UV Radiation

image006The sun sends out different types of radiationthat reach the earth – visible light that is seen as sunlight, infrared radiation felt as heat andultraviolet radiation (UVR) that we can’t see. Ultraviolet radiation can be classified as UVA, UVB, or UVC.

The ozone layer absorbs some, but not all, of these types of UV radiation:

UVA:
Wavelength: 320-400 nm. Not absorbed by the ozone layer.

UVB:
Wavelength: 290-320 nm. Mostly absorbed by the ozone layer, but some does reach the Earth’s surface.

UVC:
Wavelength: 100-290 nm. Completely absorbed by the ozone layer and atmosphere.

UVA rays account for up to 95% of the UV radiation reaching the earth’s surface, and can penetrate clouds and glass. These UVA rays play a major part in photo-damage and skin ageing. UVB rays are the chief cause of skin reddening and sunburn, damage which can also lead to premature skin ageing. Both UVA and UVB rays have the potential to cause skin cancers.

Effects of UV Radiation on the skin

Photoageing is the premature ageing of the skin due to repeated excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV rays). It is extremely prevalent in Australia, due to the harsh climate and an outdoor lifestyle.

Photoageing can be characterised by the following visible signs of skin ageing:

• Fine lines & wrinkles
• Hyper-pigmentation
• Uneven skin tone or skin dullness, coarse skin texture
• Loss of skin firmness or elasticity
• Facial redness

Skin cancer is a disease of the body’s skin cells. It forms when skin cells are damaged by UV radiation penetrating the skin. UV damages skin cells’ DNA and this can cause cells to mutate and grow abnormally. If these mutant cells are not destroyed through the body’s own processes or other means, they will continue to develop and can turn into skin cancers.

image009Sunscreens Explained

After understanding the skin risks associated with UV exposure the importance of sun protection becomes apparent. There are a few different measures that indicate the efficacy of a sunscreen and that are recognised in Australia and regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of a sunscreen’s ability to prevent UV radiation from damaging the skin. SPF measures the amount of UVB radiation transmitted to the skin after sunscreen has been applied compared to the amount of UVB transmitted to the skin without sunscreen. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 provides 30 times more protection than if not wearing a sunscreen. A sunscreen with an SPF of 50 provides 50 times more protection than if not wearing a sunscreen.

Broad Spectrum is a measurement of a sunscreen’s effectiveness against UVA rays. Broad Spectrum sunscreens are designed to protect against both UVB and UVA rays. A conventional sunscreen that has an SPF rating only and does not mention the term “Broad Spectrum” may block very little UVA radiation relative to the nominal SPF.

Why is Vitamin A important for our skin?

We know that Vitamin A is good for our health but why is Vitamin A important for our skin?

ultra-a-rvr-1Under the influence of Vitamin A, the metabolic activity of skin cells is increased, resulting in less dead skin cell buildup. Vitamin A is an excellent ingredient to treat dry skin, fine lines and sun damage by refining the skin’s surface. It will also increase skin moisture levels and leave the skin smoother, softer and younger-looking.

Ask your Blush Therapist about our Ultraceuticals Vitamin A skincare range – your skin will thank you!!

What form of Vitamin A does Ultraceuticals use?

Ultraceuticals uses the pure form of Vitamin A, Retinol, reported to have effects within the skin up to 20 times stronger than the more commonly used Retinyl Palmitate. The Ultraceuticals Ultra A range offers different strengths of Retinol to suit all skin conditions and concerns.

How does Ultraceuticals stabilise Retinol?

We use a number of different ways. Microencapsulation is one effective method which excludes the Retinol from contact with the base formula and from air. Other methods include using a pre-stabilised Retinol in conjunction with certain antioxidants and other ingredients. The packaging (a laminated tube) also offers a very high level of protection from light and to a lesser extent, air.

What is IPL?

IPL stands for intense pulsed light, and it is a form of light therapy, used for various dermatological procedures including hair removal.

ipl-hair-imageSo what’s the difference between IPL and laser hair removal technology? Unlike laser treatments, which have just one specific wavelength emitted from the diode depending on what you’re targeting, IPL has multiple wavelengths (all between 500 and 1,200 nanometres) that scatter within the skin.

As with all light based treatments, IPL works by emitting a wavelength into the skin, which in the case of hair removal targets pigment. It works in the same way black clothing absorbs heat on a hot day, versus white clothing which reflects it. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. It quickly turns to heat which then kills the growing cells that make theund-arm-ip hair. Hair has to be living for it to work however, in that, we mean it has to be attached to the bulb of growing cells – when you pull out a hair and it has that little jelly bulb around it, it’s one of the 20 to 40 per cent of living hair on your body. If you pull it out and it doesn’t, it’s a dead hair which can stay on your skin for up to three weeks. That’s why you need to have up to12 treatments of  IPL hair removal to catch all hairs in their living cycle.

