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Sun Smarts
with Trish Fisher-Skin Therapist
Though the damage caused by sun exposure is well documented, sunbathing and tanning beds still maintain popularity, and we are exposing unprotected (or poorly protected) skin to damaging UV rays. Arm yourself with the following fallacies and facts so you may fully protect your skin, and your family's skin, while enjoying the summer sun!
FALLACY:
"I don't need sunscreen. I don't get that much sun. I wear SPF at the beach/pool/on the boat."
FACT:
Most sun damage in our lifetime is the result of incidental sun exposure, NOT deliberate tanning. Walking to the mailbox, driving in the car, working in the yard, sitting by a window at work -- all of these seem innocent, but they expose us to damaging UV rays. Every time you're unprotected, damage accumulates leading to sagging skin, wrinkles, discoloration, sun spots and even cancer.
FALLACY: "I want to get some sun. I'll apply SPF if I start to turn red."
FACT: By the time you turn red, the damage is already done. Redness is your immune system investigating why the skin is being injured. Applying sunscreen on hot, burned skin is NOT a good idea! Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going in the sun. Zinc and titanium dioxide sunscreens work immediately but others need time to take effect.
FALLACY: "I don't wear sunscreen; my makeup has an SPF."
FACT: The amount of protection varies with the amount of makeup applied. No matter the SPF in your foundation, it's important to still apply a broad spectrum sunscreen underneath.
FALLACY: " I tan easily, I don't need sunscreen."
FACT: Yes, it's true a darker skin is less likely to burn, but this doesn't mean it's not being damaged. Continual UV exposure causes lasting damage to skin structure, collagen and elastin fibers, and the most dangerous -- to cellular DNA. This results in skin cancers, including malignant melanoma -- in all ethnicities and skin tones.
FINAL FACTS:
Sun damage is #1 cause of skin aging, sun spots, uneven skin tone, and even the #1 cause of cancer. It is so important that you make sunscreen a part of daily life -- consider it daylight protection! And please, skip the tanning bed; the damage is far worse and more accelerated.
I can recommend a moisturizer with sunscreen customized to your skin type and skin concerns. It will help address concerns in addition to protecting your skin from daily UV assaults. Set up a FREE face mapping session, or get one with any facial you schedule.
Enjoy your summer!
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