May 29, 2023

SPF and skin treatments – how can I ensure I give my skin the best protection when it’s compromised?

Skin treatments are increasingly popular in the UK, as both women and men are preferring non-surgical interventions to keep themselves looking young. The rise in available at-home treatments is also making it even easier for people to tackle their skin concerns (albeit with lower-strength solutions than what can be found at a clinic).

Microneedling, peels, laser treatments – they are great at rejuvenating our skin, smoothing and tightening the skin and brightening the complexion. But they are intense treatments, and they can come with a cost: increased sun sensitivity.

The goal of these treatments is to improve the appearance of your skin by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, removing dead skin cells, and generally rejuvenating the skin. In order to do this, cosmetic treatments compromise the skin barrier, which serves as protection against the sun. The new, delicate skin revealed by clinical treatments is more vulnerable to the damage caused by ultraviolent (UV) radiation. Not protecting your skin adequately from the sun with a high-quality product like ALLSKIN | MED SPF 50 mineral sunscreen can cause even more damage to your skin.

Failing to use a high enough SPF to protect your skin from the sun during this time can lead to a variety of issues, including sunburn, premature aging (obviously the opposite of what you went in for!) and even more serious issues, like skin cancer.

Post-treatment protection is essential

You are definitely going to want to avoid the sun immediately post-treatment. Cover up, wear a hat, and avoid the sun as much as possible, especially when UV radiation is at its highest, between 10am and 4pm. Depending on the treatment, you may need to do this for a few days or weeks. Speak to your clinician after any treatment and always follow their after-care plan carefully.

If you are not already wearing sunscreen with a high SPF every day, now’s the time to start. And why aren’t you already wearing it every day?! Apart from the cosmetic concerns around sun damage, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK. Everyone should be wearing sunscreen whether they have cosmetic treatments or not.

It’s also possible that you are using product at home that also increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun – retinols and AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids, aka chemical exfoliators). They work wonders on the skin but they can also cause irritation and increase the risk of sun damage and therefore MUST be used in combination with an effective sunscreen.

Choosing the right sunscreen

Consider the level of protection that your sun protection product is providing, and apply it every morning – regardless of whether you’re spending time in the sun.

Harmful solar radiation can penetrate clouds and window glass, so it’s not just something you need to worry about when outside on a sunny day.

There are four types of solar radiation that can damage the skin – UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared-A. Most high street sunscreens offer UVA/UVB protection, but not all will protect your skin from visible light OR infrared-A. Without a broad spectrum coverage, your skin will still be exposed to harmful radiation.

ALLSKIN | MED has two sunscreens that offer 100% mineral broad-spectrum coverage. And both offer enhanced results with patented Fernblock sun protection technology.

What is Fernblock?

Fernblock a super-powerful anti-oxidant. Derived from an aquatic plant, it protects the skin from all types of solar radiation, keeping your skin from burning while also preventing long-term damage such as pigmentation, photoaging, and skin cancer. Studies have also shown it can improve your skin’s immune response, repair DNA damage and make the other sun protection ingredients even more effective. Learn more about the science behind Fernblock.

The ALLSKIN | MED Range

To enhance its sun protection, ALLSKIN | MED products use a variety of strategies, including:

broad-spectrum protection
high SPF ratings
mineral filters that form a barrier on the surface of the skin that reflects and scatters UV radiation
antioxidants to neutralize free radicals that can be generated by UV radiation

The benefits of mineral sunscreen

There are two types of sunscreens: mineral and chemical. ALLSKIN | MED offers only mineral sunscreens. The reason for this is that they are most suited for use on compromised skin as they don’t absorb into the skin as chemical filters do. Instead, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, the active ingredients in mineral sunscreen, create a physical barrier on the skin to reflect solar radiation.

Sun protection from ALLSKIN | MED

There are two options to choose from.

The Mineral Fluid Sunscreen SPF50 provides advanced sun protection using 100% mineral filters. It defends the skin against damage caused by UV, visible light and infrared-A, as well as cellular DNA damage. It offers powerful anti-oxidant protection with Fernblock, and also includes further anti-oxidant vitamins C and E to help support the skin from the inside. It has a silky texture and applies easily.

The Mineral Colour SPF50 provides the same broad-spectrum protection as the Fluid Sunscreen, with 100% mineral filters and Fernblock technology, but with the addition of natural foundation coverage in two shades, beige and bronze. It allows you to protect your skin without the need for additional make-up, and also contains ingredients for DNA repair and extra hydration.

ALLSKIN | MED products offer superior sun protection, thanks to their broad-spectrum coverage, high SPF ratings, and physical mineral filters. With powerful Fernblock technology, ALLSKIN | MED sunscreens are a perfect partner for any and all clinical treatments, and should have a place in any skincare regime, both immediately after a treatment and beyond.