Myth or Fact?

Myth: You’ll eventually outgrow acne

pimplesFact: If only that were true, lots of people’s skincare struggles in life would have been very different. In fact, women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and even 50s can have acne just like teenagers, and the treatment principles remain the same.

Not everyone who has acne as a teenager will grow out of it, and even if you had clear skin as a teenager, there’s no guarantee that you won’t get acne later in life, perhaps during menopause You can blame this often-maddening inconsistency on hormones! What is true is that men can outgrow acne, because after puberty men’s hormone levels level out, while women’s hormone levels fluctuate throughout their lifetime, which is why many women experience breakouts around their menstrual cycle What about the association between acne and food, stress, and over-cleaning your face?

There are actually lots of myths about acne; following are among the most common:

Myth: Acne is caused by eating the wrong foods.

Fact: This is both true and false. The traditional foods thought to cause acne, such as chocolate and greasy foods, have no effect on acne, and there is no research indicating otherwise.

The sugar connection rears its ugly head again, as research has shown those who regularly consume a high glycemic diet (high in sugar and/or simple carbohydrates) seem to develop acne in greater ratios than those who consume a low glycemic diet. However, just as with chocolate, fried foods, and dairy, this is not a cause of acne so much as it is possibly a supporting factor; for example, lots of dairy foods such as yogurt and ice cream are loaded with inflammation-triggering sugar (Nutrients, 2010).

Studies have found a connection between the consumption of milk and exacerbation of acne. However, the majority of the research demonstrates that the of naturally occurring hormones in milk affects the balance of acne-causing androgens (male hormones) in our bodies, which makes dairy perhaps the strongest of dietary factors that can influence breakouts, for some (Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2005 and2008).

Myth: If you clean your face better you can clear up your acne.

Fact: Over-cleaning or scrubbing your face can actually make matters worse.

Acne is caused primarily by hormonal fluctuations that affect the oil gland, creating an environment where acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) can flourish. Don’t confuse scrubbing or “deep cleaning” with helping acne, because it absolutely doesn’t. Over-cleansing your face triggers inflammation that actually makes acne worse.

Inflammation and its resulting irritation, whether internal or external (for this discussion externally it would be due to the use of irritating ingredients, hot water, overusing scrubs, etc.), is practically a guarantee you will see excess production of oil, larger pores and more acne breakouts (Experimental Dermatology, 2009 andDermato-Endocrinology, 2011).

What really helps breakouts is using a gentle cleanser so you don’t damage your skin’s outer barrier or create inflammation (both of which hinder your skin’s ability to heal and fight bacteria) and using gentle exfoliation. An effective exfoliating product that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid can make all the difference in reducing acne and the red marks it leaves behind (American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2012).

Myth: Stress causes acne.

Fact: Generally, it is believed that stress can trigger acne, but no one is exactly sure how that works, and there is conflicting research.

While it never hurts to reduce angst and worry in your life, stress as a causative factor for acne is hard to pinpoint. Plus, the way to treat acne doesn’t change because of the stressors in your life (British Journal of Dermatology, 2015 and Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 2007).

Is this your skin underneath that makeup?

clinical_trial_before_afterFacial redness is actually one of the most common visible signs of photo-ageing, and unlike many other skin conditions that are often highly visible and easy to identify, facial redness often goes undiagnosedbecause women tend to cover it with makeup instead of seeking professional help from a skin expert or dermatologist.

Luckily there’s now a way to treat facial redness at home – and that’s with Ultraceuticals Ultra RED-Action Complex $95, a groundbreaking new serum that’sdesigned to visibly reduce redness associated with photo-damage.

Ultraceuticals unique Anti-RED Complex (which features powerful ingredients including Kinetin, Andrographolide and Niacinamide) which helps minimise visible redness and blotchy skin tone. The high-tech formula also contains powerful anti-irritant and soothing ingredients to help combat environmental aggressors that may trigger skin irritation while strengthening the skin’s optimal barrier function.

ultra-red-actionNeed a few more reasons to give this wonder serum a whirl?Well for one there are the impressive trial results, the fact the formulation is free of parabens and synthetic fragrances, plus you can rest safe in the knowledge that nothing fluffy or cute was harmed in the making of this awesome product – Ultraceuticals is a cruelty-free brand that doesn’t test on animals.

Simply purchase a ultra red action complex serum, for $95 and you will receive an eyelash and eyebrow tint, and eyebrow wax and shape valued at $35!!

