With the arrival of warmer
weather, many people are spending more and more time in the sun. However,
basking in the sun, especially without protecting your skin can lead to
wrinkles, premature aging and, worst of all, skin cancer. Fortunately there
are many options to help protect and keep your skin looking great. But,
doctors and aestheticians say that while people are more aware of the sun's
harmful effects, a lot of people still do not apply sunscreen correctly or
don't apply it at all.
"It is really important that people of all ages apply sunscreen daily
and apply it correctly. At minimum, this means applying a generous amount
of sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure, and reapplying every
few hours," said Cindy Hinkle, an aesthetician at Northwestern Medical
Center.
According to Debra Yates, an aesthetician in Pennsylvania, and the
past-president of the Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists
(SPSSCS), sun damage is also responsible for leathery-looking skin, broken
capillaries and wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, or age spots.
"Along with skin cancer, tanning and sun damage also contribute to
premature aging. The signs of aging are often what make people change their
ways. When they start to see the signs of aging, they get concerned," said
Ms. Yates.
What You Need To Know About Sun Block & Protecting Yourself from the
Sun
What does UV mean? Before you select an effective sunscreen, you should
know Ultraviolet (UV) radiation that affects the skin are classified as UVA
and UVB.
What is UVA? UVA is the longest of the UV. It can penetrate into the
deeper layers of the skin and plays a major role in skin aging and
wrinkling. Recent studies show it causes the development of skin cancer.
UVA penetrates glass and clouds.
What is UVB? UVB is responsible for burning, tanning, accelerating the
skin aging and also plays a key role in the development of skin cancer. UVB
varies by season, location and time of day. The most intense amount of UVB
hits the U.S. between 10:00am and 4:00pm.
What is SPF? Sun Protection factor (SPF) measures the protection
provided by a sunscreen against UVB. It is defined as the ratio of how long
it takes for skin to redden with sunscreen compared to without sunscreen.
Although the SPF ratings found on sunscreen packages apply mainly to UVB
rays, many sunscreen manufacturers include ingredients that protect the
skin from some UVA rays as well. Higher SPF numbers are preferable, but
don't let an inflated number lull you into a false sense of security,
especially because an SPF measures protection only from UVB -- not the more
dangerous UVA rays.
What is Broad Spectrum? -- When choosing the right sunscreen select a
product that provides "broad-spectrum" protection for both UVA and UVB. If
you are going to the beach or pool make sure it is water-resistant and
doesn't wash off in the water. You want to have an SPF of 15 or higher.
What ingredients should my sunscreen contain? -- When choosing a
sunscreen select one that contains ingredients known to filter UVA. These
include Mexoryl SX, avobenzone, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
What sunblock is best for my kids? -- For children under 6 years of
age, choose sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher.
What is the difference between a chemical and physical sublock? There
are two categories of sun sunscreens: Chemical or Physical.
The chemical sunscreens protect the skin by absorbing UV radiation. The
physical block light by reflecting UV away from the skin. Chemical
sunscreens contain avobenzone or a benzophenone and PABA. In rare cases
these chemicals can cause skin irritation and should be avoided if you have
skin allergies.
The physical sunscreens that use titanium dioxide and zinc oxide do not
typically cause allergic reactions. Though new technology, they are process
making them more transparent without losing their ability to screen UV.
How do I apply sunscreen? Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out
into the sun to give it time to absorb into the skin. Apply it generously
and regularly -- about 1 ounce every 2 hours -- and more often if you are
swimming or perspiring. A small tube containing between 3 to 5 ounces of
sunscreen might be only enough for one person during a day at the beach.
What order should I apply sun protection? If you are using a topical
medication or skin treatments such a vitamin C, that should be applied
first to a clean, just washed face, followed by a moisturizer if needed,
sunscreen, makeup, powder and blush.
To recap, always apply sunscreen after moisturizer and before your
makeup.
Be Skin Savvy. Consult your skin care specialist at your local plastic
surgeon's office on the latest in sun protection and anti-aging.
About ASAPS
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the leading
organization of board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in cosmetic
plastic surgery. ASAPS active-member plastic surgeons are certified by the
American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and
Surgeons of Canada. surgery
About SPSSCS
The 500 member Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists
(SPSSCS) is the only national skin care specialty organization aligned with
a medical specialty, plastic surgery. The organization educates and
provides clinical skills to skin care specialists who provide services to
plastic surgical patients in the offices of board certified plastic
surgeons. Our membership is comprised of both nurses and aestheticians.
surgery.
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
surgery