In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, here are some of the most common questions I receive in my practice regarding sunscreen and sun exposure:
“I work in an office, do I need to wear sunscreen everyday?”
The sun emits two types of rays, UVA and UVB.
UVA rays are present from sunup to sundown and cause the skin to age, UVB rays are strongest from 10am-2pm and cause the skin to burn.
Incidental sun exposure accounts for a large percentage of the damage that shows up in the skin at advanced ages. Daily moisturizer with at least SPF15 is the easiest way to prevent this damage.
Additionally, how many times do you take your lunch to the rooftop deck to enjoy the beautiful view and catch a few rays of sun? It’s better to be protected!
“My makeup has SPF in it so I don’t use a sunscreen.”
How much makeup do you wear??? Do you cover your entire face, neck and ears?
I didn’t think so.
Layering products with SPF for extra protection is great, but start with a base of proper sunscreen for the best protection.
“Sunscreen is TOXIC, I only use all natural products.”
There are two types of sunscreens on the market, chemical and physical.
Several studies argue that chemical sunscreens may disrupt hormones. If this is a concern for you, use a physical sunscreen like zinc oxide.
Thankfully, there are many physical sunscreens on the market today that feel light and leave no white residue.
What’s your excuse for not wearing sunscreen every day?