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<p>As the mask-wearing lifestyle due to COVID-19 has continued for an extended period, many women have grown accustomed to going without makeup. Furthermore, as more companies have shifted to remote work, skipping makeup has become a natural part of daily life. While it is beneficial that the time needed to prepare for going out has decreased by omitting makeup, one must be cautious, as skipping all basic skincare steps can accelerate skin damage and aging due to UV exposure.</p>
<p>Some may assume that masks provide a certain level of UV protection; however, masks do not block UV rays. In fact, white masks can reflect UV rays, potentially causing blemishes such as melasma and freckles around the eyes and on the bridge of the nose. There is also a tendency to neglect sun protection in autumn, but UV rays affect the skin regardless of the season, so attention to UV protection is necessary throughout the year.</p>
<p>In autumn, lower humidity reduces the amount of sunlight that penetrates the atmosphere, meaning less sunlight reaches the ground compared to spring and summer. This can create the misconception that UV levels are also lower because the sun does not feel as intense; however, autumn is the time of year when the ozone layer — which absorbs UV rays — is at its thinnest. Simply because the autumn sun does not feel harsh does not mean it is safe to expose oneself to it, as UV exposure can lead to increased pigmentation disorders such as melasma, as well as accelerated skin aging.</p>
<p>Generally, approximately one hour of UV exposure activates melanocytes, which begin producing pigment, while inflammatory cells increase and vascular dilation occurs; therefore, sunscreen must be applied when going outdoors. When selecting a sunscreen, one should check not only the SPF value, which blocks UVB, but also the PA value, which blocks UVA. This is because pigmentary skin conditions such as melasma and age spots are primarily caused by UVA.</p>"

"<p>When going out in autumn, it is advisable to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 and PA+++ or higher 30 minutes before going out and reapply every 2 to 3 hours. A sufficient amount of sunscreen must be applied — approximately the size of a jujube — spread evenly and thoroughly across the skin. If it feels uncomfortable due to greasiness or white cast, apply a smaller amount in several layers. During peak UV hours, avoid outdoor activities; if outdoor activity is unavoidable, use hats, sunglasses, and parasols to provide an additional layer of UV protection.</p>
<p>If pigmentation conditions such as melasma or freckles have already developed, treating them through dermatological procedures is also an option. 'Pico Toning' is considered the most suitable treatment for pigmentation conditions such as melasma. Pico Toning is a cutting-edge laser procedure that concentrates a powerful laser in a short period of time to selectively treat only the pigmentation in the affected area. Because energy can be focused exclusively on the pigment, the treatment period is shorter than conventional toning treatments, with the added benefit of minimizing damage to normal skin. Pico Toning rarely causes side effects such as hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation that were commonly seen with previous pigmentation treatments, resulting in high patient satisfaction. It is effective for various pigmentation conditions including melasma, blemishes, freckles, age spots, and nevus of Ota; however, the treatment duration and number of sessions must be adjusted according to the severity and condition of each case. Therefore, it is important to find a clinic with a high level of expertise in pigmentation conditions and the ability to provide customized treatment.</p>
<p>Written by: Dr. Lee Won-shin, Director of Apgujeong Wells Dermatology Clinic</p>
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