With the summer months headed our way, what better time to talk about how we can protect our skin. Studies show that an estimated 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun.
Yikes!
One study also revealed that participants who wore SPF daily saw 24% less skin aging than those who only applied it some of the time.
Ladies, let’s be serious—who doesn’t want to look 24% younger?
Here are a couple of things to keep in mind, according to the American Cancer Society:
-Each year in the United States, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than all other cancers combined
-One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the time they reach 70
-The annual cost of treating skin cancers in the United States is estimated at around $8.5 billion
-Choose a sunscreen that’s both UVA and UVB protectant and water-resistant. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends regular sunscreen use with an SPF of 30 or higher for people of all skin types
-Be sure to apply enough, reapply frequently, and follow the directions on the bottle. Be mindful of your head, neck, hands, and forearms, as these are most susceptible to the sun
-The sun is the hottest between 10 and 2 and we are the most vulnerable during these hours
-Check in with your doctor if you avoid the sun like me to make sure you are getting enough Vitamin D. For many of us, we can make enough vitamin D from short periods of exposure. Some say even 5-15 minutes, but it depends on how close you are to the equator and your skin color.
If you worry about what exactly is in the sunscreen, you aren’t alone. While there is a lot of discrepancy around the absorption of certain ingredients, there is good news.
The solution is…
we don’t have to buy sunscreens with certain chemicals in them. We can choose a fragrance, paraben, and oxybenzone-free product. What is most important is that we choose broad-spectrum, water-resistant, and SPF 30 or higher.
You can even find them at Walmart, Amazon, or Target for around $10, and you know I am all about the savings!
Experts believe that 4 out of 5 skin cancer cases could be prevented by protecting against overexposure to sunlight, so do your part and protect yourself this summer.
Your skin and wallet will thank you.
For more information, speak with your doctor or health care professional.