May 25, 2013

Las Vegas Spa Tips: Sun Protection Made Simple

Got a skin or spa question? Let Jen know below!

YOU SCREAM, I scream, we all scream for sunscreen!

By now, we are all fully aware of the damaging effects of sun exposure, but what’s left over from the informative scare are some pretty confusing options for sun protection. With so many choices available, countered with contradictions like vitamin D deficiency, and possible carcinogen-producing sunblocks: What’s the right way to block the rays?

We’ve put together a simple checklist to make prevention a piece of cake.

  • Don’t apply on the fly! Sunscreen takes 20-30 minutes to absorb and activate in order to provide maximum protection, so apply early and liberally.
  • It’s not easy being greasy. The higher the SPF the heavier they feel, and while titanium dioxide is a thorough protection, it can be oily and irritating. For those with sensitive or oily skin types, zinc oxide is a lighter option with great protection. These days it’s not your mama’s zinc. Epicurean’s formula is clear with a clean scent and a light texture.
  • Good chemistry. High does not equal better. A quick explanation of the elusive SPF numbers: let’s say you burn after 10 minutes without sunscreen. Multiply that number by the SPF number (let’s say 15) and bingo, there’s your total time with sun protection (in this case 150 minutes). Most of us aren’t heading out to Barbados on a regular basis, so an SPF between15-30 is plenty effective for traveling to work, etc. Also, with the added bonus of fewer chemicals, the lower numbers are a safer bet for building you very own ozone layer.

Visit the Red Rock Spa page or book your Spa appointment today at 702.797.7878.

Product spotlight: Hylunia Beyond Complex-C

Why it rocks: Potent and highly stable L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) works to reverse prior sun damage while providing antioxidants to protect skin from future damage. The bioactive serum formula increases absorption. As with all of Hylunia’s products, Hylauronic acid, a key ingredient for hydration, is added making this serum a triple winner: providing moisture, collagen production and the anti-inflammatory properties for which Hylunia is known. Toss this little weapon into your beach bag and you’ll be radiant and protected even in the triple digits.

Facial recommendation: Breathe

Why it rocks: The summer months can leave the skin inflamed, dehydrated and lackluster. Our oxygen treatment blasts skin with 87 professional-grade vitamins, minerals and amino acids leaving the complexion luminous and hydrated. The Echo system treats skin at a cellular level, which is where the anti-aging magic happens. The result is immediate and lasting. Get drenched with the coolest way to escape the heat.

Jen Albrecht
Aesthetician
The Spa at Red Rock Resort


More Spa blog posts

Las Vegas Spa Secrets: 3 Steps to Beautiful & Healthy Summer Skin

Exfoliate. Hydrate. Protect.

SUMMER IS ABOUT showing beautiful summer skin. In order to look good and stay healthy when baring that skin, you will need to take some time and reverse the signs of winter neglect and weather. If you can remember these three easy steps your skin will show great improvement and more importantly keep you safe during our desert summer season.

1) Exfoliate your face and body
Your body sheds skin cells at an amazing rate. If you don’t remove them they will sit on your surface layer and make hydration almost impossible. No matter how much lotion you use, you will never get glowing skin if you don’t exfoliate first. So grab a scrub and hit the shower! You will want to use a facial exfoliate for your face and neck. Also don’t forget your feet! Nothing is worse than seeing dull dry feet inside cute sandals.

Red Rock Spa recommends…

2) Hydrate your skin
It’s time to put away your thick winter body butters and try more light weight moisturizers. You want to find something fast absorbing. Gels and purees are fast absorbents. Make sure you apply right after you dry off from the shower. You need to seal in the moisture your body just soaked in.

Red Rock Spa recommends…

3) Protect your skin
Throw away last year’s sunscreen for a new bottle. Sunscreens do not have a long shelf life, and over time their protective properties can break down. Sunscreen should contain SPF 30 or higher. Sunscreens that protect against both ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) are the best to use. Sunscreen needs to be applied at least 30 minutes prior to going into the sun. You should reapply every two to three hours. Protective clothing can be worn to avoid sun exposure as well. Big brimmed hats will protect eyes, ears, scalp and neck.

Although aging is something that happens to everybody, some people seem to develop wrinkles earlier than others. Why is that? A lot of it has to do with genetics, but much of it also has to do with lifestyle factors. So please take the time to take care of your skin, it is after all the largest organ of the body.

Hope this is helpful!

Jeannie Nagy
Lead Esthetician
Red Rock Spa


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Have a skin or spa question, let us know below!