Photo courtesy of Everyday Health
Protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure is important not only because sun exposure is the main cause of premature aging and wrinkling of the skin but because it is a risk factor in developing skin cancer. How many wrinkles you develop depends on many factors including your skin tone, your history of UV exposure and genetics. Lentigos or age spots are flat brown marks that can occur on the face, hands, chest and back as a result of sun exposure. One in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime. Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor in the development of skin cancer.
In order to protect your skin from sun exposure everyone should stay in the shade when possible and try to avoid sun exposure during the time of day when the rays of the sun are strongest, between 10AM and 2PM. Wear protective clothing such as long sleeved shirts, pants and a wide brimmed hat and sun glasses. Avoid tanning beds as these can cause skin cancer and premature aging. Generously apply a broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin.
Products that we recommend as very effective sunscreens include:
- ELTAMD UV Pure Broad Spectrum SPF 47
- ELTAMD Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46
- ELTAMD UV Lip Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 31
- INTELLISHADE Broad Spectrum SPF 45
- SKIN MEDICA Daily Ultimate Moisturizer with zinc oxide