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Bring back the youth and glow into your skin!

IPL Skin Rejuvenation is by far the most efficient method of bringing youth and glow back into your skin. Photo-rejuvenation is a skin treatment that uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to reverse many of the visible signs of sun-damaged skin, including pigmentation and freckles, and lessen the appearance of wrinkles arising from sun exposure.

The photo-rejuvenation treatment induces controlled wounds on the skin, prompting the skin to heal itself by creating new cells. This process reverses the effects of ageing to a certain extent by lessening the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation.

The results achieved from using IPL photo-rejuvenation treatment can be expected to last for possibly several years or longer. However, the skin will always naturally age over time and with exposure to environmental factors, including sun exposure.

But how wonderful is it to know that aging can easily be prolonged!!

SUN PROTECTION FOR SUMMER

sun-protection-199x300THIS MAN’S FACE IS POSSIBLY THE MOST COMPELLING ARGUMENT FOR PROTECTING YOUR SKIN AND WEARING SUNSCREEN.

This is Bill. He is 69 years young and he has never worn sunscreen!!! As a truck driver, he spent 28 years with the left hand side of his face exposed to the sun.

Sun exposure is the main cause of premature aging. Using a sunscreen creates a barrier between your skin and harmful UVA & UVB sun rays which can even reach you through glass and clouds. It helps to prevent premature wrinkles, painful sunburns, melanomas and pigmentation.

Ultraceuticals Protective Daily Moisturisers in SPF30+ and 50+, as well as the SunActive SPF 50+ Range will well and truly have you covered. Visit your Blush Beauty and Skin Salon and keep your skin covered this summer.

There is no denying the fierceness of the Australian sun. We have a very high skin cancer and melanoma rate, being the highest in the world. As well as the very scary adverse sun effects, sun damage takes a toll on Aussie skins, causing a huge rate of premature ageing. Most Aussies would know by now to ‘Slip Slop Slap‘ to protect their precious skin from our harsh rays. Now, with the introduction of a new standard of Sun Protection Factor, SPF 50+, does the whole protection routine become a little easier?

UVB rays are the ‘burning’ rays, which is the major cause of skin cancer. They cause sunburn, cataracts and immune system damage. UVA rays are the most common and are the ‘ageing’ rays – which contribute to some skin cancer, but mainly cause premature ageing and wrinkling. The Cancer Council is recommending that 50+ sunscreen is still used in the same manner as any sunscreen, which means applied liberally, frequently and in conjunction with sun protective wear.

In Summer, we HIGHLY recommend Ultraceuticals SunActive SPF 50+ available in Face Cream 60ml $49 and Body Lotion 250ml $79.

For regular daily use any other time we recommend Ultraceticals Protective Daily Moisturisers available in SPF 30+ – Hydrating, Mattifying and Sheer Tint and also available in Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50+. All 100ml $69

Welcome to October!

The weather is heating up and its time to get pampered, primped and polished for the fun of summer and the craziness of the silly season. All the team at Blush are ready and eager to take care of you and help you to reach your individual beauty and skin goals.

October Health Tip

Are you too acidic?

Do you suffer from lack of energy, physical drive, bloating, constant fatigue and heaviness of limbs?

It could be the PH level of your body. Processed foods, coffee, alcohol and stress can all play a part in the acidic environment of our bodies.

Incorporating more alkaline foods such as green vegetables into your diet is a great way to lower acidity and help you feel great. Vegetable juices and smoothies are another effective and easy way to balance the body’s PH level, give this green smoothie recipe a try, its great for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

ALKALISING GREEN SMOOTHIE

9-26-2014-1-31-23-pm1 x ripe pear

1 x ripe banana

1/2 cup baby spinach leaves

A few sprigs of mint

1 cup coconut water

½ cup ice cubes

1 tsp agave syrup

Place all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Want to prevent wrinkles?

9-26-2014-1-31-58-pm3Not only does the use of a complete-spectrum (UVA/UVB) with an SPF of 15 or higher help to prevent skin cancer but it has also been proven to reduce the signs of aging. 90 percent of the signs of aging are caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun so do yourself a favour and invest in an Ultraceuticals complete-spectrum sunscreen and use daily to help prevent skin discoloration, sagging, rough patches and yes wrinkles!

We here at Blush want to help keep you looking young and beautiful and so have a special offer available for you this month…

BUY 2 ULTRACEUTICALS PRODUCTS INCLUDING ONE FROM THE SUN-ACTIVE RANGE AND RECEIVE A 50 SPF BODY LOTION ABSOLUTELY FREE!