Are you sun smart? A high IQ doesn’t always equate to sunscreen knowledge. Many of our patients make sun protection mistakes that can prematurely age their skin and increase their chances of skin cancer.
Grab your sunscreen and get ready to learn. We’ll help you avoid common sunscreen mistakes so you can ace Sun Protection 101. This is one class you don’t want to fail.
“I Don’t Need Sunscreen. I Work Indoors.”
Sunscreen should be a daily habit, but far too many people assume that since they spend most of the day inside, they can skip this essential task. Don’t make this mistake. Even if you’re inside most of the day, you’re still exposed to the sun. The walk from your car to the office, that jog in the park, and watering your plants on the balcony are typical examples of daily sun exposure that can age and degrade the skin.
“A Light Tan Is Healthy. It Protects My Skin from Sun Damage.”
Tan skin is never healthy skin. If you want to keep your skin young and healthy, you’ll avoid UV radiation as much as possible. That golden glow of a tan is a sure sign of sun damage.
If you want to protect your skin from damage, the best thing you can do is cover-up. Limit your time in the sun, and when you are outdoors, wear a hat, lightweight layers of clothing, and sunscreen on all exposed skin.
“Once I Apply Sunscreen, I’m Good All Day.”
On a regular day in the office, your morning application of sunscreen is probably enough, but if you’re spending time in the sun, you’ll want to bring your sunscreen along. Reapply often to make sure your skin stays fully covered and protected.
Times when you’ll want to reapply sunscreen frequently include:
- When you’re swimming or sweating
- When you’ll be outdoors for an extended period
Generally, you should reapply every hour or two.
“A Little Sunscreen Goes a Long Way.”
Always be generous when tipping or applying sunscreen. Most people don’t use enough sunscreen, and their skin suffers as a result.
How much sunscreen should you use? For a full-body application, you need about a shot glass full. For only the face, aim for a dollop about the size of a nickel.
“There’s Nothing You Can Do About Sun Damage That Has Already Occurred.”
Now that you know more about sunscreen, you may be rethinking some of the poor sun choices you’ve made in the past. Would you like a redo for your skin? We don’t have a time machine, but we do have the next best option, our powerful fractional laser.
Laser treatments can remove damaged skin and help to reverse many of the signs of sun damage. By protecting your skin going forward, you can help maintain the results of your treatment and prevent future sun damage.
You can’t change the past, but you can still improve your skin.
Contact us to learn more about skincare and sun protection in the Inland Empire.