Protection – A skincare step NOT to miss!


We know that the sun is a major contributor to aging skin. It causes sun spots, wrinkles, dullness, hyper pigmentation, broken blood vessels, enlarged pores, thickened skin and more.

Pigmentation is usually the result of too much sun, creating freckles, age spots or larger discoloured skin patches. Research has shown that it is one of the biggest contributors to looking older – equal to wrinkles.

Fast facts

The vast majority of visible signs of ageing or hyperpigmentation are a result of the sun …and its damaging UV rays. In fact, up to 80% of premature ageing is thought to be attributed to the sun.

Australia experiences some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world (due to our proximity to the equator and frequent blue skies). 


1. What’s the difference between UVA and UVB rays?

Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays emit the same amount of radiation from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are stronger in the summer, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

2. Are UVA and UVB rays equally harmful to skin?

Yes, but they affect it in different ways. UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and skin redness. (Think “B” for “burning.”) They cause inflammation, surface dryness and excess dry skin buildup.

UVA rays are weaker than UVB rays but pass further into your skin. They stimulate excess pigment, resulting in dark marks, age spots and dullness. UVAs also break down collagen and elastin, causing lines, wrinkles and sagging. UVA rays can penetrate glass, which means they harm your skin even while indoors.

3. What does SPF stand for, and how does it work?

SPF is short for “Sun Protection Factor.” The higher the SPF, the more protection. But exactly how long a sunscreen protects you depends on your skin color and its tolerance to UVB rays.

To get a sense of how long you can stay in the sun, multiply your sunscreen’s SPF number by the amount of time it takes your skin to burn in the sun.

If your skin turns red in 10 minutes without sun protection, your math would look like this:

• SPF 15 x 10 minutes = 150 minutes (2 ½ hours) without getting burned

• SPF 30 x 10 minutes = 300 minutes (5 hours) without getting burned

…but there’s a little more to it than this. First, no sunscreen can block out 100% of the sun’s rays. Since you can’t rely on sunscreen for complete protection, be sure to cover up your body and wear a big hat and sunglasses.

4. What’s the difference between physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen?

The two types of sunscreens protect skin in different ways and have different properties. Physical sunscreens, such as zinc oxide, reflect and scatter light and are gentle on skin — which is why Rodan + Fields UNBLEMISH and SOOTHE sunscreens are physical sunscreens. Chemical screens, such as avobenzone, absorb light and blend well with more ingredients. Rodan + Fields REVERSE, REDEFINE and ESSENTIALS sunscreens are chemical sunscreens.

Whether physical or chemical, all broad-spectrum sunscreens should be formulated to protect against damage from both UVA and UVB rays.

5. How much sunscreen do I need?

More than you probably think! Apply one tablespoon of sunscreen to your face and one ounce — the amount that would fill a shot glass — to your body for adequate sun protection.

6. How frequently should I reapply sunscreen?

One application of sunscreen won’t protect your skin for the entire day. You should reapply sunscreen every two hours — more frequently if you’ve been in the water. This is true even if you’re using a sunscreen with a high SPF.

See here for another great product which contains SPF

Victoria Isherwood (Registered Nurse / Skincare)

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8 Proven Ways To Nourish Sun Damaged Skin.

We know that the sun is a big contributor to aging skin. It causes sun spots, wrinkles, dullness, hyper pigmentation, broken blood vessels, enlarged pores, thickened skin and more.

Pigmentation is usually the result of too much sun, creating freckles, age spots or larger discoloured skin patches. Research has shown that it is one of the biggest contributors to looking older – equal to wrinkles. A combination of lifestyle changes and treatments can reduce this discolouration and even out our skin tone. This can lead to younger-looking radiant skin.

1) Skin Treatments

There are a few different in-clinic options for treating pigmented sun spots and fine lines. This includes treatments with advanced medical-grade Lasers, LED light therapy, microdermabrasion, cosmedical grade chemical peels, skin needling, the Beauty Booster treatment etc. Therapists will discus treatment options and also the individuals suitability for the various treatment options. Deeper wrinkles can also be softened with muscle relaxants.

Rochelle Lehmann who has worked in dermatology for 30 years (and is senior dermal therapist and clinic manager at Laser Clinics Australia Brookvale) explains that “the most successful treatment option usually depends on skin tone. For example, laser works well for lighter skin types and peels for darker skin tones”.

For a free skin consultation visit-

2) Sleep

Sleep for good Skin health

Nighttime is when our skin does a lot of its renewal and repair work. This includes making new cells and shedding old damaged ones.  It is also the time when Retinol and nourishing night creams go to work. Our best quality sleep is before 12 midnight. The ‘average’ person should try and aim for no less than 7.5 hours sleep per night.

3) Retinol

You can further revitalise the appearance of your sun damaged skin while you sleep with Vitamin A – AKA Retinol. In fact, when it comes to the signs of sun damage, no skin care ingredient works better!
Retinol works by promoting skin cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. It helps fade sunspots and pigmentation and also reduces fine lines and also acne (including acne scars).

REDEFINE Night Renewing Serum contains a proprietary blend of powerful peptides and Retinol to visibly improve skin texture and brighten skin. The time-release technology keeps this anti-ageing serum working all night long to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, sun damage and pores for firmer, younger-looking skin.


4) At home dermal rolling

Derma Rolling timulates the production of collagen to create smoother, healthier skin. It reduces pigmentation / sunspots, acne scarring, stretch marks, fine lines, enlarged pores, and scarring

5) Reverse Regime

Clean the slate and see a brighter future for your skin with Rodan + Fields clinically roven REVERSE Regimen. Exposure to the sun and the environment can leave you with less-than-youthful skin. Erase the appearance of premature ageing including brown spots, dullness and discolouration with REVERSE. It exfoliates, brightens, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and defends against sun exposure for a long-term solution for a radiant complexion.

Rodan + Fields Reverse

6) Exercise

Exercise promotes healthy circulation and blood flow to the skin. This allows for the delivery of nutrients which can help with cell damage. For more skin benefits of physical activity visit exercise-skin article.

7) Sunscreen

There’s nothing new here. It should be worn pretty much everyday. It should also be an ingredient in your facial day cream!

8) Hydrate your skin with Hyaluronic Acid

See here and here


Final note:-


Sun protection

Intead of tanning in the sun, opt for a good sunless tanning product like Essentials Foaming Sunless Tan. To correct pigmentation caused by sun damage, see below…


Click here for more information on skincare products to address your specific needs.

🙂 Victoria Isherwood (Registered Nurse – dermatology)

Victoria Isherwood (Registered Nurse)