As the weather warms up and the sun shines brighter, we thought it would be an opportune time to discuss a vital topic - sunscreen and the pivotal role it plays in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.
Sunscreen is not just for the beach or pool - it's a daily, year-round tool to protect your body's largest organ. The sun emits harmful ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB, which can lead to premature skin aging, sunburn, and skin cancer. Sunscreen forms a protective film on your skin, blocking these harmful rays from penetrating your skin and damaging your cells and vessels.
Why is Sunscreen Important?
Protects from Harmful UV Rays: The depletion of the ozone layer has increased our risk of sun damage. Sunscreen blocks a portion of these harmful rays, preventing skin conditions like sunburn and abnormal pigmentation (dark and light spots).
Prevents Premature Aging: Regular use of sunscreen minimizes the loss of collagen in your skin, minimizing the thinning/wrinkling of the skin as it ages. Thin/wrinkled skin is not just a cosmetic concern! It can impair the skin's barrier functions, making your body more prone to easy bruising, cuts/scratches, rashes, etc. It can also cause premature sagging of the eyelids, narrowing your peripheral vision.
Lowers Skin Cancer Risks: Sunscreen is a key preventative tool against skin cancers, like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
How to Choose & Use Sunscreen:
Broad-Spectrum Protection: Look for sunscreens that offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays. A quick way to remember this is A = Aging = UVA causes premature Aging of the skin. B = Burn = UVB causes burning and tanning of the skin. You need both.
SPF 30 or Higher: Dr. Correa recommends using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily. If you are out golfing, on a lake, or traveling, she recommends SPF 50.
Apply Generously: Sunscreen only works when dosed correctly, just like anything else.
For sunscreen to form an even film on your skin and actually protect you, you'll need to use 2 finger lengths of sunscreen for your face, 2 finger lengths for your neck and a full 1oz (a shot glass full) to cover the rest of your body.
Reapply every 2 hours if you remain outside.
If you can't stand the thought of applying sunscreen to your whole body, that's okay. Just wear sunscreen on your face/neck and seek shade. Hats with 3" brims, sunglasses, long sleeves and lightweight pants work well for this strategy. Don't bother with baseball caps - they really only protect your forehead.
If you avoid sunscreen because it feels uncomfortable to you, talk to Dr. Correa.
She can help determine what your skin type is, in order to find you something that suits your skin type, skin concerns, budget, etc. Mineral vs chemical sunscreens are a whole different topic -- more on that another time.
Stay safe and enjoy the sun responsibly!
Best Regards,
Dr. Aditi Correa
Your Partner In Health
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