I finally had a chance to lay out at the pool today! I found myself covering my body and face with a towel, sitting under the shade, and applying SPF all day long!
It is that time of year, where we are outside all weekend long and driving with the top off and windows down! I advise SPF to be worn year round as you can still get burned from overcast rays on the coldest days but I am here to talk about skin damage and summer. An estimated 90 percent of skin aging is caused by the sun!
When you invest so much time and money into getting your skin on track, the last thing you want to do is burn it and start over. "With over 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year, skin cancer is America’s most common cancer. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 85 percent of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun." (Skincancer.org)
Ways to prevent sun damage and skin cancer:
*Wear SPF 30+ everyday and reapply every few hours while outside
*wear protective clothing such as a hat, sunglasses, and shirts with sleeves.
*stay in the shade as much as possible while being outside
*Stay inside during the peak rays of 10am-4pm
*Avoid tanning beds.
*See a dermatologist annually
*Visit an esthetician quaterly
*Do frequent skin checks (know the ABCDE's- see below)
**Don't forget to drink lots of water and protect your children and fur babies from the sun as well.
"In 2021 in the US, an estimated 207.390 new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed and an estimated 7,180 deaths from melanoma are expected." If this doesn’t scare you, it should!
What are the ABCDE's of melanoma?
Lets talk about my SPF recommendations. Medical grade sunscreen has scientifically proven ingredients to block UVA (overcast rays) and UVB (burning) rays. Your OTC sunscreen or sunscreen in your make up blocks mostly UVB rays. Medical grade skin care has less diluents and has more active ingredients which is why it is sold by only medical and skin professionals only!
The face SPFs I recommend:
*Elta MD Elements: light weight, hydrating, and tone smart! I wear this as a face primer before make up or with no make up! Get it here!
*Skinbetter Compact: Feels like you are applying make up! Tone smart and a great little compact to keep in your purse for reapplying. Get it here!
*Elta MD Sheer: Calling all ACTIVE males and females. This lightweight sheer SPF is water resistant and does not have white tones. Get it here!
For help with your sun damaged skin, the first place to start is by applying SPF DAILY. Next is to see one of our esthetician's for a treatment regimen. Treatments can include a full skincare regimen, a series of chemical peels, micro needling, and more. It is easier to prevent sun damage than treat it!
Xx Nurse Lauren