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Protect Your Skin from Summer Sun with Sunscreen

Summer is on its way, and with it comes more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors! Sunshine can be good for us, but it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Sunscreen is an essential tool for preventing sunburn and skin cancer.

Sunscreen: Your Shield Against Sun Damage

Sun protection is essential for healthy skin. To shield yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays, there are two primary types of sunscreens to choose from:

  • Chemical Sunscreens: These sunscreens absorb UV rays into the skin, converting them into heat that’s then released from the body.
  • Mineral Sunscreens: These sunscreens contain minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that sit on top of the skin, reflecting UV rays away.

Since any sun exposure can harm your skin, applying sunscreen regularly is crucial. By incorporating sunscreen into your routine, you’ll be safeguarding your skin and preventing future damage. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of using sunscreen!

Sun protection is important because sunlight has more than just warmth and brightness. Sun rays also emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage your skin and eyes.

Two types of UV rays: There are two main types of UV rays: UVA and UVB.

  • UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, damaging collagen and elastin, which leads to wrinkles and sagging. They can also contribute to melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
  • UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and can damage skin cells permanently, potentially leading to basal and squamous cell carcinomas, and other forms of skin cancer.

Sunscreen Every Day, Rain or Shine!

Sunscreen isn’t just for beach days. You need to wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy or cool days. Here’s why:

  • UV rays sneak through clouds: Even when it’s not sunny, harmful UV rays can reach your skin.
  • Make it a habit: Apply sunscreen daily, ideally in the morning before heading out.
  • Reapply for continued protection: Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming.
  • Sunscreen under makeup: Don’t skip sunscreen under your makeup for complete sun protection.
  • Tanning is damage: A tan is a sign of damaged skin cells, not healthy skin.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, here are some key points to consider when choosing the right sunscreen:

  • SPF: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%.
  • Broad spectrum: Look for “broad spectrum” on the label. This means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to wrinkles and skin aging, while UVB rays cause sunburn.
  • Water resistance: If you’re swimming or sweating, choose a water-resistant sunscreen. Reapply according to the label’s instructions, usually every 40 minutes to 2 hours.
  • Skin type: Choose a sunscreen that is formulated for your skin type. For example, if you have dry skin, look for a moisturizing sunscreen. If you have sensitive skin, look for a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

By following these tips, you can choose a sunscreen that will help protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Our resident skin specialist, Leanne, recommends the products that we carry here at Defy, such as the Neova SPF that have protection from the sun working simultaneously with patented DNA repair agents. Stop by today to grab yours!