The sun, while essential for life and a source of Vitamin D, emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can have detrimental effects on human skin. UV radiation is categorized into UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. UVC rays are mostly absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere, but UVA and UVB rays penetrate the skin, causing both immediate and long-term damage.
Immediate Effects of Sun Exposure:
- Sunburn: UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn, causing the skin to become red, painful, and inflamed.
- Tanning: UVA rays lead to tanning by increasing melanin production. While some view a tan as a sign of health, it indicates skin damage.
Long-term Effects of Sun Exposure:
- Premature Aging: UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, breaking down collagen and elastin fibres, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of skin elasticity.
- Hyperpigmentation: Sun exposure can cause uneven skin tone and dark spots due to increased melanin production.
- Skin Cancer: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Treating Sun Damage with PCA Skin Peels
PCA Skin offers a range of professional-grade peels designed to address sun damage effectively. Two standout treatments are the PCA Skin Pigment Correct Peel and the PCA Skin Pure Retinol Peels, both ideal for treating various skin concerns in a clinical setting.
PCA Skin Pigment Correct Peel: £70-90 approx per treatment
This professional peel is specifically formulated to target hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone resulting from sun exposure.
Targeted Treatment: RESULTS AS EARLY AS SEVEN DAYS. An effective blend of Lactic, Mandelic, Pyruvic and Tranexamic acids gently and effectively lift visible hyperpigmentation and helps prevent new visible discoloration from occurring.
Deep Exfoliation: Penetrates the top layers of the skin to initiate a mild wound healing response to exfoliate the damaged outer layers of skin, promoting cell turnover and revealing fresher, healthier skin.
Collagen Stimulation: Encourages collagen production, improving skin texture and elasticity.
Visible Results: Effective on all skin types and tones. Provides a 17% reduction in visible hyperpigmentation, one week after one treatment with no downtime. Optimal results typically seen after a series of treatments.
PCA Skin Pure Retinol Peels: £120-150 approx per treatment
These peels harness the power of pure retinol to rejuvenate the skin and address various signs of sun damage.
High-Strength Retinol: Uses potent pure retinol to promote cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
Comprehensive Skin Renewal: Effective for improving skin tone, texture, and clarity, offering a more youthful and radiant complexion. Retinol is the ultimate skin corrector and can adapt to each individual skins needs.
Customisable Strengths: Available in different concentrations to suit various skin types and concerns, ensuring a tailored approach for each patient. Because everyone’s skin is unique so your treatments should be too.
Treatments in a clinical setting:
Professional Assessment: A certified professional will assess your skin type and damage level to determine the appropriate peel strength and frequency of treatments.
Customised Treatment Plan: The treatment is tailored to each individual's specific needs, ensuring maximum efficacy and safety.
Post-Peel Care: Following the peel, specific PCA Skin products are recommended to soothe the skin, enhance healing, and prolong the benefits of the treatment.
Importance of PCA Skin Daily Care Products
While professional peels can significantly improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin, preventing further damage is crucial. PCA Skin daily care products are formulated to protect and nourish the skin, maintaining its health and preventing future damage.
Key PCA Skin Daily Care Products:
Broad Spectrum Sunscreen: PCA Skin offers a full range of broad-spectrum SPF products designed to protect against both UVA and UVB rays, preventing sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. These are designed for your skin type and requirements in texture finish to complete your daily morning regime.
Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45 £42.00: Ideal for combination to oily skin types, this lightweight, non-oily sunscreen provides high SPF protection without clogging pores and provides a matte finish. shop now
Hydrator Plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30 £44.00: This sunscreen not only protects against UV rays but also hydrates the skin, making it perfect for dry, sensitive or mature skin types. shop now
Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45 £48.00: For those who prefer a bit of coverage, this tinted sunscreen provides protection while evening out skin tone with a natural-looking tint. shop now
Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF50+ £42.00: This is the highest factor protection from PCA Skin and is a perfect all rounder for all skin types, its predominantly suited to those fighting the signs of ageing or discolouration/ pigmentation. shop now
Daily Corrective Serums:
C&E Advanced £107.00: Combines Vitamin C and E to protect against free radical damage, created by pollutants and UV radiation in our air, the powerful antioxidants neutralise any of these nasties before they can enter and damage our skin. shop now
Pigment Gel Pro £115.00: A serum that is clinically proven to help improve appearance of visible discoloration in as early as 4 weeks, using a Proprietary SynerPro Complex with Tranexamic Acid and purified liquorice root extract, suitable for all skin types and tones. shop now
Intensive Brightening Treatment: 0.5% Pure Retinol Night £105.00– PM: Nightly retinol treatment for an even, glowing complexion which micro-doses the skin with pure retinol to promote cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. shop now
Moisturisers:
HydraBright £105.00: A cloudlike daily moisturiser that contains deeply hydrating Squalene and a trio of potent brightening actives, Niacinamide and Bio-Stable Gallic Acid + Smart Melanin Microalgae to target the three common causes of dull skin: dryness, rough texture, and uneven skin tone. shop now
Sun damage can have significant short and long-term effects on the skin, but with the right treatment and preventive measures, its impact can be minimised. Embracing these products as part of your daily skincare routine is a proactive step towards long-term skin health.