suncare

by mary orlando

 

You already know you should slather on sunscreen every day (even if it’s cloudy), it’ll keep your face from looking like leather years from now.  But did you know that while most sunscreens may stop the burning (UVB rays), not all sunscreens stop the UVA rays (aging rays) … UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin to cause DNA damage and photo-aging.  Physical blockers like titanium dioxide work by reflecting UVA and UVB rays before they reach the skin.  Chemical filters absorb UVA radiation.  To make sure you’re blocking out UVA rays look on your sunscreen’s label for a DIN # (drug identification number) for ingredients like Zincoxide or Titanium Dioxide, Octinoxate and Oxybenzone. But, choosing the right product isn’t enough. . .

Here’s some Suncare advice:

  • Sunscreen is only good for about 1 year after it has been opened; after that it's effectiveness starts to deteriorate. If you have a tube longer than a year, it's a sign you're probably not using enough.

  • Higher SPFs increase the amount of time you can spend in the sun before you burn, but only if you reapply every two hours.

  • Teach children sun protection early.  The sun is responsible for 90% of all premature aging and 80% of lifetime sun damage occurs before the age of 20.

  • Sun-blocking success is less about the SPF number and more about the way you apply it and how frequently.  

  • Smoothing on too little (use a full ounce- an amount that would fill a shot glass for your face and body) and too infrequently (re-apply every 2 hours) can make an SPF 30 as ineffective as an SPF 2

  • The sun’s rays are just as damaging to your skin on overcast days.  Play it safe, use sunscreen daily.

  • Waxing services can make skin more sensitive  and  prone to burning.  Allow 24 hours before tanning.

  • Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels make skin extra sensitive to UV rays for about 3-5 days after treatment.

  • Although self-tanning products/treatments give the appearance of a tan they offer NO protection from UV rays.

  • An increased sensitivity to sun exposure is a possible side effect of certain medications including birth control pills and antibiotics.

  • Sunscreen should be applied  30  minutes before you go outside and  re-applied during the day especially after you swim or, if you perspire.

  • Don’t  try  to stretch  your  sunscreen  too  far,  if  you  don’t  wear  enough  it  won’t  be effective.

  • Remember that  just  because you’re wearing sunscreen doesn’t mean that you should  stay out in the sun longer.  

  • Sun damage occurs with each unprotected sun exposure and accumulates over the course of a lifetime.

Our Love-Hate relationship with the Sun 

Although the sun causes premature aging among other things, it is responsible for the vital Vitamin D production in our bodies and regular sunlight exposure has been said to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, increase life span, reverse aches and psoriasis, help control diabetes and even improve sex!!!

Enjoy your Summer  . . .

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