Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Sunshine!!
Isn't it nice that we've had a real summer this year in Seattle! We rarely get to enjoy this much sun, this early! All this is great, but we do have to be careful as that sun exposure can be dangerous—and unattractive! One of our colleagues recently spent too much time in the sun, without proper sunscreen and after his not-so-cute red tomato look faded, he was left with a peeling mess. Thank goodness we keep ample moisturizer around!
The use of sunscreen is imperative—on sunny days, cloudy days, even winter days. It is a good thing that the suncare industry is aware of this and provides us with ample sunscreen choices. For every occasion, need and level of exposure!
However, the result is that choosing the proper sunscreen can be daunting with all those letters, numbers and body-part specifics blasted across the bottles, tubes and sprays.
Don't throw your hands and run screaming—it is quite simple!
You want to purchase a product that has UVA and UVB filters—listed separately. UVA protects against aging, pigmentation alterations, and skin cancer while UVB Filters protect against sunburn. Don't buy a sunscreen with an SPF below 30. "SPF" measures the length of time that you may stay in the sun before damage or burning may occur. Different skin types (sensitive, fair, olive, etc.) react differently to the SPF factor and this must be taken into account. Let's suppose that you have sensitive skin and the maximum time for your bare skin to be in the sun before burning and skin damage occurs is 5 minutes. An SPF 30 would therefore allow your skin to be in the sun 150 minutes before any burn and sun damage occurs—that's just 2.5 hours. One watchout to be aware of is that above SPF 30, the effectiveness of the SPF number is not a straight formula. The protection factor only increases in small increments. In this way, an SPF 50 doesn't mean that you have twice the protection of a SPF 25 and that you can stay double the time in the sun. It only slightly increases the protection.
I personally love the FDA approved, SPF 30 Moisturizer from Skin Authority which has 4-star protection, UVA and UVB. For slightly more coverage, the new ARCONA Tinted Reozone SPF 40 is great.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and to repeat application every 2 hours or immediately after sweating and swimming.
One caution about tanning beds. They do not protect you from sun damage. As a matter of fact, the UVA Rays present in the bulb can cause the same premature aging, inconsistent pigmentation and skin cancer effects as the UVA rays in the real sun.
Last, for relief from a long day in the sun, the Gene Juarez Sea Mineral Mist has anti-inflammatory and soothing qualities that can be extremely welcome! And, moisturizing is always important, but especially after sun exposure. We have three hydrating options to choose from: ARCONA Peptide Hydrating Complex, Skin Authority Hydrating Relief or Sampar Ultra Hydrating Fluid.
Enjoy the Sun and have a Safe and Healthy summer!!!
Posted by: Lise, Skincare Director
