SkinCeuticals and Damaging Infrared Radiation

Do you ever wonder about why antioxidants are good for your skin? This is a good explanation about antioxidants in the SkinCeutical products we carry.

Over the past decade, skin care proponents have made great strides in raising public awareness of the dangers of UVA/UVB radiation and the need for daily sun protection. Most of us who once flocked to the tanning bed or oiled ourselves up for a day on the beach now take care to wear our hats, look for shade, and slather sunscreen from head to toe. Even when not lounging at the pool or beach, we try to be dutiful in our daily sun care routines, wearing sunscreens even when the days are cold or overcast and the only sun we’ll see is from the tiny window we pass on the way to the conference room.

We know that UVA and UVB rays are damaging, leading to accelerated skin aging…but what about the rest of the solar spectrum? Once again, SkinCeuticals is delivering on its promise to provide quality products backed by science, while educating the public on the dangers of the other side of the solar energy coin: Infrared Radiation.

UVA and UVB rays damage the skin and accelerate the aging of skin. IR rays
though  go much deeper and need to be considered when seeking sun protection.

Infrared Radiation, with a wavelength longer than UV rays and visible light, accounts for 54% of the total solar energy reaching the skin. By comparison, UVA and UVB make up only 7% of the total solar energy. While there are three types of Infrared Radiation (IRA, IRB, IRC), over half of the 54% reaching the skin is IRA, which penetrates skin deeper than UVA, UVB, IRB, and IRC, with 65% reaching dermal layers. Recent studies confirm that IRA is responsible for accelerating skin aging by forming harmful free radicals in the dermis, diminishing skin’s antioxidant capacity, and triggering further biological effects that result in wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and reduced firmness.

While sunscreens are an important first line of defense, these UV filters block only up to 55% of UV-generated free radicals, and do not protect against Infrared Radiation wavelengths. Therefore, antioxidants are an essential second line of defense against the total solar spectrum. Fortunately, SkinCeuticals has the Solar Solution, offering an impressive portfolio of superior antioxidants, which partner with sunscreens to form a comprehensive photoprotection strategy. By effectively neutralizing the IRA- and UV-induced free radicals not blocked by UV filters, SkinCeuticals antioxidants help protect the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin from the inside, then go a step further to correct existing photodamage.

"SkinCeuticals continues to be the leader in antioxidant innovation, research and results. These new findings further cement that claim. Our antioxidants are proven to prevent and correct in the epidermal, dermal and subcutaneous layers of the skin to yield industry leading results!" Liz Kramer, SkinCeuticals 

Want to know more about how SkinCeuticals can help you prevent premature skin aging? Contact the Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery today to schedule your skin care consultation (734) 712-2323.