Every day I treat patients for various skin and appearance concerns, and there’s one thing that nearly all of them have in common: they need to wear sunscreen more often. Its time to throw out the idea that sunscreen is something you only wear when you go to the beach or pool. Sunscreen is an essential step that needs to be added to your daily beauty regimen. If you’re not going to wear sunscreen to prevent skin cancer, then at least wear it to keep your skin looking youthful and wrinkle-free.
Who should use Sunscreen
Anyone over the age of six months should use a sunscreen on a daily basis. Even those who work inside are exposed to ultraviolet radiation for brief periods throughout the day, especially if they work near windows, which generally filter out UVB but not UVA rays.
If you’re struggling to include sunscreen in your daily beauty regimen, then keep it right next to your usual moisturizer, and keep a reminder that tells you that wearing sunscreen will help to keep your skin looking young and wrinkle-free. While this advice may seem superficial, it must be noted that a new study shows that patients are more likely to wear sunscreen when they’re motivated by their fear of aging rather than their fear of skin cancer.
Choosing a Sunscreen
“Nine out of 10 skin cancers are related to exposure to the sun,” said Timothy C. Flynn, M.D., President of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. “The fact is sunscreen can save your life for whatever reason you decide to use it.” If you have been forgetting to apply sunscreen daily, then take into consideration that there are many ways that too much sun exposure can damage your skin, making it age prematurely. UV radiation increases wrinkles and moles, creates discolored spots or patches and can produce an uneven skin tone and leathery texture.
Buy a high-quality product with an SPF of 15 or higher; check its ingredients to make sure it offers broad-spectrum protection; and decide whether it works better for everyday incidental use or extended outdoor use. Finally, take a look at Natural Image OC’s sunscreen selection. We have a variety of sunscreens for every skin type, and right now all sunscreens are 15% off! So stock up for summer!
There is some good news, however. If you have noticed signs of premature aging or sun damage on your skin, Natural Image OC can help. Procedures such as dermabrasion, laser and light therapy, chemical peels, soft-tissue fillers, among others, can easily and non-invasively rejuvenate skin and take years off your appearance. Have you noticed signs of sun-damaged skin? Contact Natural Image OC today.
