Change of season can have dramatic effects on how we feel, mentally, physically and emotionally. The autumn seems to feel like the beginning of a new year, as the warm summer days wind down and we change our routines and wardrobes to reflect the inward nature of the season.
There are subtle changes that occur with our bodies as the temperature drops; one such change involves our skin. As the weather becomes cooler, our skin produces less sebum (the natural oils that moisturize our skin). Along with less sunlight, this dryness can lead to seasonal eczema and psoriasis and or an overall feeling of tightness and dryness.
Additionally, the increased sun exposure over the summer activated our melanocytes, giving many of us a sun-kissed glow that unfortunately fades and becomes dull in the fall months. For others, the sun brings forth pigmentation spots, the signs of decades of sun exposure which has exhausted our skin’s capacity to protect itself. The melanocytes become dysfunctional and uneven skin tone is the result.
A perfect solution to all the above concerns is photorejuvenation. By using specific wavelengths of light emitted into the skin at specific levels of energy, we can effectively target and treat hyperpigmentation and redness in the skin to reveal a luminous and even skin tone. The added benefit of the light energy is that as the light scatters, it stimulates our skin’s cellular metabolism, thereby increasing collagen production and improving our skin’s overall functions (IE: improved moisture retention/hydration). One important thing to note is that this treatment cannot be performed on tanned or dark skin tones and avoiding direct sun exposure post treatment is an absolute must.
Click here to see our fall specials for photorejuvenation.
There are also a number of products on the market that boast lightening effects to treat hyperpigmentation. Usually these products need to be used everyday for 4-6 weeks before results become noticeable. I would caution readers to avoid products which contain hydroquinone. This ingredient is unfortunately still a favorite of Canadian doctors and dermatologists to prescribe even though it has been banned in many European and Asian countries due to it’s negative side-effects. Click here to read more.
How does your skin feel in the fall and winter? Are you noticing signs of sun damage? Share your thoughts and questions here.
