Are you spending a lot of time in the sun this summer? More power to you! The Vitamin D and mood boosts a little sun time can provide are fantastic, but (you knew there was a “but” coming, right?) you need to make sure you’re keeping your skin safe. UV exposure is responsible for about 80% of visible changes of facial aging. We all remember ”Tan Mom”, don’t we? Shivers.
Keep your skin looking young with good sun protection habits. If you already have some sun damage, make changes today. It’s never too late to start protecting your skin from the sun.
Use Sunscreen Every Day
When you’re hitting the beach, it’s fairly easy to remember sunscreen. Ideally, though, sunscreen should be a daily habit. Apply sunscreen every day, whether you’re planning on spending time in the sun or not. The sun exposure from that walk to the car, trip to the mailbox, and chat in front of the store can really add up. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 30 which blocks 97% of the sun’s rays. Come see us for personalized product recommendations.
With Sunscreen, a Little Doesn’t Go a Long Way
Are you using enough sunscreen? Most people don’t. A recent study found that only 14% of men and 30% of women applied enough sunscreen. Use a shot glass-sized dollop for each limb and two shot glass-sized dollops for the face, neck, chest, and back.
Once you’ve applied sunscreen, you’ll need to remember to reapply. Most sunscreens work for about 80 minutes when wet, so reapply often to make sure your sunscreen is still protecting your skin. Dr. Key recommends reapplication every two hours.
Avoid Peak Sun Hours
The sun is strongest during the middle of the day from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you can, schedule your outdoor hours before or after this window. If you must spend time outdoors during peak sun hours, wear a lot of sunscreen, seek out shade, and cover up with hats, sunglasses, and light layers of clothing.
Make Sun Protection a Year-Round Habit
Practice good sun habits this summer and then keep them up all year round. Sun protection should be something that we think about during winter, spring, summer, and fall. It’s important to remember that the sun’s rays can penetrate clouds, haze, and smoke. Don’t be fooled by those overcast days!
Beautiful skin starts with sunscreen. Call our office for personalized skin care advice or to schedule a laser treatment that can reverse sun damage and help prevent aging.