Summer is almost here, which means more time outdoors and increased sun exposure. It’s a well-known fact – sunscreen is essential for preventing premature aging, including wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin. But did you know that regular use of sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing certain types of skin cancer by as much as 50 percent? Read on as we discuss the benefits of sunscreen and the importance of including it as part of your overall sun protection strategy.

Who Needs Sunscreen?

The answer is not surprising: everyone. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it’s estimated that one out of every five people will develop some type of skin cancer in their lifetime. While skin cancer can affect anyone regardless of age, using sunscreen regularly can help protect you from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and decrease your risk.

When Should I Apply Sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be applied every day, even when it’s cloudy outside. On overcast days, 80 percent of the sun’s UV radiation can reach the earth. Venturing outside unprotected increases your risk of premature aging and skin damage. Once you apply your sunscreen, it’s best to wait 15-30 minutes before going outside to allow it to penetrate the skin. The average adult should apply enough to cover the body – about one ounce. And don’t forget the tops of your feet, hands, ears, and lips.

Choosing a Sunscreen that’s Right for You

When it comes to choosing the right protection, it’s all about SPF. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is the number that indicates how long the sun’s UVB rays would take to redden the skin relative to time spent exposed to the sun without sunscreen. For example, if you use an SPF 30, it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you used no protection. So, how do you select a sunscreen that’s right for you? According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, the best sunscreen is one that is water resistant and has broad spectrum coverage (one that protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of 15 or higher. All sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher are required by law to provide broad spectrum protection. As the SPF increases, so does the magnitude of protection against harmful UVA/UVB radiation. Check the label before you buy to ensure your sunscreen provides this level of protection. If you’re working outdoors for an extended period of time or engaged in higher levels of activity such as running or swimming, select an SPF of at least 30. Be sure to reapply every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating excessively.

Other Factors to Consider

While frequent and consistent use of sunscreen can reduce your overall risk for skin cancer and premature aging, there are other factors to consider to protect your skin, such as:
• Family history – Your skin type and genetic predisposition will determine the level of protection that’s right for you.
• Photosensitivity – Certain medications and/or disorders can increase your sensitivity to light, raising the required level of protection.
• Underlying skin conditions – There are many sunscreens to chose from depending on your skin type, condition such as dry or oily, and level of sensitivity.
It’s important to remember that sunscreen alone isn’t enough to protect your skin from sun damage. It’s advisable to limit your time in the sun, seek out shaded areas whenever possible, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and don UV-protective sunglasses and clothing.

The trusted experts at Belladerm MedSpa can help you develop a sun protection strategy that’s right for you. We offer a full suite of quality skincare products that protect and nourish your skin for a healthy, youthful glow all year round. Call us for a free consultation or visit us online.

We all can agree; this is an unprecedented time. The crisis we currently face has left us feeling helpless, overwhelmed, anxious, and scared. With all the chaos and instability, we tend to forget the importance of self-care and instead, succumb to stress, which can wreak havoc on the mind and body. Rather than dwelling on things you cannot control, it’s helpful to focus on areas of your life that are easily managed. Read on for tips for maintaining a healthy mind and body while practicing self-care during these uncertain times.

Nourish Your Body

It’s a fact. A healthy diet is critical during times of considerable stress. Eating a diet rich in wholesome fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains fortifies the body’s immune system, lowers blood pressure, and encourages the release of endorphins in the brain. The body’s “happy hormones” like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, found in foods like strawberries, nuts, and dark chocolate, can boost happiness while relieving stress and reducing pain.

Exercise Regularly

The gym may be closed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get in a good workout. The benefits of regular exercise cannot be overstated, especially when experiencing high levels of stress. Increasing physical activity can enhance your mood, help fight infection, and improve overall health and well-being. And since social distancing has become the norm, getting outside for a walk, bike ride, or jog is the perfect way to work out while soaking up some sunshine and essential vitamin D.

Sip Away Stress

In addition to maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise, proper hydration is essential to ensure your mind, body, and skin stay in tip-top shape. All organs, including our brains, need water to function properly. When you experience an emergency or crisis, the body produces cortisol, otherwise known as the “stress hormone.” High levels of cortisol contribute to several issues including high blood pressure, belly fat, muscle weakness, changes in mood, and weight gain. Staying hydrated can keep cortisol levels in check. So, grab a glass (or eight) of H20 and say goodbye to stress.

