The Unexpected Truth About Sun Exposure and Skin Damage
It may come as a surprise that up to 90% of skin damage and signs of aging can be linked to the sun.
90%!
The good news is that we have many ways we can protect ourselves from the sun (and still enjoy summer!).
If you are looking to keep yourself safe, looking (and feeling) young, and still want glowing skin, here are my tips for reducing possible skin damage from the sun:
1. Know Your SPF
You may think you have this covered, but I wanted to make sure you knew that there are 2 types of SPF (and one may be better for you than another).
The 2 types are Chemical and Physical.
Chemical SPFs are generally absorbed into your skin, and they, in turn, absorb UV rays. They convert the rays into heat and then release them from your body. Typically the active ingredients in chemical sunscreens include oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate.
On the other hand, the skin does not absorb mineral Physical SPFs. Instead, they sit on top and reflect the sun’s UV rays. Typically the active ingredients in physical sunscreens (technically sunblocks) are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Both types are beneficial, but I recommend that a more water-resistant, chemically-based sunscreen is your best option if you will be swimming or sweating outdoors.
The one caveat to chemically based sunscreen is that sensitive skin types such as rosacea or anyone that flushes easily will be better off using a physical block and re-applying as needed according to their activity. In addition, chemical sunscreen can increase your skin’s inflammatory response causing more redness.
2. Use a Sunless Tanner
I know many of us expose ourselves to the sunshine because we want that summer glow. Unfortunately, our short term bronzing leads to long term damage.
What if you could protect your skin AND have the bronzed look you are hoping for? I’ve found a way that we can in a safe, easy to apply way - I call it SunlessGlo Tanning Foam.
Think of this as your way to achieve a natural-looking, sun-safe tan. It’s basically an innovative, streak-free, sunless tanning foam that provides buildable color.
You can use this as needed to get the summer color you are looking for, without the damage. Plus, it develops well and you can layer your SPF over it for extra protection!
I know it’s fun to be in the sun, I just offer you - for the sake of your skin health and youthful appearance! - the gentle nudge to stay out of it as much as possible, and if you will be outside, protect yourself with the SPF that is right for you, replenish yourself afterwards, and if it’s just a summer glow you are looking for, try a sunless tanner!
