How the Sun Can Hurt and Help Your Acne

How the Sun Can Hurt and Help Your Acne

If you struggle with acne, you’ve likely tried many different remedies to improve your skin’s condition. One factor that often gets overlooked, however, is the role that the sun can play in acne development and management.

While sunlight can have some positive effects on the skin, such as reducing inflammation and drying out pimples, it can also be harmful in other ways, causing skin damage and potentially making acne worse.

In this article, we’ll explore the ways in which the sun can help and hurt your acne, and provide tips for finding the right balance of sun exposure to keep your skin healthy and clear.

How can the sun help my acne?

If you struggle with acne, you may be surprised to learn that the sun can actually be beneficial for your skin in some ways. While it’s true that overexposure to sunlight can be harmful and even worsen acne, moderate sun exposure can help to reduce inflammation and dry out pimples. Here’s how:

  • Sunlight can reduce inflammation: One of the reasons why acne can be so stubborn is that it’s often accompanied by redness and inflammation. However, sunlight contains UVB rays that have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to calm down inflamed skin. That’s why you might notice that your acne looks less red and angry after spending some time in the sun.
  • Sunlight can dry out pimples: Acne is caused by a buildup of oil and dead skin cells in the pores, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Sunlight can help to dry out the excess oil and reduce the number of bacteria on the skin. This is why you might notice that your skin looks clearer and less oily after spending some time in the sun.

However, it’s important to note that while moderate sun exposure can have some benefits for acne-prone skin, overexposure to the sun can cause more harm than good. UV rays can damage the skin, leading to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and an increased risk of skin cancer. That’s why it’s essential to wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even if it’s cloudy outside.

How can the sun hurt my acne?

While moderate sun exposure can have some benefits for acne-prone skin, overexposure to the sun can actually worsen acne and cause other skin issues. Here are some ways that the sun can harm your skin and make acne worse:

  • Sunburn: A sunburn is a form of skin damage that can cause redness, pain, and peeling. Sunburn can also trigger an acne flare-up, as the skin becomes more sensitive and inflamed.
  • Hyperpigmentation: Excessive sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation, which is a condition that causes dark spots on the skin. These dark spots can be more visible on acne-prone skin and can take longer to fade.
  • Dehydration: Sun exposure can cause dehydration, which can make acne worse. Dehydrated skin produces more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture, which can clog pores and lead to more breakouts.
  • Premature aging: UV rays from the sun can accelerate the aging process and cause wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. This can be especially problematic for acne-prone skin, which is already prone to scarring and other forms of damage.

To protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, it’s important to wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even if it’s cloudy outside. You should also limit your sun exposure, especially during peak hours when the sun is strongest. If you’re struggling with acne, it’s best to speak with a dermatologist who can recommend a personalized skincare routine that takes into account your unique skin type and concerns.

Struggling with acne and not sure where to turn next? Give us a call or book an appointment with one of our dermatologists. We’re happy to help!

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries, questions, and appointments or talk to our consultants via LiveChat at https://shinagawa.ph so we can address and answer them for you.

The Correlation Between Outdoor Activity and Myopia

The Correlation Between Outdoor Activity and Myopia

Recent studies have shown a significant correlation between outdoor activity and myopia, a condition that affects the eyesight of millions of people worldwide. The prevalence of myopia has increased significantly over the past few decades, leading researchers to investigate possible causes. Evidence suggests that spending time outdoors may be a key factor in reducing the risk of myopia development. In this article, we’ll explore the scientific evidence linking outdoor activity to myopia, as well as practical tips on how to incorporate more outdoor time into your daily routine.

The connection between outdoor activity and myopia

Several theories have been proposed to explain the link between outdoor activity and myopia. One theory suggests that outdoor time may help reduce myopia risk by promoting dopamine release in the retina, which can help control eye growth. Another theory proposes that exposure to natural light and a wider range of distances outdoors may help prevent the elongation of the eye that leads to myopia.

Furthermore, outdoor activity may also be associated with a healthier lifestyle, including more physical activity and less screen time, which could also play a role in reducing the risk of myopia. Regardless of the mechanism, the evidence supporting the connection between outdoor activity and myopia is clear.

Encouraging children and adults to spend more time outside may be a simple and effective way to promote eye health and reduce the risk of myopia.

How does spending time outdoors protect our vision?

Spending time outdoors can provide a range of benefits for our eyesight. Firstly, exposure to natural light can be beneficial for our eyes. Natural light contains a broad spectrum of wavelengths that can help stimulate the production of important hormones and enzymes in the eye that promote good vision.

Secondly, spending time outdoors typically involves looking at objects at different distances, which can help exercise the muscles that control the shape of our eyes. This is particularly important for children, whose eyes are still developing and are more susceptible to the development of myopia. Additionally, spending time outdoors may also encourage more physical activity, which can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, which can have a negative impact on vision.

By providing a range of visual stimuli and promoting overall health, spending time outdoors can help protect our vision and promote good eye health.

What causes myopia?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The exact cause of myopia is not fully understood, but several factors have been identified as potential contributors.

One of the primary factors is genetics; individuals with a family history of myopia are more likely to develop the condition. Environmental factors, such as spending too much time indoors or engaging in activities that require prolonged near work (such as reading or using a computer), may also contribute to the development of myopia. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of myopia.

While the exact cause of myopia may not be fully understood, it is clear that a combination of genetic and environmental factors can contribute to its development. Understanding these risk factors can help individuals take steps to reduce their risk of developing myopia and maintain good eye health.

Maximizing time outdoors

Maximizing time outdoors can provide a range of benefits for our overall health, including our vision. To make the most of your time outside, it’s important to find activities that you enjoy and that can help provide a range of visual stimuli.

