We all know that sunscreen is important in protecting our skin from the damages caused by the sun, but did you know your hair is susceptible to the same damage? Although the damage cannot result in cancer as it can for the skin, the cuticle of the hair splits causing moisture and melanin to escape the hair. This causes hair to appear dry, frizzy, and have faded natural or salon color. This is caused by the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun oxidizing hair and destroying proteins in hair. There is a solution though, in fact it is one you are very familiar with; sunscreen! Yes, there is sunscreen for your hair. These products contain UV filters or natural ingredients, such as sunflower or moringa seed extract, to protect the hair. The products’ protectant factors are not measured in SPF, but are measured in keratin protection factor (KPF) and hair protectant factor (HPF). The use of a mask or intensive hair treatment once or twice a week may also help delay or cosmetically repair the damage caused by the sun. Although the lightened hair color that the sun provides is a desired look, you should consider the damage that can be done when doing so.
Along with the addition of sunscreen to one’s daily routine, many people change their products involved in their daily routine. This may mean switching to lighter skin products such as a lighter foundation, tinted moisturizer, or BB cream in place of thicker makeup. Some use waterproof or smudge proof makeup to maintain a makeup look despite the sweat that comes with the heat of the season. Those who find sunscreen to be too heavy in the summer may be interested to know that there are powdered sunscreens available that are perfect for protecting your face, but also places sunscreen can’t necessarily be applied such as a hair part. One may also consider using a moisturizer with SPF to aid in lightening their skin routine.
In addition, dermatologists recommend lightening your skin cleaning products, switching from cream/oil products to foaming ones. As well, dermatologists have said that vitamin C has been seen to prevent hyperpigmentation, improve fine lines, and aids in collagen production, making for stronger, healthier looking skin when applied topically. Finally, exfoliation can aid with minimizing the impacts of oily skin. If exfoliation is something you normally do, dermatologists recommend slowly increasing the frequency of exfoliation in your routine to combat the increase of oils on skin that come with the warm weather. In the end, there really is much more than just sunscreen to protect yourself in these coming warm months. So be safe and enjoy it!
For more information, please contact Focal Point Research Inc. We are leading North American Regulatory and New Product Consultants for Medical Devices, Natural Health Products, OTC Drugs, Cosmetics, and other consumer products regulated by Health Canada and the U.S. FDA.
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