Practice Mindfulness

With so much uncertainty in the world today, it’s difficult not to panic about the future. But incorporating a mindfulness practice into your daily routine can help calm the mind and assist with the development of healthy coping strategies for you and your loved ones. Being mindful isn’t complicated. In fact, it couldn’t be easier. It’s taking time to focus on the present and being intentional of thought. Set aside a time each day, preferably in the morning, to center yourself and live in the moment. Practicing mindfulness is an excellent way to make peace with the unknown and keep the mental chatter at bay.

Go on a News Fast

Nowadays, it seems like everywhere we turn, there’s an endless amount of gloom and doom on television, social media, and online news outlets. Consistent doses of bad news contribute to depression and anxiety, which can eventually manifest into physical illness. Although it’s important to stay informed of what’s happening in your community, we recommend taking 15-minute breaks throughout the day. Take a nap, pet your cat, read a book, or go for a walk. The news will be there when you return but protecting your mental health is your number one priority.

It shouldn’t take a global pandemic to practice self-care for a healthy mind and body, but there’s no better time like the present to focus on your physical, emotional, and mental health. We’ll all get through this together.

The trusted experts at Belladerm MedSpa want to help. Since we cannot offer our suite of services to help you achieve your beauty goals at this time, you can still order your favorite self-care skin products until we can see you again.

During the month of April, stock up and SAVE!  Pick from any of Belladerm’s product lines –  iS Clinical, SkinMedica, Epionce and Colorscience. Mix and match to get your savings:

Buy 1 and save 10%
Buy any 2 and save 15%
Buy any 3 (or more) and save 20%

Plus, FREE SHIPPING!

Call us today and leave a message. We’ll call you back within 24 hours. 763.494.9905

Did you know that the visible signs of aging are linked to volume loss of our facial tissue? Over time, a decrease in volume and elasticity leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, and etched lines on the face. Injectable dermal fillers can help smooth lines, plump lips, and restore a more youthful appearance. Read our blog to learn more and find out if you’re a good candidate for treatment.

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are soft, gel-like substances that are injected directly under the skin. They’re composed of several compounds, including hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance found in the body that keeps skin hydrated and volumized. Dermal fillers address a number of common age-related concerns by smoothing under eye circles, lifting cheekbones, smoothing lip lines, and replacing soft-tissue volume loss. This restores the skin to a more youthful appearance without expensive cosmetic surgery or downtime.

Are you a good candidate?

You’re a good candidate for dermal fillers if you have fine lines and wrinkles and the desire to look younger. Dermal fillers work by “plumping” the skin, filling in the lines and wrinkles, and smoothing out the skin in the process. The number of injections required depends on your individual needs and the area you wish to treat. With so many filler products on the market, it’s difficult to know which option is best. Certain fillers work better for a particular area so we recommend consulting an injection specialist about which treatment is right for you.

What can you expect during treatment?

Since dermal fillers are non-surgical, treatment can usually be completed in an office visit. Depending on your provider, your initial treatment often begins with a consultation to determine your needs and desired outcomes. The injection specialist will review your medical history and discuss any concerns you may have prior to treatment. Although the risk associated with injectable fillers is relatively low, it’s important to disclose any allergies, medications, or neurological conditions you have to your provider.

Before the actual treatment, the injection site is cleaned and a topical anesthetic is applied to numb the area. Your specialist will then carefully inject the filler under the skin. You may notice results immediately, depending on the area. It’s not uncommon to experience mild bruising and swelling at the injection site. This usually lasts for about three to five days after treatment; however, the side effects will vary from patient to patient.

Generally, dermal fillers last anywhere from 6 to 18 months but results depend on several variables, including the patient and the injection area. For example, the treatment for nasolabial folds (smile lines or folds that run from each side of the nose to the corners of the mouth) usually last longer than lip injections.

Injectable dermal fillers offer a practical, cost-effective way to look younger. However, choosing the right injection specialist is key to receiving quality care and desireable outcomes. The trusted experts at Belladerm MedSpa will customize a treatment plan according to your needs and beauty goals.

Call today to schedule your FREE consultation and find out more about our spring special, Beauty in a Box – one syringe of Juvederm and 20 units of Botox!