As it’s now summer, most of us Chicagoans are probably spending more time in the sun enjoying our beloved outdoor activities. We’re often asked about treating the effects of sun damage. But what about the steps you can take to prevent sun damage?
Here are a few things you should know about selecting your sunscreen and preventing sun damage:
Do I Need To Wear Sunscreen Daily Or Only When I’m In The Sun?
The use of daily wear sunscreen is strongly encouraged and recommended by Doctors given it protects you against sunburns, aging skin, wrinkles, sun spots, pre cancers, and skin cancers! It is also encouraged that you reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if you are outside on sunny or cloudy days.
What Is The Best Sunscreen?
There are 2 ingredients that you should always look for in a sunscreen, the sunscreen should contain one or both of these:
1. Zinc oxide
2. Titanium dioxide
These 2 sunscreen ingredients are physical blockers that protect you from UVA and UVB rays.
A highly recommended sunscreen that contains zinc oxide is ISDIN sunscreen. Fun fact, ISDIN sunscreen contains an enzyme called photolyase that repairs sun damage as well as prevents additional DNA cellular damage from UVA and UVB!
What Happens If You Don’t Wear Sunscreen?
If you do not wear sunscreen, your skin will age more quickly. Skin can become dry and discolored and you can develop sunspots. Plus, your skin becomes thinner which causes more visible wrinkles and saggy skin. If you don’t wear sunscreen you have a higher risk of developing skin cancers!
So, if you want to look younger longer, wear quality sunscreen every day – even in the winter and on overcast days.