For example, going for a walk or hike in nature can provide opportunities to look at objects at different distances, exercise the muscles that control the shape of our eyes, and reduce the risk of myopia. Additionally, participating in sports or other outdoor activities can provide opportunities for social interaction and physical activity, which can also be beneficial for our overall health.

To maximize the benefits of outdoor time, it’s important to find a balance between screen time and outdoor time, and to make a conscious effort to spend more time outside. By incorporating outdoor activities into your daily routine, you can help promote good eye health and improve your overall well-being.

Get outside!

Spending time outdoors is important year-round. Not only does it benefit your eyes, but it bolsters your overall health and wellbeing. So bundle up, and get outside when you can. Your eyes will thank you.

Treating myopia

Treating myopia typically involves correcting the refractive error in the eye, which can be done through the use of eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Eyeglasses and contact lenses work by altering the way light enters the eye, allowing for clearer vision. Refractive surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, reshapes the cornea to correct the refractive error. While these treatments can be effective in correcting myopia, they do not address the underlying causes of the condition.

To prevent the progression of myopia, it’s important to take steps to reduce risk factors, such as spending more time outdoors and reducing time spent on activities that require prolonged work. Additionally, there are several emerging treatments for myopia, such as orthokeratology and atropine eye drops, that show promise in slowing the progression of myopia.

It’s important to work with an eye care professional to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs and to ensure that your eyes are healthy.

For inquiries, questions, and appointments, call our Patient Care Lines (8 AM to 8 PM):

📱 (+632) 7-368 5238

📱 (+63) 917 862 7454

📱 (+63) 921 217 0517 

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LASIK Blog Story of Mharinet Guevarra

Mharinet Guevarra: Bright is Precious

How precious is regaining bright vision after a long time of blurriness? It is very precious for Mharinet Guevarra.

“From 475/500 vision to 20/16 real quick! Having LASIK is one of the best decisions and one of the best gifts I’ve given to myself!” expressed Mharinet. 

Moreover, she points out the certain advantages that a bright eyesight give her.

“Life-changing as they say! Now, I wake up with clear vision, not needing to put my glasses first. I can now recognize people from afar, can read stuff from afar and can see everything so clearly. “

“For a person who started losing her clear vision at a young age, being able to get it back is so precious. I really am thankful to have it back, even better with 20/16 vision!”

She narrated her longtime struggles with poor vision.

“I started wearing glasses back in 2010, when I was in second year High School. That time, I think I had 75/125 vision. I started with corrective glasses due to astigmatism, but every time I get my vision checked, it keeps getting higher.”

“Fast forward to college when I start to use contact lenses as an alternative. For me, it’s more convenient to move around with it. I got used to the hassle of putting it on and removing it at the end of the day but most days I experienced having dry eyes. I think it has been very unhealthy for my eyes since I sometimes exceed 8 hours of wearing it.”

Once again, LASIK made it all possible.

“Big thanks to Shinagawa Lasik Center for taking care of my eyes, needless to say I worry less knowing that I’m in good hands. Thank you for the life-changing experience!”

Have more precious moments with a brighter vision. Schedule your LASIK screening!

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries, questions, and appointments or talk to our consultants via LiveChat at https://shinagawa.ph so we can address and answer them for you.

Tips for Proper Face Washing

Tips for Proper Face Washing

As we go about our day-to-day lives, our skin acts as our first line of defense against visible (and invisible) foreign entities such as oils, dirt, bacteria and more. When left unmanaged, this unwanted debris can build up, creating a layer that leads to skin issues like breakouts and obstructs the effectiveness of the skin care products you apply. 

Though it may sound far from revolutionary, adopting a proper daily face-washing routine can help boost your skin’s health and appearance.

Here are some simple and easy steps to a cleaner, healthier face.

Choose the right cleanser

A proper face-washing technique means doing more than splashing your face with water. To help cleanse your skin, it’s necessary to supplement a cleanser for added support. Choose gentle, non-abrasive cleansers to avoid skin irritation. These are products that do not contain alcohol.

Always listen to your skin when experimenting with a new cleanser. If you develop symptoms out of the ordinary, it may be that your chosen product does not agree with your skin type. Consult with your board-certified dermatologist for recommendations on what cleansers may be best for you.

Be gentle when applying your cleanser

Though it acts as the body’s shield, our skin is sensitive to certain stimuli and can easily irritate depending on your skin type. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends cleansers be applied with none other than your fingertips, washcloth or a mesh sponge. 

Avoid scrubbing your skin when exfoliating as this can also lead to irritation. A little can go a long way when using your cleanser. Remember not to over-apply. Begin by working the cleanser into a lather and then gently applying it to the entire face.

Avoid extreme temperatures when washing and rinsing

Similar to extreme weather, hot and cold water can actually damage skin. If the water is too hot, you may strip your skin’s natural oils and dry it out. If it’s too cold, your pores may not open, which will make it difficult to remove dirt trapped inside. 

Avoid these extreme temperatures when possible and instead opt for lukewarm water when washing and rinsing your skin. When drying off, pat with a towel instead of vigorously scrubbing.

Apply moisturizer to finish off your routine

After you’ve finished your cleanse, finish your routine by applying moisturizer. This will act as an added defense for your skin barrier and helps to both reduce skin dryness or help it avoid it. Moisturizing your skin can also help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and leave skin feeling softer.

If you have questions about skin care issues or developing a proper skin care routine, Shinagawa Aesthetics is here for you. Contact us today to schedule a visit with one of our experienced dermatologists and visit our website to explore all of our skin care services.

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries, questions, and appointments or talk to our consultants via LiveChat at https://shinagawa.ph so we can address and answer them for you.