According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, “One out of every three Americans reports getting a sunburn every year.” One. Out. Of. Three!

As esthetic practitioners, we are conditioned to caution against sun exposure, and may even wag our fingers with a “Tsk! Tsk!” at those clients who admit to basking in the warm rays. We understand the sun increases aging and risk for certain cancers, but do we always follow our own advice? How many of us are guilty of catching a little too much sun once upon a season? (It’s ok, no one’s looking, you can be honest here.)

Despite everything we know about the damaging effects brought on by over exposure to the sun, there is still a cultural perception that tan = health. Actually, “tan” skin is damaged skin.

There has been an encouraging trend in skin health with an increased percentage of young people recognizing the damage and risk of over exposure, and therefore taking more protective measures (shade, sunscreen, or protective clothing). Yet, season after season, 1 in 3 Americans are forgetting to apply or to reapply and, as such, are running the risk of pigment and histological damage.

To limit damage opportunity, and to ensure the skin maintains its youthful, natural functions, we must encourage our clientele to use SPF and to reapply to stay protected.

Many factors influence protection effectiveness, like sweat, reflections, water, the hour(s) of the day. Using a physical sun block protection product that shields from UV Rays, and environmental factors is key. Apply protection from head to toe 30 minutes before venturing out, paying special attention to those areas that may receive a few more sun-kisses: the nose, the ears, the back of the neck, the chest and décolleté and the shoulders. According to skincancer.org, one should reapply every two hours and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

Lira Clinical has designed a selection of SPF products that provide sun protection while also strengthening the functions of the skin for stronger, healthier, brighter, beautiful skin in any season. Pick your favorite and reapply often!

Solar Shield 30 Oil Free

What makes it awesome?

Yarrow root: Helps to draw heat out of the skin protecting from the harmful opportunity heat provides for pigment. (also great to shield in post peel)

Resveratrol: Decreases certain proteins which increases the production of anti-inflammatory molecules. As we well know, inflammation is often the catalyst for many skin conditions.

Halidrys Siliquosa (North Atlantic Sea Oak) Extract: In addition to protecting against free radical cells, this ingredient controls melanogenesis, decreases tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis, influencing all main pathways involved in hyper-pigmentation.

Solar Shield 30 Hydrating

What makes it awesome?

SepiLift™ DPHP (Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline): Provides long lasting moisture retention, fights wrinkles by firming the skin and protecting elastin while also offering a free radical scavenging effect. By stimulating natural anti-aging defenses, Sepilift™ works with the body to fight off unwanted assailants.

Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum) Seed Extract: Fights against glycation in the dermis and keratinization in the epidermis, allowing skin to maintain suppleness, firmness and flexibility (elastin).  It is excellent in expediting the healing of compromised, wounded skin. Additionally, the brightening property provided means even, supple, healthy skin.

Rosa Canina Fruit Extract: A natural source of vitamin C stimulating cell regeneration and improving texture of the epidermis. Provides nourishment for the skin, improving overall hydration and high levels of antioxidant protection.

Solar Shield 30 Classic Tint

What makes it awesome?

Sepitonic™ M3: This active mineral complex protects the structural proteins of fibroblasts and fights against oxidation and glycation, enhancing cellular communication and encouraging oxygen efficiency in skin cells, allowing for vital, healthy skin.

Niacinamide: Stabilizes the epidermal barrier function, reducing the opportunity for transepidermal water loss (TEWL), locking essential moisture in the skin. Improves the surface structure of the skin, smoothing wrinkles and fighting against UVA and UVB assault. A powerful anti-inflammatory, it works to calm angry acne and rosacea skin while also protecting from pigment misfires.

Ginger: Improves skin radiance with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. A free radical neutralizer, it smooths and evens skin tone. An adaptogen assisting the body in achieving balance in changing temperatures and environments.

Fun Fact:

What does SPF mean?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The number tells you how long the sun’s UVB rays would take to redden your skin if you apply the sunscreen exactly as directed compared with the amount of time without sunscreen. So, if you use an SPF 30 product properly, it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you used no sunscreen.