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and Health
Retinoids have recently become a popular solution for treating signs of skin damage and aging, but they can also affect your health negatively if you aren’t careful around the sun. To understand how retinoids and sun damage work together, you need to know what they are and how they work.
What Are Retinoids?
Retinoids, which include retinol, retinal, retinaldehyde and retinoic acid, are forms of vitamin A found in various plants and animals. These substances are used in topical creams and serums to reduce wrinkles, age spots, acne, and other signs of skin aging. Retinoids can also help to reduce inflammation, stimulate the production of new collagen, and even out discoloration.
Why Is Sun Exposure Dangerous with Retinoids?
While retinoids are beneficial for treating skin damage, you should protect your skin from the sun while using them. Retinoids make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays, which can increase the risk of damage and skin cancer. In addition, excessive sun exposure while using retinoids can cause dryness, peeling, and other skin irritation.
How Can You Protect Yourself From Sun Damage When Using Retinoids?
The key to protecting yourself from sun damage when using retinoids is to wear sun protection year-round. You should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that contains both UVA and UVB protection. Make sure to apply the sunscreen 15 minutes before you go outside, and reapply every two hours.
You should also wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes from the sun. When you are going to be in the sun for an extended period of time, wear protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat to reduce your skin’s exposure to the sun.
Health Benefits Of Retinoids
In addition to treating signs of skin damage and aging, retinoids have a number of other health benefits. Retinoids are known to reduce the risk of certain cancers, including skin cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer. They can also help to reduce inflammation, regulate cholesterol levels, and even help to reduce symptoms of depression.
Conclusion
Retinoids can be a great way to treat signs of aging and reduce the risk of certain cancers. However, it is important to use them with caution, as excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of skin damage and cancer. To protect yourself from sun damage when using retinoids, wear sunscreen and protective clothing year-round, and take other measures to limit your exposure to the sun. With the proper precautions, you can enjoy the health benefits of retinoids without putting your skin in harm’s way.
