As summer comes to an end, and the Bay Area begins to cool off for fall and winter, at least we can stop worrying about sunscreen! No doubt that is what many of us think. Applying sunscreen is just one more "to do" in our already busy schedule. autumn sunscreenSo, with the temperature dropping
Wrong.
Bad news for those of us that don’t like to be inconvenienced by having to apply sunscreen: we should actually be using it year round. The facts about sun damage as it pertains to our skin are much different than the myth and popular train of thought that once summertime is over, the sun ceases to pose a threat. UVA rays, which make up 95% of all UV rays, are almost equally intense during winter daylight hours as they are during summer daylight hours. In other words, it doesn’t matter whether it’s July or December; you need to protect your skin from the sun.
It isn’t just sunscreen, either. It’s always a good idea to seek shade, but keep in mind that sunlight bouncing off reflective surfaces can still reach you. Another myth: the “healthy tan.” There is no such thing. A tan is the skin’s response to the sun’s damaging rays. Cover up with clothing as much as makes sense in whatever situation you find yourself in. Long-sleeved shirts and pants, brimmed hats, sunglasses – they all count. And they all help.
The sunscreen itself, of course, covers a wide spectrum of options. Don’t get too caught up in the hype. A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 is best. A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 blocks about 94% of ultraviolet B rays, which cause sunburn. An SPF of 40 bumps that blockage up to 97.5%. In addition to the fact that The Skin Cancer Foundation fully endorses sunscreen application year round, there’s also scientific data now that shows wearing sunscreen will significantly slow down the sun’s aging effect on skin. Australian researchers, in a study earlier this year, found that adults who regularly used sunscreen were less likely to show increased wrinkling over a four-and-a-half-year period than adults who used sunscreen less often. Regardless of sex, age, skin color, skin cancer history and weight, study subjects were 24% less likely to show increased aging in their skin if the consistently and regularly used sunscreen.
Where do you go from here? At GLOW Surgical Arts, we can offer an entire line of products designed to help you keep your skin looking young and vibrant. Image Skincare in an international skincare company that has been producing superb skincare products since 2003 and we’re excited to be able to offer them to our patients. The array of products includes anti-aging, organic, skin vitamin replenishing and acne addressing products. It also includes a line called simply, “Sun.” Yes, it’s a sunscreen. Just remember that the end of summertime doesn’t mean the end of protecting your skin from the sun. If you’re interested in finding out more about the Image Skincare line here at GLOW or simply hoping to learn more about keeping your skin looking as young and vibrant as possible, we’re happy to help. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a GLOW cosmetic surgeon any time.
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