The Importance of Sun Care
As we approach the summer months, many of us look forward to spending time outside, enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather. While it is important to get outside and be active, it is equally important to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. This is where SPF comes in. SPF, or “Sun Protection Factor,” is a simple measure of time the sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful rays, which are the type of rays that cause sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer.
May is National Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month, and the importance of using sunscreen with SPF cannot be overstated. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with more than 9,500 people diagnosed with skin cancer every day. The good news is that most skin cancers, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, are highly preventable. By using sunscreen with SPF regularly, you can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.
So, how does SPF work? SPF is a gauge of how long an applied sunblock will shield your skin from UVB rays before it starts damaging your skin. For example, if you have fair skin that would normally burn after 10 minutes of sun exposure, a sunscreen with SPF 30 would provide protection for 30 times longer, or 300 minutes (5 hours). However, it is important to note that no sunscreen can provide 100% protection from the sun’s UV rays. This is why it is important to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.
In addition to protecting your skin from skin cancer, using sunscreen with SPF can also help prevent premature aging of the skin. The sun’s UV rays can cause wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots, which can make you look older than you are. By using sunscreen with SPF regularly, you can help keep your skin looking younger and healthier.
When choosing a sunscreen with SPF, it is important to look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen. This means that the sunscreen will protect your skin from both UVB and UVA rays. UVA rays can penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays and can cause long-term damage to the skin, such as wrinkles and age spots. By using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF, you can ensure that your skin is protected from both types of UV rays.
It is also important to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. While there are sunscreens with higher SPFs available, there is little evidence that these provide significantly more protection than a sunscreen with an SPF of 30. It is also important to remember that no sunscreen can provide 100% protection from the sun’s UV rays, so it is important to take other steps to protect your skin as well, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding the sun during peak hours.
When applying sunscreen with SPF, it is important to apply enough to cover all exposed skin. Most people do not put on adequate amount of sunblock, which reduces its effectiveness. You should use about one ounce, or enough to fill a shot glass, to cover your entire body. You should also apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside, to give it time to absorb into your skin.
In conclusion, the importance of using sunscreen with SPF cannot be overstated. By using sunscreen with SPF regularly, you can protect your skin from skin cancer, premature aging, and other damage caused by the sun’s UV rays. When choosing a sunscreen with SPF, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and be sure to apply enough to cover all exposed skin. Remember, no sunscreen can provide 100% protection from the sun’s UV rays, so it is important to take other steps to protect your skin as well. Stock up on your SPF essentials at Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, and with our May special, you can protect your whole family with an ease.
