Sunscreen: Your anti-aging & anti-cancer protector

You need to go out in the sun to get your vitamin D — just don’t overdo it. 

Every year, summer takes a toll on the skin. The scorching heat, pollution and humidity wipes off the natural glow, and sometimes invites infections. So prepping one’s skin for summertime should be at the forefront of your to-do list to avoid all these hassles, and to keep your skin radiating like before.

Photoaging from UV radiation exposure is the primary cause of extrinsic skin aging (external factors that cause aging), which means it is largely preventable. There’s tons of evidence that tells us that protecting skin from UV rays will improve its health and appearance with age.

Behind the term “broad spectrum,” one of the most confusing things about sunscreen is “UVA versus UVB.”  Sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays that reach the earth:  Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.  Overexposure to either can lead to skin cancer, which is why you need to wear “broad spectrum” sunscreen, which protects you from both, and reapply it often.

The two types of rays are responsible for different yet equally sinister skin-damaging things.  UVA rays cause premature aging leading to wrinkles and age spots. These are also the sneaky ones that can pass through window glass. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and are blocked by window glass, which is why you don’t get burned while driving. UVB rays also stimulate melanocyte cells to produce more melanin, which shows up as a burn, tan, freckle, brown or age spot or hyperpigmentation.

Sunscreen is, therefore, an essential part of the antiaging, anti-burn, anti-pigmentation armamentarium of protection that one would need. But for as much that is said about the importance of this must to-do step, there are also many questions and misconceptions that swirl around the topic.  What’s enough? What is safe? Well, summer is here and here is everything you need to know about this super important skincare staple.

• Physical sunscreens contain extremely fine particles of minerals that stay on the skin’s surface, which actually creates a barrier to reflect the sun’s rays.  It is excellent for super-sensitive skin. It protects the skin from the sun by deflecting harmful rays.  They also have a tendency to last a little longer on the skin.  In the past they often left a white cast on the skin but today’s formulas are more transparent.  Some users do find they can go on “thicker.”

• Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, are made up of synthetic compounds (manufacturers call them “organic” filters) that absorb ultraviolet radiation.  Especially indicated for drier skin types.

• Chemically filtered sunscreens offer more coverage against both UVA and UVB rays.  But in using this sunscreen you typically need to wait at least 20 minutes after applying it to receive adequate sun protection.

So what to apply and where to apply it?

• Creams are best for dry skin and use on the face.  Gels are good for acneic skin and hairy areas like the scalp or male chest, sticks are good to use around the eyes.  Sprays are easy to apply to children.  Use enough product to cover the entire surface area thoroughly as follows:

• 1 teaspoon for face, neck ears and head or dime size blob for face only; 1 teaspoon per arm; 2 teaspoon for front and back torso;                     2 teaspoons per leg and top of foot

1.  For legs and thighs – Sunmist (type: Physical + Chemical – SPF 150). Your legs are a big area to apply sunscreen, but don’t forget often neglected areas like the tops of your feet and backs of your knees

2.  For the abdomen – Sunmist (type: Physical + Chemical– SPF 150). This is one area you probably need sunscreen on when you are outside in a bikini and your stomach (abdomen more appropriately) is exposed.  A physical sunscreen in combination with aloe barbadenensis is a fantastic combination.  Aloe through its powerful healing activity at the epithelial level of the skin, a layer of cells that cover the body. It acts as a protective layer on the skin and helps replenish its moisture. Because of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, the skin heals quicker. Aloe leaves contain a plethora of antioxidants including, beta carotene, vitamin C and E that can help improve the skin’s natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated.

3. For the lips — Tommy Bahama Bluemonade lip balm sunscreen (type: Physical – SPF 30). Our lips have less melanin, so they have a lot less defense against the sun’s rays.  To protect them, its smart to apply a lip balm with at least SPF 15.  This particular brand offers a delicious blueberry lemonade flavor, loads of hydrators like coconut oil, and UVA/UVB sun protection.

4. For the face — This entirely is a different story. Dermatologists base their recommendations largely by first knowing what the skin type of that person is.  Then what specific skin problems that particular patient has, then we recommend cosmetic products for them to use which includes sunscreens.  Many formulations sink in right away and blend in under makeup but an assessment first is most important.

5. For the hair — Natura Bisse C+C Dry Oil antioxidant sun protection (Chemical – SPF 30). Our scalp needs sun protection too, so wear a thick scarf or a wide-brimmed hat (a baseball cap won’t protect your face from sun coming at an angle).

6. For arms, neck + decollete — It’s still  Sunmist (type: Physical + Chemical – SPF 150). If you are not wearing a shirt that covers your arms, you need to apply sunscreen on exposed skin — hands included.  When applying over the neck and décolleté, use upward strokes on the front of the neck, then move sideways to get to the sides and the hairline.

And if you opt for a cream SPF, you should reapply it often. Sunscreen sometimes breaks down in the sun, washes off or rubs off on towels and clothing. Reapply every hour when in direct sunlight for proper protection. One should also remember that certain areas are more sensitive and certain areas tend to sweat more which can lead to accelerated sunblock run-off.

Here are some important myths about sunscreen for you to know:

1. You do not need to apply extra SPF if your make up has it. Sunscreens do not work if you rely on your make up or moisturizers alone.

2. You need to go out in the sun to get your vitamin  — just don’t overdo it.  You can obtain vitamin D from vitamins and supplements to meet your daily requirements.

3. A higher SPF equals more protection. Regardless of the number there is no sunscreen that can protect 100 percent of the sun’s rays.

4. Darker skin types are immune to skin cancer. Darker skin is not immune to skin cancer and because of this belief, many non-Caucasians are diagnosed with later, harder to treat stage of the disease.

5. The ingredients in sunscreens can put your health at risk. The ingredients in sunscreens get a lot of scrutiny, but the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) stands by this one: scientific evidence supports the benefits of using sunscreen to minimize short term and long term skin damage. Preventing skin cancer and sunburn outweigh unproven claims of toxicity or human health hazard from the ingredients in sunscreens.

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For questions or inquiries please call (0939) 9171352, (0999) 8834802 or 2634094, or email atgc_beltran@yahoo.com.)