Many of us believe that sunscreen should be reserved for fun summer days at the beach or by the pool. However, you need to be wearing sunscreen every single day, rain or shine, to protect your skin against ultraviolet rays. These rays are independent of cold or hot weather and are not blocked by clouds on overcast days. Also, did you know that your phone and computer screens expose you to harmful blue lights? In fact, studies have shown that 6 hours in front of a screen is the equivalent to 25 minutes of unprotected mid-day sun exposure. Protecting your skin at all times has never been more important!
Not only can neglecting sun protection lead to developing cancerous skin lesions, but it most certainly accelerates signs of premature aging. If you want to guarantee healthy, wrinkle-free, radiant skin, apply your sunscreen every single day. You’ll thank us for it!
THE DANGERS OF UV RAYS
We’re not here to frighten you, only to inform you of the dangers of exposing your unprotected skin to harmful UV rays.
In fact, as we mentioned above, accumulated unprotected exposure can cause skin cancer. Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States? By applying sunscreen every single day, experts reveal that you’re cutting your risk of contracting skin cancer in half!
One of the most common consequences of years of sun exposure is premature ageing. In fact, UV rays cause photoaging of the skin which leads to a breakdown of collagen, fine lines, sagging and wrinkles. Studies show that those below age 55 who apply sunscreen regularly have 24 percent less chance of developing these signs of aging than those who don’t. Let’s put it this way: one of the best things you can do to combat signs of aging is applying sunscreen regularly. It’s a simple and effective way to guarantee your skin stays ageless and healthy over time.
Not only does it prevent fine lines and wrinkles, but sunscreen also help you keep a hyperpigmentation-free complexion. Sun exposure can trigger dark spots (commonly called sunspots) on the skin which can be very difficult to get rid of. UV rays can also darken any existing pigmentation on your face left behind from acne or other skin abrasions. Daily sunscreen is the key to maintaining a smooth, even skin tone.
BLUE LIGHT : THE SILENT AGER
Still not convinced of the importance of daily SPF?
Did you know that the blue light emitted from your computer screen, cellphone, IPad is harmful for your skin? In fact, experts are seeing increasing data on the potential long-term effects of blue light. According to Dermatologist Dr Stefanie Williams, blue light is being called the silent ager of our generation.
We’re all guilty of it. Spending countless hours a day scrolling Instagram or working in front of our computers from 9 to 5. Because of these habits, we’re potentially being exposed to more harmful light than ever before!
What are the effects of blue light? As Dr. Williams explains, “ blue light has been shown in studies to induce oxidative stress in live skin”, which can contribute to skin aging. In fact, blue light has been shown to penetrate deeper into the skin than UV rays, directly affecting collagen and elastin production. Scary, right? Not only can blue light cause premature skin aging, but it can also cause hyperpigmentation in the skin, just like UV light. For those of you who are working from home and think you’re safe… think again!
PICKING YOUR SUNSCREEN
With so many sunscreen formulations on the market, there isn’t an excuse to not wear one daily. In fact, the thick, white-cast sunscreen we wore when we were kids is a thing of the past. Now there are sunscreens that are tinted, others that are designed to treat specific skin concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation and dry skin, there are even some that have been specifically designed to protect the skin against blue light. Almost all of these sunscreens disappear into the skin without leaving any white-cast.
Typically, you want to look for a sunscreen that offers an SPF of 30 and above. In fact, dermatologists recommend a minimum of 30 because it blocks 97 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. It’s also important to re-apply your sunscreen throughout the day.
For those of us who wear makeup, this can seem like an impossible task. There’s no way I’m applying a sunscreen on top of my beautifully applied makeup! I hear you. This is where mineral powder sunscreens come into play. Our Colorescience Brush-On Shield and Pro-Derm Mineral Loose Powder are great for mid-day re-applications. Not only do they offer added sun protection, but there help you control shine, just like your trusted pressed powder would!
