As an esthetician and acne specialist, I always stress the importance of wearing sun protection during the day. Sun exposure is responsible for 90% of premature aging, pigmentation and slows down the skin’s natural process of healing acne scars. Here are some tips on how to protect your skin on an everyday basis…
Sun Protection Tip #1: Beware of daylight coming through windows.
There is a belief that the only time you get sun exposure (and therefore sun damage) is when you are outside. Unfortunately, that is far from the truth. UV light can penetrate windows at any time during the day and causes the same damage as if you would be lying on the beach. It is important to apply your sun protection in the morning right after you wake up. Walking around in the house and having breakfast in a beautiful sunny dining room can increase your chances of getting incidental sun damage. Make sure to wear your sun protection throughout the day and reapply if necessary.
Sun Protection Tip #2 – Apply sunscreen to the entire face, neck, and chest – generously.
Did you know that an SPF 30 only protects the skin 4% more than an SPF 15? As you go up in number, this percentage lowers. The real truth behind sun protection is not the SPF number, but how generously you apply it. Medical studies have shown that most people apply 1/2 of the recommended dose of sunblock. A little dab on your cheeks won’t provide enough protection. On your face and neck, you should be using the equivalent of one teaspoon, on your body at last 1 shot glass.
Sun Protection Tip #3 –Don’t wait until you’re outside!
It is recommended to apply sunscreen before you get dressed. SPF needs a good 20 minutes to sink in before your skin is completely protected from UV rays.
Sun Protection Tip #4- Never rely on your Make Up!
While it may be tempting to skip the sunscreen in your morning routine because your makeup bottle shows it contains “SPF” -don’t fool yourself! You would need to apply 14 times the amount (of powder) people normally use. The same goes for foundation—unless you want to slather on seven times as much as you would actually use to even out your skin tone.
Sun Protection Tip #5 -Make sure to use the right formulation for your skin type!
If your skin is on the drier side and needs a little bit more hydration you should look for a moisturizing sun block. If you are acne prone make sure your sunblock doesn’t contain any comedogenic ingredients and won’t leave your skin greasy.
Bottom line: Research shows that 78% of all sun damage is from incidental exposure (the times when you think you aren’t exposed, but you are). Every time daylight hits your skin your skin’s natural aging process is rapidly increased. So if you want to get really serious about lowering your risk of skin cancer, preventing premature aging and reduce acne scars, you should practice these tips.
Do you need expert skin care advice from a licensed esthetician/acne specialist? Schedule your appointment for a consultation to get the personalized advice on products and treatments that are right for you.
© 2013 Nikolett Ivanyi, Envision Acne Center; For more information go to www.envisionacnecenter.com.
