summer is here and it's time to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays!
Protect your skin this summer!
While people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of sunscreen use, there is still much confusion about which types are best, how often it is needed, and how to apply it. Read on for helpful information you should know about sunscreen protection…
What are sunscreens?
Sunscreens are chemical agents that help prevent the sun’s ultraviolet radiation from reaching the skin. Two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA & UVB, damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. Depending on the SPF factor, sunscreens vary in their ability to protect against UVA & UVB.
What is SPF?
Most sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher do an excellent job of protecting against UVB. SPF 15 blocks approximately 93 % of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97%, and SPF 50 blocks 99%. No FDA-approved standard exists yet for UVA protection in the US, even though UVA penetrates more deeply into the skin than UVB. Broad spectrum sunscreens combine UVB and UVA absorbing chemicals and/or physical blockers and give the most protection.
Who should use sunscreen?
anyone over the age of 6 months of age should use sunscreen daily. Even those who work indoors are exposed to ultraviolet radiation for brief periods throughout the day. Note: UVA is not blocked by most windows.
Which type of sunscreen should you use?
The answer depends upon how much sun exposure you’re expecting. We recommend every-day use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers protection against UVA & UVB rays. A moisturizer that has a sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection of SPF of 15 or greater is sufficient for everyday activities.* (ESCC carries two facial sunscreens like this, one that is oil-free and one with moisturizers.)
However if you work outside or spend a lot of time outdoors you need a stronger, water-resistant sunscreen for those activities.* (ESCC also carries a new Sport 50 sunscreen.) ESCC recommends sunscreens that contain zinc oxide, as they provide great UVB/UVA protection and very rarely cause irritation – in fact their anti-inflammatory quality often soothes irritated or sensitive skin.
Two common myths...
1. If it's cold or cloudy outside, you don't need sunscreen. Not true! Up to 40% of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation reaches the earth on a completely cloudy day. This misconception often leads to sunburns because people spend too much time outside with no protection.
2. 80% of your sun exposure comes as a child, so it's too late to do anything about it now. A recent multi-center study showed that we get less than 25% of our total sun exposure by age 18. In fact, it is men over 40 who spend the most time outdoors! And since adult Americans are living longer and spending more leisure time outdoors, preventing ongoing skin damage will continue to be part of a healthy lifestyle.
How to properly apply sunscreen:
- If you are applying several skin care products, sunscreen should be the last product applied before make-up so it is not diluted.
- One teaspoon should be adequate to cover the entire face and neck.
- Whenever possible, apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before leaving the house.
Let us help you protect your skin this summer!
Enhanced Skin Care Center offers a variety of medical-grade skin care and sunscreen products. Let us help you determine the best product for you! If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation, call 734.946.8800 or contact us today!
* source of reference – The Skin Cancer Foundation