Picking the perfect serum and tips on maintaining healthy skin are the main areas discussed during treatments here at Flawless Beauty by SK. However, something that gets overlooked and often omitted from our daily routine is sunscreen. Yes, that unassuming bottle of lotion or spray isn’t just for beach days in the summer or when the sun is hot and shining bright. Sunscreen is meant to be a year-round guard against harmful and damaging effects the sun can have on our skin.
Sunscreen Summer Season, And Beyond
One of the most common misconceptions people have is that sunscreen is only needed when the sun is hot and clear overhead. Many of us put away our sunscreen along with our summer clothes. But, the reality is UV rays don’t take a vacation. Harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate through clouds and windows, leaving our skin susceptible to aging and damaging rays, even during the off-seasons of autumn & winter. Winter sports enthusiasts planning your ski vacations, listen up!! Snow reflects sunlight, intensifying its effects. Protecting your skin with sunscreen during winter activities is just as important as applying it for a day at the beach. Being exposed to these harmful rays can cause sunburns, premature aging, hyperpigmentation (sunspots) and worst of all, skin cancer. Applying sunscreen all-year round helps to safeguard our skin’s health, significantly reducing ways the sun can wreak havoc on our skin and protect us from developing major skin conditions or skin cancer.
What level of SPF is enough?
Sun protection factor (SPF) is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect from UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes burns, skin damage and skin cancers. Most professionals recommend an SPF of at least 30 for most people and most climates. Once you have gone past SPF 30, the protection becomes more incremental. When properly applied, for example an SPF 30 sunscreen protects skin from 97% of the sun’s UVB rays, while SPF 50 protects roughly 98%. No sunscreen blocks 100% of the sun’s rays.
To take it a step further, finding a broad-spectrum sunscreen is ideal when picking out the perfect protection. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which cause aging and wrinkles, and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which are the cancer causing rays.
I personally have been using a 45-50 SPF broad-spectrum since I was 16 years old. I am grateful to my mother (who is also in the beauty industry) for getting me into this life long habit. Wearing SPF religiously over the course of my life has shaved years off the appearance of my skin and more importantly has prevented me from getting any major skin conditions and/or cancer.
When is it time to see a Specialist?
While sunscreen protects us from so many things, there are times when your skin needs extra attention. Whether it's with me or your dermatologist, here are some signs that it’s time to consult an esthetician and/or dermatologist.
Moles or spots that change in appearance: If you notice your moles have changed in size, shape, or color, it's vital to have them checked by a professional.
Serious Skin Conditions:
Acne vulgaris: most common type of acne
Rashes: pityriasis rosea & contact dermatitis
Rosacea: redness & bumps
Seborrheic dermatitis: flakey scales mainly on scalp
Eczema: itchy rash
Psoriasis: irritated, red skin often with flaky silver/white patches
Visible Sun Damage: Years of sun exposure leads to issues like sunspots, wrinkles, and uneven skin tones. Skin specialists can suggest effective treatments to address these concerns.
The Bottom Line: Stay Diligent Year Round
We all want healthy, beautiful skin with a youthful appearance. It is crucial to incorporate sunscreen into your daily skincare routine. Doing so will completely elevate your overall skin health for many years to come. Also, recognizing when and how often you see your esthetician and/or dermatologist is a pivotal step on this skincare journey.
Your skin is a reflection of your overall health and directly impacts so many aspects of your life. Being mindful of your skin's needs and taking the required steps you’re not just investing in your beauty—you’re investing in your well-being. My goal is always for all of my clients to feel beautiful and healthy inside and out.
Give me a call to schedule a complimentary consultation!!
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