Spring has arrived and with it, warmer temperatures and sunlight! A lot of people don’t know that sunscreen should be worn every day, no matter the weather or temperature, but especially during the months where you’ll be outside or have more sun exposure. It’s a common misconception for people to think they can skip this step because they wear a foundation that contains SPF or claim they don’t need it because they’re rarely exposed to the sun. While it’s great that beauty brands have started formulating sun protection into their products, this really isn’t enough to make a difference.
Also, even if you don’t frequently lay out by the pool or spend time outdoors, you’re still exposed to the sun as UV rays are present year-round. UVA rays, the same kind of rays found in tanning booths, can penetrate through clouds and windows regardless of weather conditions. Did you know that we get the most sun in the car while driving? So, unless the windows in your car and home have top-notch UV protection, your skin is being affected!
In our last blog post, I touched on the difference between medical-grade and over-the-counter products. As a refresher, medical-grade products can penetrate the skin more effectively than over-the-counter products, giving better results. Taking preventative action is vital when it comes to improving skin health which is why using medical-grade sunscreen is so important!
We see terms like “broad spectrum”, “physical”, and “chemical” sunscreens but what do these terms mean? Let’s clear up some of the confusion: SPF in over-the-counter products blocks UVB rays (which are most intense on sunny days and during the summer months), but does virtually nothing to protect against the UVA rays I mentioned above. UVA rays can lead to melanomas and break down our dermal layer, resulting in loss of collagen and skin elasticity, not to mention lead to rough skin texture and broken capillaries.
If sunscreen is “broad spectrum”, then that means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays so the chances of getting a sunburn or skin cancer are drastically reduced. Physical sunscreens create a barrier on the skin and reflect the sun’s UV rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays, convert the rays into heat, and then release them from the body.
Your skin type will determine whether a physical or chemical medical-grade sunscreen option is right for you, hence why you can only purchase these products under the recommendation of a licensed medical professional. Unsure about your skin type or which sunscreen will best suit your skin? Schedule a consultation with one of Ivy’s licensed medical aestheticians to find out!
If you’ve been into Ivy recently, you may have noticed some new products on the shelves. The ISDIN line is the newest addition to the wide range of products available at Ivy. ISDIN products are 100% mineral sunscreens that offer broad spectrum protection. They use a revolutionary blend of peptides, antioxidants, and DNA Repairsomes to repair existing sun damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while preventing new ones. Their formulas are lightweight, blending seamlessly into the skin, and are recommended for all skin types.
No matter your age, skin type, or ethnicity, using sunscreen is essential to not only preventing aging caused by sun exposure, but also skin cancer prevention. Of course, the best kind of prevention is to lessen your exposure to the sun, but with weather this nice, who wants to be inside? Just make sure to apply sunscreen before going outside and remember to reapply after going in water or sweating excessively. If you need a sunscreen recommendation, Ivy Spa & Wellness has you covered!