Wearing sunscreen to protect yourself and prevent skin cancer is essential, regardless of your skin type or condition. However, with the variety of sunscreen choices, which do you choose? Which kind is best for optimal sun protection: chemical or physical sunscreen? The skincare specialists at Belladerm MedSpa are here to cover the debate: chemical sunscreen vs. physical sunscreen. Continue reading to learn about the pros and cons of each and identify which you should choose for skin protection.

What is Chemical Sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreen is a popular type of sunscreen that protects your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Unlike physical sunscreen, which creates a barrier on the skin’s surface, chemical sunscreen contains ingredients that absorb UV rays and convert them into heat energy, which is then released from the skin. Chemical sunscreen is typically easier to apply and is less visible on the skin compared to physical sunscreen. It also provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, making it an ideal choice for daily use.

Belladerm Chemical Sunscreen Offerings

• SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 32, Tinted
• SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 32, Untinted
• Colorescience Face Shield
• Colorescience Face Shield Glow
• iS Clinical Perfect Tint Powder

What is Physical Sunscreen?

Physical sunscreen is a type of sunscreen that works by creating a physical barrier on the surface of the skin to reflect and scatter the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. This type of sunscreen contains active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are natural minerals that form a protective layer on the skin.

Physical sunscreen is often recommended for people with sensitive skin, as it is less likely to cause irritation compared to chemical sunscreen. It’s also effective immediately upon application, providing instant protection against the sun’s rays. It’s important to note that regardless of the type of sunscreen you use, wearing sunscreen daily is crucial to protecting your skin from UV damage and reducing the risk of skin cancer.

Belladerm Offerings

• Revision Skincare Intellishade Original
• Revision Intellishade TruPhysical
• Colorescience All Calm

Which Sunscreen Should I Use?

At Belladerm MedSpa, we understand that choosing between physical and chemical sunscreen can be overwhelming. The truth is that both types of sunscreen can be effective in protecting your skin from UV damage, and the best choice ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to skin irritation, a physical sunscreen may be a better option for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lightweight, easy-to-apply option, chemical sunscreen may be a better fit.

Regardless of which type of sunscreen you choose, the most important thing is that you wear it every day to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, our skincare specialists are here to help you make the best choice for your skin with a complimentary consultation.

Don’t forget that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so make sure to spread the word! This month you can get 15% off any Belladerm MedSpa sunscreen to help keep your skin safe and healthy.

Choosing the right skincare product can be confusing, especially when deciding between vitamin C and retinol. Keep reading as the skincare specialists at Belladerm MedSpa explore the benefits of vitamin C and retinol, and help you choose the right products to take your skin to the next level.

The Benefits of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that offers numerous benefits for the skin when used in medical-grade skincare. The top three benefits of vitamin C in medical-grade skincare are:

1. Brightening: Vitamin C helps to brighten the skin by reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin, which is responsible for skin pigmentation. This leads to a more even skin tone and a brighter, more radiant complexion.
2. Anti-aging: Vitamin C is also known for its anti-aging properties. It helps to stimulate collagen production, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C also helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors such as pollution and UV rays, which can contribute to premature aging.
3. Protection: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and contribute to developing wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. Vitamin C helps to neutralize these free radicals, protecting the skin from damage and keeping it healthy and youthful.

Vitamin C Skincare at Belladerm MedSpa:

Here is a list of the vitamin C offerings that can be found at Belladerm MedSpa:

• iS Clinical® ProHeal
• iS Clinical® Brightening Complex
• Revision Skincare® C+ Correcting Complex

The Benefits of Retinol

Retinol is a powerful ingredient in medical-grade skincare that offers numerous benefits for the skin. The top three benefits of using a retinol include:

1. Anti-aging: Retinol is one of the most affective anti-aging ingredients in medical-grade skincare. It helps stimulate collagen production, improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Retinol also helps increase cell turnover, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
2. Acne-fighting: Retinol is also an affective acne-fighting ingredient in medical-grade skincare. It helps to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and regulate oil production. This can result in a reduction in acne breakouts and an overall improvement in the appearance of acne-prone skin.
3. Brightening and evening skin tone: Retinol can also help improve the skin’s overall texture and tone. It helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, resulting in a brighter, more even complexion. Retinol can also help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, resulting in a more even skin tone.

