What are the top five reasons you believe everyone should be concerned about sun care?
- The ozone layer is depleting and your body needs shielding from harmful rays.
- Skin cancer rates are on the rise and sunscreen has been proven to decrease the development of skin cancer.
- It helps to prevent facial brown spots and skin discolorations.
- It also helps to reduce the appearance of facial red veins and blotchiness.
- It slows down the development of wrinkled, premature aging skin.
What about the need for obtaining vitamin D via the sun?
Most people can fulfill their vitamin D requirements of 600 IU or 15mcg per day with normal daily outdoor activities amounting to five to 30 minutes twice per week. Equally, a healthy vitamin D rich diet of fish, milk, dairy, liver, eggs and vitamin D supplementation provides daily requirements. Prolonged sun exposure gives no extra production of necessary vitamin D, and it exposes the skin to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation which includes development of skin cancers and photodamage.
There are medications that increase risks of sun burns and damage. How is this?
There are many medications which may make the skin extra susceptible to sun. These include anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular and acne medications. Oral medications Doxycycline and Minocycline used in the treatment of acne may cause skin problems when exposed to direct and prolonged UV. Isotretinoin, popularly called Accutane, is a vitamin A derived medication which may make your skin burn easily. Topical acne products, such as vitamin A derived tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide, may make certain skin types burn easier through photosensitization and irritation, respectively.
Are there any natural sunscreen alternatives that don’t leave behind a garish white film from the zinc oxide?
Yes, the newest kids on the sunscreen block are tinted mineralized zinc and titanium oxide formulations which bronze the skin or can be matched to skin color. We have amazing tinted SPF 40 sunscreen from Glo Therapeutics, that also moisturize in this high dry climate we live in.
Is there harm in using expired sunscreen?
Expired sunscreen has literally fallen apart, so the formulation no longer works as a sun protectant. You get zero sun protection. In addition, you may experience changes in the color and consistency of the product. Skin irritation may occur from an expired product. It is important to check those labels and expiration dates. Throw out any sunscreens that are expired or might be expired.
Bottom line, sunscreen is a MUST in Colorado. We are 5,280 miles closer to the sun, and you may think only a few minutes in the sun without protection won’t hurt, but it will. It is always easier to prevent than correct. For you sensitive skin folks, we carry Glo Therapeutics SPF 50 Sensitive Solar Shade. Same thing to all you tanning bed devotees. You are causing more damage than you realize, and the sooner you switch to a spray tan and start using sunscreen, the better.
Book a Skin consultation or Facial today if you have concerns about sun damage, or any other skin concerns.
