Nima Skin Institute

Archive for January, 2012

• Chicago Dermatology and the Importance of Sunscreen for People with Skin of Color

  Friday, January 20th, 2012

  Chicago Dermatology

  People tend to make a severe mistake when it comes to protecting their skin from the sun’s harmful rays.  While it is true that the people that are the most susceptible to sun damage are those with red hair, blue eyes, fair skin, or any combination of the above, the fact of the matter is that no matter what your skin tone, eye, or hair color is you need to take measures in an effort to protect yourself from sun damage.

  Sun Protection Advice from Chicago Dermatology Experts

  Nima Skin Institute professionals recommend that it is very important to protect yourself from the sun, particularly for people of color.  Darker skin tones, just like darker colored clothing, absorb the sun’s rays more quickly.  This makes them even more susceptible to sun burns which can be very painful.  Extended time in the sun can also cause things like premature aging, unwanted fine lines and wrinkles and a leathery look to your skin, in addition to skin cancer.  We live in a world where people do so much to stay as young looking as possible, and the beauty industry spends millions of dollars each year to develop new products to help bring back a youthful appearance, so why not do everything you can to help keep yourself looking as young as you can by taking small steps to help make this happen.

  Applying Sunscreen

  The simple act of applying sunscreen every day, according to Chicago dermatology doctors, regardless of your planned activities can make a massive difference in the way you will look five, ten or fifteen years down the road.  Many moisturizers are now including this as an added ingredient, and it makes perfect sense to do so.  An SPF of 30 or higher is recommended for the best protection, with an SPF of 45 being the ideal number.  This is what many facial moisturizers have included.  It doesn’t really change the way the product works or smells, and you really can’t even tell it’s in there.  Sunscreen used to have a certain smell and greasiness to it, but that is hardly the case.

  Hydration

  If you prefer to use a sunscreen in addition to another moisturizer you should apply the lotion prior to the sunscreen.  Make sure that you put on the sunscreen at least fifteen minutes before exposing your skin to the sun to make sure it has time to soak in and dry.  One of the biggest mistakes made by anyone is that they don’t put on enough of the product to make a difference.  If you just put on a thin layer you will hardly be helping your skin at all.  You should use at least an ounce of the product every time.

  Sunscreen should be reapplied every couple of hours, but even more frequently if you find yourself sweating or in the water.  If you are a person of color then make sure to stay hydrated and give yourself a break in the shade every once in awhile.  You are less likely to notice the red hue your skin gets as the result of sunburn due to the darker pigment your skin contains.

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• Chemical Peel Chicago Winters

  Tuesday, January 10th, 2012

  Chemical Peel Chicago Winters

  Along with the snow and colder weather that the winter brings to most parts of the country, one thing is shared throughout; the dry air.  Dry winter air can lead to many different problems, but most common of these is dry skin.  Winter air tends to lack the humidity that the summer months have, and this can cause skin problems in most of the population.  It takes more of an effort to turn skin from being dry, flaky and itchy to maintaining a rich and soft glow that everyone strives to achieve.

  A Chemical Peel Chicago Winter Skin

  The very best, and easiest, way to prevent dry skin is to stay hydrated.  Yes, water is the absolute healthiest beverage option; particularly for those looking to stay in shape or lose weight, but it also does wonders for your skin.  Your body gets hydration through the foods and drinks you take in, and if you are drinking sugary sodas and salty foods then you can’t get the hydration necessary.  These types of things just don’t have a high enough water content to keep you healthy, no matter how good they taste.  One other option to consider is getting a chemical peel Chicago dermatologist to get rid of that dull winter skin.  A chemical peel Chicago dermatologist can protect your skin for the winter or rejuvenate it during or after the winter.

  Another thing you can do to help your skin look good is by applying a moisturizer at least once a day.  This should be done within two minutes of exiting the shower to lock in moisture that the water has provided.  Long, hot showers, even though they feel great, can actually be very damaging to your skin, as they can dry it out faster and more easily.  For the best results moisturizer should also be applied at night, right before bed, in addition to after your daily shower.  Applying it overnight gives your body time to soak in the moisture while you sleep.

  Winter Weather and Your Skin

  Another thing that comes along with winter weather is winter sports, like skiing and snowboarding.  Before you hit the slopes make sure you apply sunscreen to your face and any other exposed areas.  Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t get sunburned!  Keep a lip balm with a moisturizer and sunscreen built in as well.  Chapped lips can easily be prevented by providing this often, whether you are out in the elements or not.  The winter weather can make getting sunburned even more painful than in the summer, because you don’t feel the heat of the sun and may not realize how much you are absorbing.  It is important to wear sunscreen, particularly on your face, every day of the year, not just in the warmer months.  The easiest way to do this is to use a face lotion with a built in SPF.

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