Over the last decade, society has become proactive about what they put in their bodies. You eat right, exercise, and drink plenty of water, and take a daily probiotic. All this to stay healthy, hoping to avoid a diagnosis, like cancer.
And yet, current statistics continue to report that just over fourteen-percent of men and nearly 30-percent of women apply sunscreen to protect themselves from the harmful rays of the sun. It’s a mystifying statistic when you consider that consistent exposure to the UV rays emitted from the sun has long been proven to cause skin cancer. Moreover, scientists, physicians, and dermatologists have been offering a protective solution for nearly as long as we’ve known the dangers.
Skin cosmetic dermatology in San Diego, CA, wants you to know the do’s and don’ts of skin protection.
Reading the Labels
The design of labels changes over time, but the key words you need to look for don’t. When choosing a sunscreen, don’t be fooled by the bold colors, catchy art, or swooping fonts.
SPF
The general rule when choosing a sun protection factor is don’t go any lower than thirty. When scanning the shelves, you’ll see many options:
- SPF 10 or under – No active protection factors.
- SPF 30 – Blocks 97% of the sun’s harmful rays
- SPF 50 – Blocks 98% of the sun’s harmful rays (UVA and UVB)
- SPF 70 or higher – Offers no more protection than SPF 50
Clearly, SPF 50 is the obvious choice, but there is one more factor to consider. The spectrum of coverage is the key to successful protection. Choose a bottle that clearly states, “broad spectrum” on their label.
Waterproof and Water Resistant
Many sunscreens on the market claim to be either water resistant or waterproof. The truth is, no sunscreen is ever totally waterproof, and yes – to get the most comprehensive protection, you may have to reapply after long spells in the water.
The one caveat to this rule is babies. Babies, six months and younger, should never be in the direct sunlight. Sunscreen isn’t recommended for this age group.
Skin Complexion
If you were born with light, pale skin – congratulations! You’ll slather sunscreen all over you before hitting the beach, or you’ll burn, every time. You have a built-in, long-term protection plan against skin cancer due to your skin’s hue.
However, if you have a darker skin tone and can bathe in the sun for hours without burning, you may be more likely to skip the sunscreen. Just because you don’t burn doesn’t mean your skin isn’t absorbing those damaging rays. Not applying a protective layer may lead you to dermatology cosmetic surgery San Diego, CA.
Spray vs. Cream
Recently sunscreen sprays have hit the market. They fly off shelves, and people are more likely to use them because they are quicker and easier to apply than a full-coverage lotion or cream. Unsurprisingly, when experiments are run testing the UVA and UVB blockage capability of these to applications, the lotion or cream won every time.
You spend hours meal planning and prepping a week. You buckle your seat belt every time you get in the car. The dermatology center in San Diego, CA, urges you to take the time to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun, and give your skin the gift of health.
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