So, let's talk about the fact that the sun is out and we will hopefully all be able to enjoy a beautiful summer! Sun rays are stronger than most think. Both UVA and UVB penetrate our atmosphere and play huge roles in premature skin aging, eye damage, and skin cancers. They can also suppress the immune system, reducing our body's ability to fight off these and other maladies. I always say, "Our first defense against solar damage is Solar Defense!"
Even if you are working in an office I recommend my clients apply at the very minimum a 15 SPF. These sun rays, especially the UVA, can penetrate through glass and our clothing.
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. That doesn't mean the amount of protection you are receiving from the product. It indicates how long it will take those UVB rays to get your skin red while using a sunscreen verses no sunscreen. Example: If you applied an SPF 15 it will take 15 times longer to redden than without it.
Both UVA and UVB are damaging to the skin. Which is why finding a broad spectrum SPF is necessary. Now, I also believe that finding sunscreens with a zinc base are the most beneficial. Zinc Oxide protects against UVB,UVA2, UVA1 rays. It's the only ingredient that gives that much protection and is nearly insoluble in water.
The other big mistake is not reapplying. You must reapply about every 2 hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Now, go have fun, enjoy the summer and please protect your skin. It's the only one ya got!
Skin Tip: An SPF 15 sunscreen screens 93 percent of the sun’s UVB rays; SPF 30 protects against 97 percent; and SPF 50, 98 percent.
