Sunscreen what’s it for?

Today is National Sunscreen Day so I would like the opportunity to talk about sunscreen. As you know, Colorado is a very bright and sunny place and being a mile above sea level, it’s a little bit closer to the sun. The altitude also makes the air drier so that’s two issues for us to be aware about, but let’s discuss the sun. UV sun rays are a huge culprit when it comes to aging the skin. In fact the sun can actually cause damage to the DNA making it worse and worse as times goes by. Once upon a time nobody wore sunscreen, they even used to use baby oil on their skin to make it tan faster! This was an entire generation that was unaware of the damage the sun can do to the skin. Now we know better, the sun is not just responsible for premature aging, it can cause skin cancer!

So what is sunscreen? It’s a topical substance designed to protect the skin from UV rays. It acts as a barrier, absorbing or reflecting UV radiation and reduces the risk of sunburn, skin damage, and the development of skin cancer. Sunscreen consists of a combination of active ingredients that work together to provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. These ingredients may include chemical compounds such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, or octinoxate, or physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Using sunscreen is crucial for maintaining skin health, especially during prolonged exposure to the sun. Applying sunscreen with a sufficient sun protection factor (SPF) helps to reduce these risks by providing a shield against UV rays. It is recommended to apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of the body, including the face, neck, arms, and legs, at least 15-30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapplication is essential, especially after swimming, sweating, or extended sun exposure, to ensure continuous protection throughout the day. Regular use of sunscreen, in combination with other sun protection measures like seeking shade and wearing protective clothing, contributes to maintaining healthy and protected skin.

Come in and see us at Invigorate Advanced Aesthetics in Centennial, Colorado to schedule IPL or chemical peels that beat sun damage.