Is sunscreen enough? Find out why not in this blog by Dr. Bill Johnson.
It may seem like we talk about it a lot, but there’s a good reason: Prolonged exposure increases your risk of developing skin cancer, and the sun’s rays can damage your skin and cause premature aging. However, sunscreen is not always enough. Dr. Johnson offers five reasons you need to take the extra step beyond just sunscreen to protect your skin by wearing a hat and covering up when you can.
5 Reasons You Need To Take Extra Steps Beyond Just Sunscreen
1. You Forget to Put It On
Forgetting to apply sunscreen happens to everyone, mainly because we are often rushing around getting everyone else ready and putting sunscreen on the kids and we end up forgetting to put sunscreen on ourselves.
2. You Skipped Reading the Directions
How long before you go out in the sun are you supposed to apply your sunscreen? How long until you need to reapply? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you probably have skipped reading the fine print on your sunscreen bottle. Or, you just forgot to reapply because time flies when you’re having fun at the pool or the beach!
3. You Think You’re Safe
Cloudy days mean you can skip the sunscreen, right? No. During dark days, you are still at risk of exposure. If you left your sunscreen at home, we suggest you keep a coverup and hat handy to protect yourself.
4. You Have Sensitive Skin
Some people have skin that will burn no matter how much they slather on the sunscreen. If you find that you burn or freckle no matter how high your sun protection factor (SPF), we recommend that you take extra steps to keep your skin covered.
5. You’re Using the Wrong Sunscreen
What kind of sunscreen do you use? Do you buy based on SPF or what is on sale? Does your sunscreen block the broad spectrum of the sun’s rays? Several things go into determining if a sunscreen is the right one for you. Also, keep in mind that not all sunscreens are created equal or use the same ingredients. Sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide do not weaken as they absorb sunlight; they provide protection until washed off. Sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, avobenzone, Octisalate, and octocrylene are affected by sun exposure and must be reapplied every few hours.
Don’t just buy what is on sale; ask Dr. Johnson about his recommendations and cover-up in the meantime! Call Innovations Medical at (214) 643-8665 for more information or to schedule a skin rejuvenation service.