Did you already get your first sunburn of the year? Summer just began, so if you're not properly protecting your skin you're likely to receive many more. Unfortunately, this happens to millions of exposed Americans who spend time in the sun.
If your skin burns easily, defending it against the sun's harmful rays can be frustrating. You've likely tried covering yourself with additional layers of clothing, but found this method to be too hot and cumbersome. You may have also tried lathering on more sunscreen, but loathed how it clogged your pores and ledto breakouts. At this point, you're ready to go into hibernation and wait for winter.
But did you know that 1. UV-A and UV-B protection aren't the only things you should worry about and 2. Using the correct type of sunscreen can play a crucial role in keeping your skin better sheltered throughout the warm months? Many people are actually unaware that a lot goes into developing these formulations. Here are four aspects of the material to consider before purchasing your next bottle:
"Sunscreens should be water resistant and have longevity. But people need to still be cognizant of their limitations."
1. Use dense material if playing sports
When you walk into your pharmacy you'll see dozens of sunscreens that look alike. While most are similar, some are designed especially for those who play sports. Athletes should put down regular SPF solutions and purchase something like Neutrogena CoolDry Sport SPF 50+. Unlike other products, CoolDry is more dense and won't slide off a person's face when he or she sweats.
"Aside from your daily sunscreen, it's important to apply formulas that are made to measure up to the different activities in which you get direct sunlight," said Elizabeth Tanzi, a dermatologist in Washington, D.C., according to Health.com. "Just as your bikini isn't suitable for playing tennis, your beach block isn't going to hold up on the court."
Sunscreens should be waterresistant and developed with longevity in mind. But even then people need to be cognizant of their limitations. "There is 'water-resistant' sunscreen, but this will also come off your skin after heavy sweating or a dip in the ocean or pool," said Dr. Susan Huang, an instructor at Harvard Medical School and board-certified dermatologist forthe Harvard teaching hospital atBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, according to The Active Times. Sowhilecertain sunscreens like CoolDry are necessary for high-activity sports, that doesn't mean they're invincible.
2. SPF 60, SPF 70 and SPF 80 are the same.
We're not even sure if SPF 80 exists, but it doesn't matter. The protection SPF 50 or above solutions offer compared to SPF 40 is minimal, noted Steven Wang, director of dermatological surgery and dermatology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center at Basking Ridge.
3. Sunscreens should reject UVB and UVA
Ultraviolet radiation consists of UVB and UVA rays (along with infrared and heat damage, which we'll discuss shortly), so it's vital that sunscreens, at the minimum, protect your skin from both. Wang noted that most sunscreens only measure UVB protection but fail to note the proper amount of UVA fortification (and some don't even offer UVA protection). While UVA doesn't cause sunburns, it can penetrate deep into skin and increase the signs of aging. Tanning booths use UVA rays, so we recommend avoiding them.
4. UseSkinMedica's Total Defense and Repair
Most of what we've described involves protecting your skin against UV-A and UV-B rays. This might be fine for people who spend very little time outdoors (we're talking about walking to your car before and after work during the week.) But a lot of us love going outside to eat lunch, exercise, landscape around the home and play games with our loved ones.
If this sounds like your typical week, you need to use SkinMedica's Total Defense and Repair which protects your skin from both UV-A and UV-B rays, as well as infrared and heat damage. Its rejuvenatingproprieties also enable the skin to more easily heal itself while reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles and damaged skin. Why wouldn't you want an all-in-one solution? Exactly! That's why you should ask Marotta Plastic Surgery Specialists aboutSkinMedica's Total Defense and Repair.
Are there solutions for those already affected by sun damage?
If you've developed fine lines and wrinkles because of sun damage, you may be a perfect candidate for cosmetic surgery. Using state-of-the-art laser and light-based treatments, dual-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. James Marotta will help you restore your skin back to its natural, beautiful state. For more information, please contact us today.
