The Importance of Sunscreen: What to Know

Just about everyone has heard about the dangers the sun poses to your skin health. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., and those numbers continue to climb as exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun, electronic screens, and tanning bed use increases. Protecting your skin from excessive sun can prevent skin cancer and keep your skin looking young and healthy, and wearing sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin. If you’re still second-guessing the importance of applying sunscreen daily, even for short trips outdoors, then here are a few more critical reasons why sunscreen is so important.

Sunscreen Protects Against More Than Sunburn

No matter how light or dark your skin is, you can still get sunburn from prolonged exposure to sunlight. While lighter skin lacks protective melanin and can burn faster than darker skin, all skin tones are susceptible to sunburn. Sunscreen prevents sunburn as well as blocks the damaging rays of UVA, UVB, and blue light. Without a mineral barrier sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, UV light penetrates the skin and causes damage to DNA in the cells which leads to skin cancer.

Sunscreen is Easy to Find and Use

There’s no reason for not making sunscreen a part of your daily regimen, like brushing your teeth in the morning. Sunscreen is available at our office and online store for easy and convenient delivery to your home. We have curated what we consider to be the best and most effective products to save you time. Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen provides a soft glow and is compatible with all skin types.

Know What Ingredients are Important

When shopping, make sure to look for SPF 30+ with active ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are mineral based products which create a protective barrier to harmful rays without harmful chemicals which are damaging to the environment and more irritating. Isdin Mineral Brush is great for on-the-go, sensitive skin types, and protects against environmental pollution’s skin effects as well.

Using Sunscreen Sets a Good Example for Children and Teenagers

When you apply sunscreen daily, you set an excellent example for children and young adults. When regularly using sunscreen at a young age, they can protect their skin from damage and maintain healthy skin for the long term. Your chances of developing skin cancer increase with sun exposure over time, so prevention from an early age can greatly benefit children in the long run.

Using Sunscreen Helps Maintain an Even Skin Tone

If you want to maintain an even and healthy skin tone, then applying sunscreen before you go outdoors is vital. It doesn’t matter if you’ll only be outdoors for a few minutes or what time of year it is; you should always apply sunscreen to your face and other exposed skin areas. Making a daily habit of this as part of your skincare regimen can be a great way to preserve a healthy, glowing look in the long term. Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Sunscreen is a lightweight, broad spectrum sunscreen that is tinted for even-toned skin. The formula uses 100% mineral filters, peptides, antioxidants, and DNA Repairsomes® to repair existing sun damage and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Schedule a Consultation

Healthy and radiant skin should last your entire life. The more you protect your skin against the sun’s harmful rays, the better-looking and healthier it will be. For a review of the medical grade sunscreens that have been tested and have additional anti-aging, brightening, hydrating, or antioxidant properties, please visit our website.

For all your dermatology and plastic surgery needs, Anita Saluja, MD and Rebecca Novo, MD will help you look and feel your best. Call our office in Melbourne’s Suntree and Viera area or fill out our online form to get started.