Sun Smarts
There’s nothing more uplifting than being outside on a beautiful, sunny day, but being diligent will help you stay safe while spending time outdoors. The following are some interesting questions I have been asked regarding the sun.
Q. Does the sun dry the skin or make it secrete more oil?
Sunlight does make the skin drier. Increased perspiration is not oil. However, the heat of the sun can loosen deposits of oil that are in the pores and make the oil flow more freely.
Q. Can skin that is already tanned be sunburned?
Yes. Although suntanning deepens pigment and thickens the skin, it is nature’s way of protecting the skin against the sun.
Q. Does sunlight cure acne?
Sunshine helps reduce the bacterial content in blemishes and helps oil (sebum) flow more freely. However, it does not cure acne.
Q. How can dry lips be prevented when getting a tan?
Applying a lip balm with sunscreen will protect the lips from moisture evaporation. Creamy lipstick with an SPF, applied frequently, will also help.
Q. Why are you advised not to expose fresh scars to the sun?
New scar tissue is more sensitive to the sun than normal skin and will burn more quickly. Also, sunlight may stimulate more pigment in the scar.
Q. Does suntanning cause broken capillaries?
Suntanning does not cause broken capillaries, but the problem can be aggravated by sun exposure.
Q. Are photosensitivity and sun allergy the same thing?
Yes. The ultraviolet rays of the sun can aggravate one person’s skin more than another’s.
Q. Why does my attempt to achieve a moist look become greasy-looking?
An overly oily look may be due to oily skin. Try to use oil-free products made with silicone, and use a light application of powder. If your skin is dry, apply a rich moisturizer, and always blot the skin with a tissue to remove excess oil before applying foundation. A light spray of water mist will also give the skin a dewy look.
Q. How can you diminish freckles cosmetically?
Try applying an opaque foundation in a color between the freckles and the skin.
Q. How can a fair-skinned person achieve a healthy outdoor glow without sitting in the sun?
Apply a slightly darker makeup color over your original base. Apply it sparingly to the main areas of your face, such as the cheeks and nose area (the middle part of your face), and let it fade out gradually as you near the bottom of your face. This can be done in an across-and-downward motion. Another idea would be to use a warm bronzer that complements your skin. Apply it to the cheeks, forehead, nose, and throat area. Also, using earth-toned eye shadows and tawny lipsticks can overcome paleness.]
Risselle Naimark is a Professional Freelance Makeup Artist and Skincare Consultant. She carries an extensive line of personalized skincare, cosmetics, and anti-aging products. Risselle is also available for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, makeup lessons, and all of your beauty needs. She can be reached at 718 263-5517.