Being in the sun is an important and enjoyable part of many people’s lives. You don’t have to give up the outdoor activities that you love, just stay protected and educated.
We want to protect our skin to avoid inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and oxidation from UV radiation that activates matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), enzymes that beak down elastin and collagen. Mineral SPFs are becoming very popular among consumers. I recommend Zinc Oxide as a healthy and effective option. Zinc Oxide is a healing mineral with anti-inflammatory properties that is used for sun protection. It helps to reflect both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays, making it a broad-spectrum sunscreen ingredient. Upon application, zinc oxide particles sit on the outermost layer of your skin, where they scatter and absorb ultraviolet radiation, protecting your skin below. In non-nano particle form, it is considered to be safe for all ages and skin conditions. It’s important to make sure the zinc oxide in your sun protection is NON–nano zinc oxide. A nano particle will enter the blood stream but a non-nano will not. Chemical sunscreens, containing nano particles, will enter the bloodstream and that is why DNA altering ingredients like oxybenzone have gotten such a bad rap.
Powdered sun protection, such as Colorescience, is a great option because it’s not sensitive to the heat. Liquid sun protection degrades in heat but the powder stays stable. I keep a tube in my car and apply to my hands while I’m driving. It’s also great since we have to reapply our sun protection throughout the day, we can just powder up versus having to layer on liquid sun protection every 90 minutes!
Did you know that you can also drink your sun protection? Internal sun protection has been mainstream in other countries and it’s now becoming known here in the United States.
Introducing antioxidants like zeaxanthin and lutein are effective at neutralizing free radicals generated by sun exposure and their unique properties help filter out harmful rays. Further sun protection can be provided by EPA which reduces your skin’s sensitivity to UV rays and significantly reduces UV-related skin inflammation.
In clinical trial results from Bend Beauty’s supplement, participants using “Bend Anti-Aging Formula” saw a significant increase in skin resistance to UV burning and damage. At four weeks of use the increase was 39% and increased to 83% after 8 weeks of use.
Drink up, powder up, and enjoy the summer all while staying healthy and beautiful.
In the name of beauty, Mia Belle seeks to elevate the future of skin care.
Mia Belle is a well-traveled paramedical aesthetician with nearly two decades of experience in the fields of skin care and preventative aging. Her passion to be a part of the rapid advancements in health care and her continued training on a global level, allows her to develop the best treatments and products possible. She has trained in Montreal, Paris, London, Norway, Iceland, New York, and San Francisco with some of the most internationally renowned chemists, engineers, physicians and alternative health practitioners.
Mia Belle is a published skin care expert who has been featured on Oprah, EXTRA, “E” Entertainment, Access Hollywood and KTLA.
