We all need to wear sunscreen. Not just in the Summer months, but every day of the year! It seems like an additional chore and sometimes unnecessary (especially when it is cloudy outside) but with a little effort it is worth the behavior change to avoid skin damage, cancer and premature aging. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes.
Most sunscreen products work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight. They contain chemicals that interact with the skin to protect it from UV rays. All products do not have the same ingredients. If your skin reacts badly to one product, try another one or call a doctor for advice.
SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor”. The number SPF indicates how much UVB (burning rays) light a sunscreen can filter out. Higher SPF numbers indicate more protection. There is no sunscreen that can filer out 100% of the sun’s UVB (burning) rays, however combining SPF application with protective clothing and shade can help significantly. You should use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Also, be sure to check the expiration date. Most sunscreens expire within 3 years, or sooner if exposed to high temperature.
There’s no such thing as “waterproof” sunscreen but there is truth in “water-resistant” labeled products. Sweat and water wash away sunscreen over time. Reapply if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
We can’t stress enough how important it is to find a sunscreen product that you like and can get in the habit of applying every day, not just when you have a vacation or being outside for an extended amount of time. Harmful rays from the sun can even affect our skin through the window of the car as we drive.
At Dermablue we offer many options for the health, correction and prevention of all your skin concerns. Whether starting with general dermatology visits for full skin exams or using laser, dermal fillers and other options to help correct and repair skin damage, we can help create the right treatment plan for you! Contact us today to get started!
