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Why You Should ALWAYS Wear Sunscreen

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Thursday, May 20th, 2021

by Mary-Kate Ellis, PA-C

Since May is skin cancer awareness month, let’s talk about the importance of applying sunscreen every day.

Sunlight is essential for the synthesis of vitamin D and has beneficial effects on mood. However, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun have a cumulative effect on the skin that can lead to sunburn, photoaging, and skin cancer over time. You cannot undo the DNA damage to your cells. No amount of skincare, Botox®, dermal filler, etc looks as good as someone who consistently uses sunscreen everyday to minimize damage in the first place.

UVA, UVB, and UVC are the three types of radiation emitted from the sun. Exposure of the skin to UV light has acute effects, such as sunburn and tanning, and chronic effects, such as photoaging, and cancer.

The Difference Between UVA, UVB, and UVC

UVA rays are longer and penetrate deeper into the dermis. They cause long term damage such as premature aging and wrinkles. Did you know that UVA rays can even penetrate through window glass? UVA rays make up more than 95% of the sun’s radiation that reaches the earth’s surface. UVA is also thought to play a role in carcinogenesis or cancer formation. Meanwhile, UVB rays penetrate through the superficial layer of the skin known as the epidermis. UVB rays cause burns and delayed tanning. UVB also causes DNA damage that can lead to genetic mutations and skin cancers. The third type of radiation is UVC. However, UVC is filtered out by the ozone layer so it does not reach the earth’s surface.

What Does Sunscreen Do?

Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen, meaning one with UVA and UVB coverage, can help combat these harmful effects. Sunscreen helps prevent the development of precancerous skin lesions such as actinic keratoses and skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinomas. Sunscreen will also help prevent skin changes such as pigmentation and wrinkling that are attributable to photoaging. Any SPF is better than none, but I recommend using at least SPF 30-50 daily. It’s also important to reapply frequently if you are out in the sun. That means you should be reapplying about every 1 and a half to 2 hours to ensure full protection. I prefer mineral sunscreens that use physical blockers like zinc and titanium over chemical sunscreens. Mineral compounds like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are believed to reflect and scatter UV light. Mineral sunscreens actually block the UV rays. Chemical sunscreens contain avobenzone, octinoxate, oxybenzone, etc. These sunscreens absorb the UV rays and release them as heat. Another important thing to note – sunscreen expires! Yep, that bottle of sunscreen from 2012 that is sitting in your beach bag needs to be trashed. Make sure you observe the expiration dates on your sunscreen before applying to ensure full protection.

Who Should Use Sunscreen?

Essentially all individuals are subject to the potential adverse effects of UV radiation and will benefit from sunscreen use. It is easily the number one thing you can do to prevent the appearance of aging. Without sunscreen, your other skincare products are basically worthless. Your brightening creams and vitamin C will not work if the sun continues to cause dark spots. So, remember that SPF in your makeup is not enough and to apply your sunscreen daily!

It’s Just 3 Easy Steps…

make an appointment

to receive a customized treatment plan

enjoy a relaxing environment

during your treatment/procedure

Look & Feel Younger

because you deserve it

It’s Just 3 Easy Steps…

make an appointment

to receive a customized treatment plan

enjoy a relaxing environment

during your treatment/procedure

Look & Feel Younger

because you deserve it

Here are some of my favorite sunscreens that we carry at Spa Medical.
  • Revision Intellishade- This sunscreen comes in a variety of options from tinted to clear. I use the Intellishade original and put it on as my “foundation” every morning.
  • Epionce Ultra Shield (clear) and Daily Shield (tinted) SPF 50
  • ZO has several that are great! The powder-based sunscreen is a good option for reapplying throughout the day.
  • SkinBetter Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen compact. I like this sunscreen option because it comes as compact that is easy to take with you on the go.

 

If you have questions about the best sunscreen to meet your skincare needs, let our aesthetic team guide you! Call us today at (478) 743-2299 and enjoy beautiful healthy skin this summer.

 

Spa Medical® is located in downtown Macon, Ga and offers surgical and non-surgical anti-aging procedures to help you look as young as you feel.

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