Even as summer is coming to an end, sunscreen should remain an important part of your skin care routine.
Most people know that sun exposure can cause a sun burn, but did you know it can cause wrinkles or even worse? The sun emits 3 types of radiation including UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.
UVC rays are the most powerful. Fortunately, the Earth’s atmosphere protects us entirely from such rays so we needn’t worry.
UVA and UVB rays are the types to watch out for, especially during summer months. UVB rays are stronger than UVA rays, commonly causing immediate sunburn on the top layers of the skin. Minor sunburns will cause discoloration and may fade quickly. However, UVB rays can cause more serious sunburns resulting in itchiness, peeling, and even blistering if you are not careful.
Unknown to earlier generations, UVA rays actually affect deeper layers of our skin causing long-term damage. Aesthetically, the most notable long-term damage caused by the sun are wrinkles and sun spots. Even worse, too much UVA exposure can cause forms of skin cancer including basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas and the much more serious, melanoma. Think you’re protected in the car? Think again – UVA rays can penetrate through glass.
In order to combat these dual aggressors from the sun, make sure to wear a quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 on a daily basis (year-round!). Applying an antioxidant serum before your sunscreen will boost the effect of the SPF and help to neutralize sun damage. Whether it’s a big sun hat, an UV-proof hiking shirt, or a picnic umbrella, it’s always a good idea to give your sunscreen some assistance against the ever-powerful sun.
If you are interested in helping others combat common skin conditions and dangers, we have the program for you! Enroll today to start in September at the premier provider of esthetics education in the Chicago area.