Sunscreen has come a long way. We now know we need protection from UVA and Infrared radiation as well as UVB. Todays sunscreens are true anti-aging, anti-cancer powerhouses. But, how do you know which products are the best?
Read the label! SPF measures your ability to stay in the sun without burning. It is a good measure of protection against sunburn and cancer-causing UVB rays. Look for sunscreen that contains Zinc and has an SPF of 30 or higher in order to give you full protection from the sun. The words “broad spectrum” on a sunscreen label means it is protecting you against both UVA and UVB.
UVA rays penetrate more deeply than UVB and cause a longer lasting tan, or leathery look of the skin. These rays are big contributors to brown spots, broken blood vessels, and skin thinning as well as skin cancer.
Infrared (IR) penetrate deeper into the skin than UVA and UVB and now there is a superscreen that features SOL-IR Advanced Antioxidant Complex to prevent the damage from chronic exposure. Total Defense and Repair is a superscreen by SkinMedica that offers protection against Infrared damage as well as UVA and UVB rays.
UVB rays are dangerous because they:
- Allow sunburn
- Lead to skin cancer
- Cause premature aging
UVA rays are dangerous because they:
- Are the most intense UV sun ray and are intense all day long and all year long
- Do not feel warm, like UVB rays, so you don’t realize you are getting sun damage
- Come through window glass
- Are not blocked by all sunscreens
- Lead to skin cancer and premature aging
Sunscreen should be worn everyday on ALL sun exposed areas of skin to prevent:
- skin cancer
- wrinkles
- age spots
- purple blotches (actinic purpura) and skin tears that happen on the arms
- thin skin
- the red/brown discoloration that occurs on the sides of your neck over the years (poikiloderma)
Are you overwhelmed by all the choices?
At our Clear Medspa we carry new and innovative formulations that everyone can enjoy using! There are still creams and lotions, but now you can find sunscreen in a liquid, solid stick, and powder. Application has never been so easy. Whether you have the most sensitive skin to the oiliest of skin, there are formulas for your skin type. During the entire month of May all sunscreens are 20% off!