Sunscreen - The Essential Skin Tool

Selecting the right sunscreen is key to maintaining your skin’s health and appearance throughout your lifetime. In America, 1 in 5 people will be diagnosed with skin cancer and taking steps to reduce this number is something we firmly believe in.

To help you achieve a lifetime of healthy skin, we’ve put together our frequently asked questions when it comes to sunscreen and if you’d like to learn more, go to www.spotskincancer.org.

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Sunscreen FAQs

Yes.  Everyone needs sunscreen because only half the of sun’s UV rays, UVB, actually cause the skin to burn.  The other rays, UVA, can cause unwanted aging or skin cancer.  People of all skin colors, regardless of their likeliness to burn, are at risk for skin cancer and damage..

Everyone at all ages.  Sunscreen should be used on all skin types regardless of the skin’s propensity to burn.

Everyday! The sun emits harmful UV rays year round. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin. Even limited time spent outside will affect your skin.

There are many different brands and application formulas on the market.  Whatever you choose, make sure it has these features:

  • Broad-Spectrum Protection (protects against both UVA and UVB rays)
  • Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or greater (this rating is for UVB rays only)
  • Water resistant
  • Includes Zinc Oxide

UVA rays (A=aging) cause wrinkles and age spots, and most people don’t realize the rays can pass through windows or glass.  UVB rays (B=burning) are the primary cause of sunburns, even on cloudy days.  Windows and glass block UVB rays..

Reapplication can depend upon your activity level throughout the day, but, these are good guidelines to follow:

  • For adults, approximately 1 ounce is needed (enough to full a shot glass) to cover exposed areas of the body
  • Apply to dry skin 15 minutes BEFORE going outdoors
  • Re-apply every 40-80 minutes or after swimming or sweating

Higher numbered SPFs block slightly more of the sun’s rays but no sunscreen can block 100%.  SPF 30 and higher blocks 97% of the sun’s harmful rays. But, a sunscreen with zinc oxide will provide more benefits than a higher SPF sunscreen without it.

Contact us to schedule an appointment or virtual visit today.

*Results may vary per patient. Services vary by location.

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