SPF is Your Skin’s Shield

July is UV safety month!  Plus, it’s summer, which means you’re outside enjoying the weather.  If you’ve been my client for any length of time you know I always talk about wearing SPF, but do you really know the reason behind it?

SPF is your skin’s shield

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. UV rays can damage skin cells.

Think of wearing SPF as putting on your protective shield against these invisible rays.  SPF is your skin’s first line of defense against anti-aging and skin cancer.  This protection is important all year, not just during the summer but summer tends to the time most of us are outdoors more. UV rays can reach you on cloudy and cool days, and they reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow. In the continental United States, UV rays tend to be strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daylight saving time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time).

The UV Index  forecasts the strength of UV.

SPF is more than just sun protection?

So we know that an SPF protects your skin from harmful UV rays that cause the signs of aging and skin cancers, but what you may not know, is that daily protection also gives your skin the opportunity to repair itself.

Your body, including your skin is built to repair itself.  When your skin is damaged by too much sun exposure, it loses the ability repair damaged or depleted skin cells.  Then, we’ve got a lot of work to do to repair the skin’s barrier using a combination of in-studio treatments and at-home products.  All of this can be avoided by using SPF and combining it with some these other protective measures.

Hats

For the most protection, wear a hat that has a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck. A tightly woven fabric, such as canvas, works best to protect your skin from UV rays. Avoid straw hats with holes that let sunlight through. A darker hat may offer more UV protection.

If you wear a baseball cap, you should also protect your ears and the back of your neck by wearing clothing that covers those areas, using sunscreen, or staying in the shade.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.

Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection. Most sunglasses sold in the United States, regardless of cost, meet this standard. Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they block UV rays from sneaking in from the side.

Reapplying sunscreen at least every 80 minutes is a must!

Using active skin care products like benzoyl peroxide, mandelic acid, retinols, etc. make your skin more susceptible to sunburns. So SPF HAS to be worn at all times and reapplied if out in the sun, NO EXCEPTIONS.  If you need to stock up, visit my shop.  When we see our beloved clients with constant tans, or sunburns, we regretfully no longer sell any active products. Why? Well…you’re coming to Luxe for professional advice, education and skin therapy to have positive changes in your skin. Sunburns and tans, are just abuse to your skin. LOVE YOUR SKIN…It’s your largest organ!  If you have questions about using SPF has your skin’s shield, contact me!