The Importance Of Sunscreen
Importance Of Sunscreen
Skin cancer is on the rise so there is so much hype about the importance of sunscreen to protect your skin on a daily basis. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the importance of sunscreen.
What Is Sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a topical product in the form of lotion, spray or gel that protects the skin from Ultraviolet (UV) radiation by absorbing or reflecting UV radiation.
UVA Or UVB Broad Spectrum: How To Choose
UVA is best known as the aging rays you get from the sun because they penetrate deeper in the skin surface creating the breakdown of cells and therefore creating age spots and wrinkles. UVA rays are 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the earth and can even penetrate through clouds. UVA rays are also found in tanning bed bulbs and light bulbs, so it is important to stay out of tanning beds and always protect yourself from these rays even when inside. The most common ingredients in sunscreen to protect against UVA rays are avobenzone, ecamsule (Mexoryl), titanium dioxide and zinc oxzide.
UVB is best known as the burning rays because it causes the skin to be red and sunburned by damaging the outer layer of skin known as the epidermis. You can only get UVB rays from the sun and some tanning bed bulbs. The most common ingredients in sunscreen to protect against UVB rays are benzophenones such as oxybenzone and sulisobenzone.
Broad spectrum sunscreen protects the skin against both UVA and UVB sun rays. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer and that is why it is best to use a broad spectrum cream every day, every season and most importantly always reapply.
Application
Anyone 6 months of age or older should use a broad spectrum sunscreen on a daily basis even when inside or on a cloudy day or through incidental sun exposure. Most adults should use at least an ounce which is about a shot glass worth of sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure, that way the ingredients can fully bind to the skin. Babies and children will obviously need less because they have a smaller surface area to cover. You want to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours for the best protection even if your broad spectrum sunscreen is water-resistant or waterproof. Always reapply immediately after swimming, sweating or toweling off.
Expired Sunscreen
NO! The active ingredients break down over time and will not fully protect you once this process happens. So always throw expired sunscreen out and replenish your supply!
Is it true that using sunscreen can cause a vitamin D deficiency?
No studies have proven that this is true. You can obtain the right amount of Vitamin D in your body daily through your diet by eating food rich with Vitamin D such as salmon, eggs, milk and orange juice.
Do I still need to wear sunscreen on a cloudy day? In Winter? Inside?
YES! YES! YES!
40% percent of ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaches the earth even on cloudy days or in the winter months. During the winter, rays reflect off of snow and ice making rays just as strong in cold weather months as they do in hot weather months. Light bulbs and tanning bed bulbs contain harmful rays that can create damage to skin cells that can lead to cancer. So I cannot stress enough the major importance of sunscreen to protect the skin even in these situations.
If these answers have not convinced you enough of why it is so important to pay attention to all the hype about sunscreen then here are the top 5 reasons to wear sunscreen! Save & Exit
- The ozone layer is depleting daily and creating stronger more harmful UVA and UVB rays and the body needs shielding from these harmful rays.
- Since skin cancer is on the rise and so many studies have been completed to prove that broad spectrum sunscreen decreases the development of skin cancer.
- Sunscreen prevents hyperpigmentation and skin discolorations that are unattractive and can take a lot of money and time to correct or diminish.
- It reduces the appearance of red veins on the face and chest.
- It helps slow and decrease the development of wrinkles and premature aging skin.
No one wants to look old before their time with embarrassing discolorations and spots on their skin. Not to mention skin cancer can leave behind awful scars after being removed or even worse it can cause death! So jump on the band wagon and wear your broad spectrum sunscreen daily and never forget to reapply sunscreen!