Does sunscreen provide complete protection?

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of a sunscreen formula states the effectiveness of this cream when applied at an even layer of 2 milligrams per square centimeter, for blocking the effect of UV sunrays that cause sunburns. The SPF level is defined by comparing the effect of exposure to the sun causing burns to a body area with the evaluated sunscreen compared to the burns to a non coated area. SPF 15 means that compared to a body area without sunscreen, the area with sunscreen will require 15 times more UV to be equally burned compared to the same area without sunscreen.
SPF is evaluated per 2 milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter, unfortunately most people apply less sunscreen than needed. This causes the SPF value to be reduced dramatically hence the person thinks he/she is protected but in reality the effectiveness of the sunscreen is reduced. Thinking that you are protected when in reality you are not is very dangerous as you might linger in the sun for longer.
Another problem with sunscreens is the fact that many of them protect mostly against skin burning, caused by UV-B.  There are three types of UV rays emitted from the sun, the skin cancer foundation has a good explanation about UV classification on their web site. The different types of UV are: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. Both UV-A and UV-B pass the ozone layer and reach the earth, most of the UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach us.
UV-A is the most dominant UV radiation reaching us from the sun. It is present throughout the year and during all day light hours. UV-A penetrates glass and clouds and has a deeper penetration depth into the skin than does UV-B. UV-A is a main inducer of skin ageing, wrinkles and skin cancer. It is the main contributor to tanning, it does so by inducing changes in the cell’s DNA, the skin darkens due to synthesis of melanin to protect the skin from further damage form the UV exposure. Tanning salons use mostly UV-A as the tanning source, the intensity in the salons can be 12 times higher than the natural UV-A levels from the sun.
UV-B penetration depth to the skin is superficial and it plays a major role in skin burning. As apposed to UV-A, UV-B is present in lower levels during different hours of the day, different seasons and various locations on earth and it does not penetrate glass. Similar to UV-A, UV-B contributes to skin cancer, and skin ageing.
Sunscreens were created originally to prevent skin burning and to block mainly UV-B. In recent years manufactures of sunscreens have added UV-A protection too, however the level of protection from UV-A is not included in the SPF classification. It is important to verify, when purchasing a sun block, if the formula claims to protect from UV-A and UV-B. If not specified it is probably UV-B protection only.
The problem with sunscreen is that people feel protected from the damaging rays of the sun while they really are not safe. Most people will assume that if they apply sunscreen on exposed areas, they can allow themselves to walk freely in the sun during the extreme UV hours (10AM-4PM). This is a very dangerous assumption as applying the sunscreen needs to be in the correct amount and the sunscreen needs to be of good protection values. In addition, no sunscreen provides complete protection and it is wise to always stay away from exposure during the extreme hours mentioned above.
Another misconception is that after about 4PM and in early morning hours (6AM-10AM) there is no need for sunscreen as the UV radiation is lower. Very wrong assumption! As mentioned above, UV-A is present most hours of the day, so be ware!
Most people are not aware that they need to apply sunscreen when driving or sitting in a car, or if sitting in front of a sunny window at home, the windows will not protect you, (unless they are coated with a UV protection film).
Below are the Prevention Guidelines of the Skin Cancer Foundation for wise protection from the sun:

“Prevention Guidelines
•    Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
•    Do not burn.
•    Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
•    Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
•    Use a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher every day.
•    Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
•    Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
•    Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
•    See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.”

If your skin has been damaged by years of exposure to the sun’s damaging rays you might be happy to learn that you can help reduce the damage by treatments offered by various technologies. Sun spots (liver spots) can be removed by skin resurfacing technologies and photo-rejuvenation technologies. In addition, a RF technology exists, that targets reduction of wrinkles, collagen regeneration, skin tightening that improves skin texture and lessens the ill affects caused by UV radiation.  For example, TriPollar RF treatments, have been proven to effectivly reduce wrinkles and tighten the skin.  TriPollar based products are maufactured exclusively by Pollogen Ltd.    You do not have to wait till you are in your forties or later to begin treatments; the earlier you begin the better.
To finalize this write up, it would be nice if we adopted the fashion of un-tanned skin as our ancestors admired during the renaissance and earlier periods. Of course this should not include the discrimination against darker color skin that accompanied the earlier age admiration of non tanned skin.
And finally, if you do spend significant time in the sun, make sure to follow the guidelines mentioned above and minimize the damage to your skin.

Can we get rid of cellulite?

What do people do to improve their body image?

Body lifts

Body lifts are invasive procedures that involve cutting away excess skin following drastic weight loss, pregnancy or age related skin laxity. Body lifts will improve firmness and enhance body contour but will not help with cellulite. If your reason for a body lift is poor texture of skin and cellulite, take into consideration the scars left by this invasive procedure and look for other options as body lifts do not improve skin texture and do not aid with the appearance of cellulite.

Liposuction

Liposuction is an invasive procedure for the reduction of localized fat and for improving body contour. Liposuction will assist people with large fat deposits in specific areas like the thighs, abdomen, arms etc’. Liposuction is a complicated procedure that should not be taken lightly. Side effects include infections, bruising and  uneven skin texture. Extreme side effects can lead to death. But as we are discussing cellulite in this post, liposuction will not help with reducing cellulite, if anything it can even increase the appearance of uneven skin. One option is to combine Liposuction with Trilipo technology.  The liposuction will reduce the fat and TriLipo will tighten the skin and help with cellulite reduction.

Anti cellulite socks and shoes

Special anti cellulite stockings and shoes have been introduced to the cellulite fighting market. The shoes claim to enhance blood circulation and the socks aid with micro massaging the legs to improve circulation and assist with cellulite reduction. One concern regarding the socks/stockings is in cases were the socks are too tight and can actually constrict blood circulation and increase spider veins or cellulite.

Exercise or Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS)

Exercise increase circulation and improves venous return, so does EMS which is a technology deployed by sport trainers and spas to improve muscle tone. However both methods will not improve the appearance of cellulite once it is already present.

The TriLipo technology solution
For cellulite reduction one needs to target the fat cells in the adipose layer of the hypodermis skin layer. These cells are the source of cellulite as they increase in size and push up against the dermis. TriLipo technology uses RF energy to target the fat cells in the adipose layer. Due to increased metabolism induced by the heat generated by the fat cell’s resistance to the RF energy, the fat cells release liquid fat  into the extracellular area. The release of these fatty acids causes the fat cells to shrink. The additional Muscle activation induced simultaneously with Tri-Lipo RF in the  device, enhances the effectiveness of cellulite reduction. Not only is the size of fat cells in adipose layer reduced but in addition the drainage of the released fat is enhanced due to increased venous return induced by the muscle activation by the Tri Lipo. In addition, the Maximus device induces an “internal massage” effect on the adipose layer, activating the muscles causes them to push up against the adipose layer “squeezing” more fat out along with the pushing down massage effect caused by the applicator while performing the TriLipo treatment.

Celllite reduction with trilipo tequnology

The Maximus system-powered by TriLipo technology,  is an excellent option to target cellulite, not only will it reduce the size of the fat cells in the adipose layer, it will also improve the skin due to generation of collagen and tightening of existing collagen, hence improving skin surface c and enhancing the results of cellulite treatment by the Maxi mus.