibernating and am now ready to get outside. Sunscreen is essential especially this time of the year but did you know that not all sunscreens are created equal?
May is a month when we focused on women so as we celebrate Mothers Day and Women’s Health Month I’d like to share the importance of taking a moment to take care of yourself.
When we think of taking care of ourselves our thoughts often resort to buying new clothes or makeup. Its often about dining out with a friend and enjoying a nice
glass of clean crafted wine. Let’s broaden that scope, shall we, and focus a little bit more to ensure that we protect ourselves from not only skin cancer but also from aging. That sounds like self-care to me!
May is Women’s Health Month
We know that exposure to the sun causes skin cancer. Living in Minnesota where only half of the year we can get outside sometimes its an afterthought. However, when the warm weather comes it is essential to protect our largest organ, our skin.
I love the sun and the warmth of the rays soaking into my face but I do know that with a simple regimen each day I can feel confident that the skin on my face is protected. I use sunscreen on my body as well especially if I know that I’ll have extended exposure to the sun.
Our face, neck, and hands easily get the most exposure just from driving. Do a comparison of the tops of your hands. Your driving side (left side) versus your right side (the non-driving side). Do they look different? Look at the texture of the skin, the turgor, and the number of dark spots. I see a marked difference between my two hands. Unfortunately, I didn’t start being really proactive with sunscreen until I was in my late 30’s. But its never too late!
All Sunscreens are NOT created Equal
Let’s talk about the difference in sunscreens. Are you baffled by all of the options that are sitting on the shelves in the retail stores? Not to mention the level of coverage, active ingredients, waterproof qualities, for babies, for the face, sprays or creams, etc.
When I say that not all sunscreens are created equally I mean that some are way better than others. At Ageless Esthetics Medspa we carry a whole line of
Elta MD sunscreen products. I love these products because the majority of them only have two ingredients, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. These minerals are found in our natural environment and don’t pose risk to our health by applying them to the skin. Elta MD’s line is also oil-free and noncomedogenic so it won’t clog your pores. Mineral-based formulas like these protect you by reflecting the UV rays off your skin.
At Ageless Esthetics, our clients love True Physical tinted (and anti-aging) Intellishade by Revision and Elta MD tinted facial SPF moisturizers and body SPF’s!
Moisturizing is a key step in your skincare routine. They don’t leave a white residue like you remember back in the ’80s and ’90s but rather have a silky beautiful tint to them!
Chemical sunscreens have a non-natural formula. There are many chemicals that can make up these sunscreens including but not limited to Octnoxate, Oxybenzone, Octocrylene, and Padimate O. These are effective because they absorb the suns UV rays, then through a chemical reaction, the UV ray dissipates which does not allow the UV ray to actually penetrate the skin cells. Many of these chemicals have been linked to causing hormone imbalance. Again, not all sunscreens are created equal and these are the ones that fall short and should be avoided.
We all know that the sun can damage your skin and cause adverse effects. However, the sun has so many properties to support our mood and vitamin levels. Just take care of yourself and get into the regimen to apply a mineral-based sunscreen to your face every day, winter and summer! You won’t regret this and can enjoy the sun with peace of mind.
Cheers to May and all you Mothers and Women of the World!
Nichole Easthouse, BSN, RN, MBA
Owner & Nurse Injection Specialist. I have spent my career focusing on womens health, obstetrics and labor and delivery. I started my nursing career taking care of patients after plastic surgery, and that’s where it all started. I have always envisioned having my own esthetic business and aim to provide high-end results at affordable price points.
Our Ageless Esthetic team includes Marti Breitenfield – Advanced Practice Esthetician and Madelyn Holst- Advanced Practice Esthetican. We started Ageless Esthetics to bring industry awareness to the men and women of our community. The spa will provide a safe and comfortable place for patients to have the opportunity to feel better about themselves through non-invasive techniques.
Each patient will work with our team to establish a customized plan that focuses on their specific needs and desires. Advanced techniques and safe, effective products and practice ensure the best possible outcomes.