Let’s be honest, tan fat looks better than pasty white fat, but most bronzed beauties are using UV beds instead of spray tanning. Unfortunately, UV rays, may it be from the sun or a bulb, can break down the integrity of the skin in many ways. It’s not my job to tell you what to do, as an educated esthetician, I’m just here to help you combat the premature aging, cellular mutation and inflammation that tanning causes. A regular monthly facial, as well as a skincare routine rich in antioxidants and retinols can not only protect you from the damage that UV causes but it can also reverse past damage.

The science: UV radiation mutates skin cells, which activates your immune system to kill off the damaged cells, which causes inflammation that degrades the skin’s matrix. The skin’s matrix is made up of many things, including collagen and elastin, which we need for our skin to look youthful. Years of UV damage causes premature wrinkles, age spots and skin cancers.

Antioxidants in skincare products have been scientifically proven to help erase existing damage and prevent further collagen breakdown from UV and other environmental factors. Furthermore, retinol suppresses the collagen degrading MMPs (Matrix metalloproteinases) in our skin. MMPs are increased by UV damage and speed aging and can help cancer grow. The right skincare routine can help protect against collagen break-down and help reverse age spots and dangerous cellular activity.

An esthetician’s job is to listen, learn and provide services and products that will fit in each client’s lifestyle. Facials help promote skin beauty and health by removing damaged skin cells, reversing cellular damage and restoring balance. Educated estheticians also take note of changes to skin and refer their clients to a dermatologist when appropriate. Having an honest relationship with your skin care professional will skirt premature aging and help detect skin cancers early.