It’s the sun! After a long winter and a rainy spring, the sun brings us a welcomed respite from dreary weather, and it’s a sign that we are on the cusp of the sunny, warm weather of summer. So, while you’re shaking off the cold-weather doldrums and swapping sweaters for swimsuits, take a break and read this: our annual reminder that now is not the time to be lazy about protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging rays.
The Sun
The sun and sunlight are pretty important for our planet and our bodies. The sun helps us produce essential vitamin D, helps us maintain our circadian rhythm and sleep patterns, and elevates our mood. But, too much sun exposure can be harmful, especially for your skin.
Consequences of overexposure can include:
- Short-term and long-term skin damage, such as sunburn
- Increased risk of developing signs of aging
- Dark spots, known as sunspots
- Increased risk of developing skin cancer
The sun’s rays include UVA and UVB. Ninety-five percent of the radiation that reaches our skin is UVA. UVA rays are responsible for skin damage and effects such as wrinkling and the development of age spots. But, the 5 percent of UVB rays we are exposed to also matter and may actually be more harmful.
Both types lead to skin cancer.
Know Before You Go
So, that being said, we ask, plead, implore and beg you to grab sunscreen before you head out this summer. While we know that everyone loves a great tan, we want your skin to look as great as possible for as long as possible. Prolonged sun exposure can cause the collagen and elastin in your skin to break down, which leaves you at risk of sagging and other changes in skin laxity.
Select a sunscreen that is broad spectrum (meaning that it blocks both UVA and UVB rays), long-lasting, and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Look for mineral-based products that can help provide a physical barrier to the sun’s rays.
Also, it’s essential to follow the label of any product you use, so note your sunscreen’s label for information about when to apply, when to reapply, and any other indications.
Remember, using sunscreen this summer means that you may not see wrinkles later!
Are you living with the signs of sun damage from summers past? Rejuvenate your skin with services from Innovations Medical. We offer dermal filler injections, micro needling with PRP, chemical peels, laser skin rejuvenation, and much more to erase skin damage caused by sun exposure, aging, and more.
Call today to make an appointment at (214) 643-8665.