Refinery29’s skin scan results reveal the reality of sun damage, with team members sharing their experiences and what they learned about their sun protection habits.
Refinery29’s “Sun Blocked” initiative seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of tanning without shaming. Our goal is to provide the facts so you can protect your skin better, as no exposure to the sun is ever truly safe.
When we asked our colleagues to undergo skin scans to check for sun damage, there was hesitation. No one wants to be reminded that carefree sunbathing could lead to wrinkles and pigmentation. But with dermatologists easily accessible, we know the impact of UV rays on skin health.
UVA rays, responsible for premature aging and skin cancer, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn, both harm the skin. Other harmful factors include visible light and infrared rays, which damage skin cells’ DNA.
Wearing a high-factor broad-spectrum sunscreen is an essential part of protecting the skin. While SPF is commonly used in the morning routine, reapplying during sunny days can be overlooked. At Refinery29, a survey of sun habits revealed that everyone has different approaches to skincare, leading us to wonder how our skin would fare under a skin scan.
To find out, we visited Self London, a skin clinic run by consultant dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahto, to undergo a VISIA skin scan. This advanced machine produces images of the skin’s surface and deeper layers, revealing potential sun damage.
Team Member 1: A Long-Term SPF User
This colleague started wearing SPF 50 every day, even in cloudy weather, after realizing the dangers of UVA rays. The skin scan revealed minimal damage, but areas like the forehead showed signs of sun exposure from earlier years.
Expert Advice for Team Member 1
Our expert dermatologist recommended paying attention to sensitive areas like around the eyes and using SPF, as strong skincare products like retinol can make skin more vulnerable to sun damage.
Team Member 2: Sun Protection Lessons from Australia
While initially neglecting sunscreen, this colleague now wears SPF 50 daily in summer. The scan revealed areas like the forehead and nose needed more attention, especially in places where sunscreen was missed or sparingly applied.
Expert Advice for Team Member 2
Our expert noted uneven skin tones and dark spots, particularly on the forehead and nose, urging more consistent sunscreen application to prevent further damage.
Team Member 3: SPF Awareness in the Black Community
This colleague shared how their family didn’t emphasize sunscreen usage, a common misconception in Black communities. Since realizing the importance of sun protection, they’ve made SPF application a part of their daily routine.
Expert Advice for Team Member 3
Although this team member had minimal sun damage, a few spots on their cheeks were flagged for closer attention. The expert recommended ensuring thorough coverage in these areas.
Conclusion
While sun exposure affects us all differently, everyone needs sun protection. A little sunscreen can go a long way in keeping your skin healthy and preventing future damage. Refinery29’s team members learned valuable lessons about their skin health and have committed to more mindful sun protection practices.
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