Summertime and the living is easy, and so the song goes, but
if you are looking to prevent the signs of aging and not necessary early, you
will be wise to use your full-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or better every time
you venture out of the house. You might
even consider putting it on after you brush your teeth and before you apply
your makeup every morning. Why? The sun’s long arm UVA rays penetrate
windows. UVA’s are the reason we tan,
and because they penetrate the dermis layer, affect the production of collagen
and elastin. The results are early signs
of aging; wrinkles, thickening, as well as hyper-pigmentation better known as
liver spots.
The FDA came up with changes in sunscreen manufacturing and
labeling this past June, 2012. SPF’s of
15 to 50 will be the standard.
Sunscreens that protect only from UVB rays will not be able to say they
protect from the early signs of aging. Sunscreens
will not say waterproof. They are water
resistant. Water resistant, the
manufacturer will tell you how often to reapply when sweating heavily, or
swimming. It is also important to know
how much to apply. At least 1 oz would
cover all open skin on the body. Liberal
application is the word.
I have only mentioned the cosmetics effects of ignoring the
UV rays, but the biggest issue is cancer.
You don’t smoke. You eat right
and exercise, than why risk the UV rays.
I know, I know we think a tan looks healthy and sexy but it is possible
today to get a tan from a bottle.
Hyper-pigmentation, thickening, fine lines and skin cancer are
definitely not sexy.
