Get out the sunscreen! As summer approaches, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re protected from harmful UV rays. Although the sun’s radiation can still penetrate through the clouds on an overcast day in winter, summer is a good time to be reminded of the benefits of consistent sunblock use.
According to the Food & Drug Administration, SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a measure of how much solar energy is required to produce sunburn on protected skin, relative to the amount of solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin.
Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays have a shorter wavelength but are very high energy, damaging the top layer of skin and cells, which increases cancer risk. Sunscreens typically range from SPF 15, which blocks 93 percent of UVB rays to SPF 100, which blocks 99 percent of UVB rays. Here are a few reasons why you should be applying products with SPF to your skin daily.
1. Reduce Risk of Skin Cancer
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in every three diagnoses is skin cancer. As such, applying SPF should be a crucial step in your daily routine to protect your skin.
After exposure to the sun’s radiation, you can develop three main types of skin cancer: Basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma. Your risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, can be reduced by applying sunscreen with an SPF factor of 15 or higher.
2. Prevent Sunburn
No one likes getting a sunburn. In addition to being painful, itchy and irritating, sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer and other diseases. Although sunburns fade overtime, the damage caused can have a permanent impact on your skin health.
The redness and inflammation created by sunburn can be so severe that it leads to sun poisoning. Painful blisters may form, along with flu-like symptoms like fever and chills. Wearing SPF can help reflect and scatter UV rays to prevent them from damaging your skin.
3. Protect Against Premature Aging
Sun exposure is responsible for 90 percent of visible signs of aging on your skin! Prevent premature aging by consistently applying SPF. Wrinkles, dark spots and crow’s feet may be formed when exposed to UV rays without the proper SPF protection. In addition to sunscreen, many facial moisturizers and foundations and body lotions contain SPF.
At Vein Centers of Connecticut, our professionals can identify the best regimen to reduce your fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and age spots. For more questions or to rejuvenate your skin’s appearance, contact us to schedule an appointment today.