This year, in Newport Beach, CA, all things related to sun protection may seem overwhelming to navigate. With so many sunscreens and bronzing products available, plus increased consumer info at your fingertips, how can you plan a safe summer for your skin? There are at least five things we know many people get wrong about sunscreen, and we’re here to help clear them up. Read on to bust these misconceptions and get the goods on sunblock.
1. Time Indoors Still Means Sunscreen
This can be a false idea. Did you know that chronic exposure to UVA rays, even through windows, can dramatically accelerate skin aging? It can also increase skin cancer risk. Applying sunscreen on all exposed skin areas is part of a daily, healthy skin habit to protect your complexion wherever light hits- when you’re in or out.
2. Base Tanning Doesn’t Protect You
It’s important to know that this misconception isn’t based on facts. Unprotected exposure to these rays significantly increases your risk of developing skin cancer. Your skin will produce darker pigment to protect itself, along with freckles, age spots, and sunspots. However, while darkening occurs, there are also damaging cellular changes taking place and long-term skin aging effects, whether you see a burn or not.
3. A High SPF Rating Doesn’t Mean Longer Safety
In most cases, that’s because we don’t apply sunscreen precisely as directed. The directions for most products based on controlled testing include applying thick layers of the product (about two tablespoons for the whole body!) and reapplying regularly. Most people don’t do this, so whether they wear a 15 or a 60 block, its effectiveness isn’t maxed and will fade while they sweat or swim.
People with very fair or sensitive skin should choose a higher SPF, but they’ll need to apply liberally and often.
4. Sunblock Lets You Get Vitamin D Still
Wrong. Vitamin D is essential and influences numerous body processes like bone growth, your immune system, and more. It plays a substantial role in positive mental health and mood, too, as appreciated by those living in parts of the world with less sunlight.
The sun is one source of vitamin D, but light reaches your skin and triggers Vitamin D production through sunscreen.
Keep in mind that many foods are also rich in this vitamin, such as eggs, liver, and cheese. Liquid supplements are also an efficient and popular option if you and your doctor feel you aren’t getting enough.
5. How Healthy is Sunscreen?
Growing concerns around sunscreen ingredients linked with health risks mean some people are wary of them all and not sure which are the safest. Oxybenzone, avobenzone, and other chemicals are included as UV filters in many products, but there are also numerous mineral-based sunblock options on the market now. These contain effective non-nano zinc and titanium dioxide to physically block rather than filter rays.
Organic and natural ingredients can be certified reef-friendly, too, which is excellent news for our oceans.
We’re Here to Help
Whatever products you choose, we recommend you put your skin’s health first this summer by staying super hydrated, exfoliated, moisturized, and protected. The skin specialists at Dr. Sajjadian, MD in Newport Beach will be pleased to help you choose a protective beauty routine. Remember, cell protection happens on the inside and out, so keep the sunscreen on to look lovely long term. Call us at (949)-515-0550 or contact us online today to get started, and also be sure to visit our before and after gallery to see incredible results!