Summer is in full swing which means beautiful weather, beach days, and outdoor activities. It also means that the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest, leaving your skin susceptible to premature aging and the development of wrinkles. Exposure to the sun is responsible for the majority of wrinkles and age spots that develop as we grow older. Because of this, it is never too late to start protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
The sun is an important life force for humans, providing our bodies with essential vitamin D that regulates our tissue develop and aids in the healthy function of our immune system. That being said, exposure to the sun is essential for our health, but the amount of exposure that is appropriate for you is contingent on your skin type.
Sun Protection Starts With Knowing Your Skin Type
People with fair complexions have less melanin in their skin, the natural pigment that determines skin color, hair color, and eye color. Melanin serves multiple purposes for the human body including the chief role of protecting the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. A lesser amount of melanin leaves the skin more susceptible to sun damage and the development of melanoma, or skin cancer. Therefore, if you are fair skinned with light eyes, wearing a sunscreen with a higher SPF should be a vital part of your daily regimen.
What Type of Sunscreen is Right for Me?
The sun is responsible for 90 percent of wrinkles and skin cancer development. When it comes to choosing your sunscreen chose one that has both UVA and UVB broad-spectrum protection. Typically an SPF of 15 is adequate for the majority of skin types, protecting the skin from 93 percent of harmful rays. However, if you are especially fair, or have a family history of skin cancer, it is wise to consult your dermatologist and wear a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher. Check the ingredients on your sunscreen label to ensure you are receiving the adequate amount of protection. Make sure you choose a sunscreen that you like; incorporating a moisturizer that has sun protection in to your daily routine will help consistently protect your skin from sun damage and wrinkles. We have a great moisturizer with sunscreen at our office. Pick some up the next time you are in or swing by any time!
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests broad-spectrum sunscreens with the following ingredients:
- Oxybenzone
- Octyl salicylate
- Octyl methoxycinnamate
- Cinoxate
- Sulisobenzone
- Ecamsule
- Methyl anthraniliate
- Avobenzone