The Importance of Sunscreen and How To Use It
Did you know, skin is the largest organ of your body? Well it is and healthy skin is the representation of a healthy body. One easy way to keep your skin healthy is by applying sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen helps protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Those UV rays not only cause sunburns but long term damaging effects on the skin like premature aging and skin cancer. Sunburn is an immediate reaction but skin damage from sun occurs over a lifetime of exposure.
Wearing sunscreen daily can help protect against skin cancer, prevent wrinkles and sunspots that lead to premature aging. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Melanoma is one of the most frequently found cancers among 20-35 year olds and can occur on any part of the skin. This form of cancer is more likely to spread to other areas of the body and can be more difficult to treat. Melanoma is the leading cause of skin cancer deaths. The number of Americans diagnosed with skin cancer is growing due to increased UV exposure from the sun and tanning beds. Although skin cancer is more prevalent in people with lighter skin, it does not discriminate and can still affect those with darker skin tones.
Although we can’t prevent everything, do your part and put on sunscreen! As you’re shopping for a sunscreen you may find yourself wondering what do all of these labels mean?! Let’s break this down. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is the amount of time that you can stay in the sun protecting yourself from harmful UV rays. For example; SPF 30 would allow you to stay in the sun 30 times longer than you could without protection. Regardless of the SPF it is recommended that you should reapply every two hours because of sweating, rubbing of clothes and touching our skin will remove the sunscreen. Choosing a sunscreen that is labeled Broad Spectrum will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. If the sunscreen is not broad spectrum it will only cover UVB rays. UVB (Ultra Violet B) rays penetrate the upper layers of the skin known as the epidermis and cause the skin to burn. UVA (Ultra Violet A) rays penetrate deeper through the epidermis into the lower layers of the skin known as the dermis causing wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and loss of elasticity which are all signs of aging.
We recommend that you always use a sunscreen that has a broad spectrum and at least a SPF of 30. Don’t wait another wrinkle, visit Plastic Surgery Associates of Valdosta today for all of your skin care needs!
We carry only the best broad spectrum sunscreens:
Obagi Sun Shield TINT – SPF 50, Broad Spectrum – available in cool and warm shades for different skin tones
Obagi Sun Shield Mineral – SPF 50, Broad Spectrum – great for sensitive skin and water resistant for up to 40 minutes
Obagi Sun Shield Matte – SPF 50, Broad Spectrum – completely sheer sunscreen with an elegant matte finish
Obagi HydraFactor – SPF 30, Broad Spectrum – dual sunscreen and moisturizer
Obagi Professional-C – SPF 30, Broad Spectrum – includes 10% L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
Hydrafacial UV Smart Daily – SPF 40, Broad Spectrum – ultra lightweight, enriched with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid
Jane Iredale Powder-ME Dry – SPF 30, Broad Spectrum – nourish, protect and sooth your skin, water resistant up to 40 minutes
Grace Woods
Licensed Medical Aesthetician