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Why Sunscreen & SPF Are So Important for Proper Skin Care

 

What’s the secret to radiant, supple, and hydrated skin? It may surprise you: protecting your skin from the sun’s rays. The best tool to implement into your skincare routine, especially in the summer months, is to wear sunscreen daily. Too much sun exposure and tanning can wreak havoc on healthy, hydrated skin. It leads to sunburns, dry skin, irritation, inflammation, and even a chance of developing skin cancer down the road. Wearing daily sunscreen and SPF is crucial to maintain healthy skin. Learn the best tips and tools for wearing sunscreen below.

Understanding the Importance of Sunscreen & SPF

Although it may feel oh-so-good to expose your bare face to the sun, it will create more harm than good. Here are the top reasons to consider wearing sunscreen and SPF-rich moisturizers to protect yourself from skin conditions and sun damage.

Protection Against UV Rays

Skin exposure is a big risk factor for developing skin cancer over time. Sunscreen and SPF help block ultraviolet rays (UV rays) that damage skin cells, a precursor to skin cancer.

Prevention of Skin Cancer

Studies show that regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by 40% and lower your risk of getting melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 50%.

Anti-Aging Benefits

One of the leading causes of premature aging is from sun exposure, contributing to early wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and more. Sunscreen helps to prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which helps the skin look youthful, plump, and smooth.

Even Skin Tone and Texture

In addition to keeping the skin looking youthful, sunscreen also helps retain a smooth texture and skin tone. Sun exposure triggers the production of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin color. Sun damage can cause the melanin to be produced unevenly, leading to dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and an overall uneven look. Sunscreen blocks UV rays, which reduces melanin production.

Consequences of Not Using Sunscreen

Even though it may feel harmless to go for a walk without sunscreen, overtime there will be consequences. Here’s why:

Increased Risk of Skin Cancer

Without SPF protection, you have more exposure to UV rays, which is a precursor to skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is the most common type, and melanoma, the most serious kind of skin cancer.

Accelerated Aging

Too much sun exposure brings on wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, an uneven skin tone, and an appearance of dry, leathery skin, which greatly accelerates aging. When an older person looks younger, typically they’ve been protecting their skin from damage with SPF protection.

Hyperpigmentation and Sun Spots

Hyperpigmentation is a term that describes areas of your skin that are darker than the surrounding skin, appearing as patches, freckles, and age spots, which affect the melanin in the skin. Sun spots are a type of hyperpigmentation directly caused by sun exposure. They are usually tanned “spots” on the skin that advance aging.

Skin Damage and Sensitivity

Skin damage can manifest in a number of ways, from sunburns to uneven skin tone, age spots, and sun spots. This happens because the collagen and elastin that keeps skin smooth, tight, and supple is broken down by being exposed to too much sunlight. And with too much sun exposure, your skin can become sensitive to the sun, including becoming prone to sunburns and photosensitivity. This describes an abnormal reaction to sunlight, causing itchiness, redness, rashes, or a burning sensation when exposed to sunlight.

Best Practices for Wearing Sunscreen

Now that you know the importance of sunscreen, it’s time to take it a step further: choosing the right sunscreen and how to apply it correctly to optimize sun protection. Here are our tips:

Choosing the Right Sunscreen

Look for sunscreen products that are labeled “broad-spectrum sunscreen.” This protects you from both UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) rays. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature aging and wrinkles, and UVB rays cause sunburn and can increase your risk of getting skin cancer. Make sure it’s water-resistant so it protects you throughout sweating or swimming. If you’re a fan of natural sunscreen ingredients, look for brands that have zinc oxide to protect you from UV radiation.

Proper Application Techniques

Unfortunately, there is no “apply-it-once and you’re done” process when it comes to sunscreen. Apply sunscreen generously all over your body at least 15 minutes before you are in the sun. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more if you are sweating or swimming. Aim for a nickel-sized dollop amount for the face and neck and a liberal amount for the rest of the body. Apply again after swimming or after vigorous sports, as it could wash off easily.

Incorporating Sunscreen into Daily Routine

Not only should you apply sunscreen when you’re headed outside, it should be a part of your daily skincare routine in the morning for optimal coverage — yes, you should wear sunscreen every day. For year-long use, opt for moisturizers with SPF 15+ or for the summer, start with broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen. This will help you stay protected without having to think about it during your day-to-day activities, whether you’re just walking the dog or driving — it’s all important.

Treatments to Reverse Sun Damage

If you feel like it’s too late to undo any sun damage that has been done, think again. Our innovative, minimally invasive treatments help to reverse any sun damage that has been done.

Microneedling

 

Microneedling rejuvenates the skin by using tiny needles to create micro-injuries that trigger the production of collagen and elastin. This process helps repair sun damage, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sunspots, and improves overall skin texture and tone.

Chemical Peels

Chemical Peel

Our Perfect Peel uses a blend of acids and antioxidants to exfoliate and remove damaged skin layers, revealing fresher, healthier skin. This treatment reduces fine lines, evens skin tone, and diminishes sunspots, effectively reversing the visible effects of sun damage.

BBL/Photofacial

BBL Photofacial

The Photofacial BBL laser treatment targets pigment clusters to reduce age spots and uneven skin tone caused by sun exposure. By stimulating collagen production, it also improves skin texture and reduces wrinkles, offering significant rejuvenation with minimal downtime.

Advanced Facials

Advanced Facials use cutting-edge technology to address sun damage, wrinkles, and discoloration. These treatments deeply hydrate and stimulate collagen production, improving skin’s texture and appearance and effectively reducing signs of UV exposure.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers restore volume and soften lines and wrinkles that become more noticeable due to sun exposure. By hydrating the skin and stimulating collagen, they enhance the overall texture and subtly diminish the signs of sun damage, giving a refreshed, youthful look.

PRF Rejuvenation Treatment

PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin) Rejuvenation uses your blood’s growth factors to promote collagen and tissue regeneration. This natural treatment improves skin tone and elasticity, reducing dark circles and sun-induced pigmentation, leaving the skin looking revitalized and healthier.

Skinvive

Skinvive Results

Skinvive by Juvedérm hydrates the skin and boosts collagen production with hyaluronic acid. This minimally invasive treatment enhances skin’s firmness and reduces fine lines and sun damage, helping maintain a youthful, glowing complexion for months.

How Skin Savvy Can Help Your Skin

 

Skin Savvy Aesthetics offers a talented team of skin professionals that provides the newest, cutting-edge technology and treatments, personalized for you. Schedule a consultation today in our beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona, office.

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