Retinol SkinCare at Belladerm MedSpa:

Here is a list of the retinol offerings that can be found at Belladerm MedSpa:

• SkinMedica® 0.25 Retinol
• SkinMedica® 0.50 Retinol
• SkinMedica® 1.0 Retinol
• SkinMedica® Even & Correct Dark Spot Cream
• Revision Skincare® DEJ Night Face Cream

Vitamin C or Retinol: Which One Should I Use?

At Belladerm MedSpa, we understand that choosing the right skincare products can be overwhelming. When deciding between vitamin C and retinol, it comes down to your specific skin concerns and goals.

If you are looking for anti-aging benefits and improving the overall texture and tone of your skin, retinol is the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you want to brighten your skin and protect it from environmental stressors, then vitamin C may be the way to go. It’s even effective to incorporate both retinol and vitamin C into your skincare routine, as long as you use them at different times of the day.

Ultimately, the best way to determine which product is right for you is to consult with one of our skincare experts. We offer complimentary consultations to all of our patients. At these consultations, we assess your skin, discuss your concerns and goals, and recommend the best treatment plan for your unique needs.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation and take the first step toward achieving your skin goals!

Summer has come to an end, but the many sunny days we had this summer has your skin looking tired, dry, and damaged. With the seasons changing, you’re medical-grade skin care treatments have the job of refreshing your skin’s glow. Our team of skincare professionals are here to tell you what treatments are best to reverse summer sun damage. Continue reading our blog as we discuss the top three treatments to reverse sun damage.

How Does the Sun Damage Your Skin?

The damage caused to your skin by exposure to sunlight and UV rays is called photoaging. Photoaging is the number one cause of skin aging. These UV rays are split into two different categories; UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are associated with aging while UVB rays are associated with burning the skin.

Identifying Summer Sun Damage

Photoaging appears in many different forms. The most common skin damage we see includes:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation
• Melasma
• Excess skin elasticity
• Visible broken capillaries
• Rosacea
• Irregular or uneven skin tone

Which Treatments Reverse Summer Damage?

Treatments that encourage cellular turnover and increased collagen productions are the best to pursue when looking to reverse both visible and nonvisible summer sun damage. Our top three recommended treatments to reverse summer sun damage include:

1. Broadband Light Therapy

Broadband light therapy is a gentle laser that works by heating the upper layers of your skin. The heat, which gets absorbed by the targeted areas, stimulates your skin cells to regenerate and restore your skin’s natural beauty. Results can be seen with clearer, smoother, more vibrant, and younger looking skin.

2. RF Microneedling

This state-of-the-art procedure joins radiofrequency and microneedling to restore your skin’s health by administering heat in conjunction with controlled micro-injuries. With RF microneedling by Vivace, your skin texture improves while cellular turnover increases. Skin tone becomes more balanced while fine lines and wrinkles are targeted by the device.

3. Chemical Peels

Belladerm MedSpa offers a variety of chemical peels that whip your skin back into shape. During this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the affected areas for chemical exfoliation. Consequently, this process reveals new, regenerated skin that is smoother and less wrinkled. Chemical peels are an ideal treatment for a host of skin problems including acne, discolorations, fine lines, and wrinkles. 

What Treatment is the Best?

Belladerm MedSpa‘s skincare experts are here to determine which treatment is best suited for your individual skin type and conditions. Look and feel your best with the help of these medical grade treatments. Contact us today to book your free consultation or request an appointment. Reversing your summer sun damage is one call away!