Overexposure to the sun can cause premature aging of the skin—in other words, spending too much time in the sun can make you look older than you are. Most people who come into my office want to look as good as they can for as long as they can.
One of the best anti-aging products on the market is a good quality sunscreen. Sunscreen selection is for the savvy shopper.
Not all sunscreens are created equal. The SPF( Sun Protective Factor) should not be the only criteria when choosing a sunscreen. It is best to choose a sunscreen with physical properties such as zinc or titanium or a combination of both. Most of these will have a label that reads broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Physical sunscreen will not break down when exposed to light. Most chemical sunscreens dissipate with light within a short time after exposure.
We tell our patients that the UVA are the aging rays and the UVB are the burning rays. Overexposure can cause premature skin aging as well as skin cancer.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors doing physical activities, add water resistant to the label as well. Those types may be slightly less cosmetically pleasing but can be more protective while swimming, hiking , skiing and other outdoor activities.
Applying sunscreen is essential to a DAILY healthy beauty routine. Coat the skin liberally and rub it in thoroughly — most people apply only 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. ( Sunscreen should be reapplied approximately every 2 hours if you are performing activities that make you perspire or water activities such as swimming.)
You can find a sunscreen that is elegant to apply, absorbs easily, feels good on your skin and has the protection you need. Good quality sunscreens now also come with moisturizers, oil free, or include antioxidants such as green tea.
For those who need to look “tan” here are a few safe suggestions:
Self tanners
Use a slightly darker shade of your regular makeup
Makeup Bronzers –either brush on or lotion
No excuses, summer, winter fall or spring, stay protected—Beauty for Life.
