Is there a single product I can use to help me look younger?

Yes. The answer is Sunblock. Make sure it’s a true broad-spectrum sunblock (like the ones from SkinCeutical) so that you will be protected against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are mainly responsible for the photoaging (wrinkles, lines, sun spots, loss of elasticity) of the skin, while UVB rays are often associated with sunburns. It has been proven that by using a good sunblock daily, we can effectively slow down the skin’s aging process, and more importantly, prevent skin cancers.

What do SPF15, 20, 30… mean?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It’s an indicator of how long you can stay in the sun without turning red or burning. For example, SPF30 means that you can stay in the sun 30 times longer than you would be able to if you had no sun protection at all.

My moisturizer has a build-in SPF, do I still need to wear a sunblock?

SPF indicates how long your skin is protected against UVB rays, which are responsible for the redness (sunburn) of the skin. However, unless you use a true broad-spectrum sunblock, your skin is still subject to premature aging (wrinkles, lines, sun spots, loss of elasticity), and skin cancers caused by UVA rays.

My jobs keeps me indoors most of the time, do I really need to worry about sun damage?

UV rays do not only affect our skin when we are directly exposed to the sun. Any time your skin is exposed to the daylight, even indoors or on a cloudy day, it is affected by a significant amount of UVA and UVB rays. Although you may not get sunburnt, you still run the risk of having prematurely aging skin due to exposure to the UVA rays.

I don’t have sun spots on my face, so I don’t have sun damage.

False. Just because you do not see any visible sun damage doesn’t mean it’s not there. Sun damage can be hidden under the surface of the skin and will only become visible over time. However, using a special light instrument (Woods Lamp), your skin care professional will be able to tell you how much sun damage you have hidden under the surface.

Lips do not need sun protection.

False. Just like any other body part lips are at risk from sun damage. Remember to use a sunblock that is dedicated to protecting the lips before going out into the sun to ensure that they don't get burnt.

To schedule a free skin consultation, skin assessment, or to find a sunblock suitable for your skin, please call 528-0888.