Sunscreen: Skin's Secret Weapon

If you’re like most people, you wear sunscreen when you go to the pool or to the beach in order to prevent a sunburn. That’s totally understandable; sunburn is uncomfortable and even painful. Preventing short-term discomfort is certainly a worthy cause.

But only using sunscreen on sunny, hot days is not enough to protect your skin from long-term damage.

The truth is that everyone should wear sunblock every single day.
Why is using sunscreen such an important part of your daily skincare regimen? Well, each day that the sun comes up, UV rays also come out. And UV radiation penetrates the atmosphere regardless of the weather. The damaging rays reach your skin even on cold, cloudy and rainy days.

Maybe you won’t get sunburned in gloomy weather, but over time you’ll start to notice skin problems–unless you use sunblock every day.

First and foremost, daily use of sunscreen is the best anti-aging measure. Maybe you’re a teen more worried about acne than the long-term effects of the sun. Or maybe you have darker skin and believe you don’t have to worry about sun damage. Whether you’re 16 or 60, using sunscreen is a simple step for healthier, younger-looking skin that works for anyone and everyone.

The most concerning aspect of sun exposure is UVA rays, also called aging rays. UVA rays cause the most damage in the deepest part of the skin, the dermis. The worst part is that skin damage from aging rays isn’t visible until 20 to 30 years later. This damage includes wrinkles and hyperpigmentation among other skin issues.

To avoid these skin problems, a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 is recommended for everyday use. If you plan on being in the sun for an extended period of time–especially during warmer months–bump up your sunblock to a higher SPF. And remember to reapply sunscreen every one-and-a-half to two hours in order to maximize protection.

People suffering from acne have to be extra careful about sun exposure, especially if you are using our products or any topical prescription like retin-A, Azelex or AHA serums. These products naturally increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, which means you are more susceptible to damaging UVA rays.

While products with SPF don’t help you get rid of your acne, sunscreen does provide you with moisture to prevent dehydration. Hydration is key, because any product that helps to get rid of acne will also dry out your skin. Therefore, a moisturizing sunblock helps to balance your skin. Our daily SPF 30 moisturizer is perfect for that, providing moisture and sun protection for your skin.

Are you ready to take the next step toward beautiful, healthy skin? Contact us to set up a consultation with a licensed aesthetician.