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Sunscreen and Sunblock
You need them and
here's why
The beach beckons - vacations mean kick back afternoons in
the sun. Summer is fun - summer is also the time you can set
off the triggers of the pigmentation minefield.
By September
and October, our office is filled with women who want to
know one thing:
"How do I get rid of these brown spots
all over my face and body??"
Blame Coco
Chanel - she's the one who made "tanning" popular
First of all, if you don't
take some precautionary measures, your skin will pay the
price. Not just in appearance, but in DNA damage. So don't
think a summer tan is not going to have long term effects.
More wrinkles, pigmentation problems, light and dark spots,
dehydrated and rough skin. Not a pretty price to pay, is it?
Sunblock VS Sunscreen -
the differences
Sunblock physically
reflects and scatters sunlight - almost acting as a mirror.
For sensitive skins, skin that has been burned, skin that is
being treated with acne medications or skin that has been
previously treated for melasma - sunblocks are your best
choice.
Pick those with at least 3% zinc or titanium dioxide
(zinc is better). The newer blocks with micronized zinc
oxide virtually disappear on the skin. Some of the standard
over the counter sunblocks may leave a slight whitish cast.
Sunscreens are
chemical agents which "absorb" UV rays. Not the best choice
for sensitive skin, but they do disappear completely. Caveat
- they don't take effect for about 30 minutes. Look for the more
stable ingredients mexoryl, helioplex or Avobenzone (Parsol
1798).. Be sure to get a product with protection against both UVA (the spot and
wrinkle rays) and UVB (the burn rays). SPF minimum of 30. Reapplication every two
hours.
Where to use sunscreen
or sunblock?
On any skin not protected by clothing. Face, neck, chest, arms,
hands, ears (where many men get skin cancer!) backs of legs,
tops of feet and toes. And lips...remember the lips. They're
highly susceptible to burning and that dreaded DNA damage.
About SPF
SPF indicates sun protection levels. It can get a little
complicated which SPF to choose, but basically SPF30 to
SPF50 is a realistic range (View the video The Truth
About SPF in the next section).
How high an SPF you may
need will depend on your sun dosage. Early morning sun is
not as powerful as midday sun. The higher the SPF, the
higher the level of protection up to around 50 - but a high SPF does
not
translate into longer protection time. You still need to
reapply.
Read the FDA's explanation of SPF.
Products with the Skin CancerSociety's Seal of Recommendation
Tans are out - The Glow is in
Go With Your Own Glow
- From the Skin Cancer Foundation
Have questions? Request a call from our Information Staff
Visit LaJollaLaser.com
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