The sun is one of the biggest threats to your skin. It can cause skin damage, premature aging, and even disease. There are many ways to limit the sun’s effects on the skin – such as avoiding it altogether. But, what are you supposed to do when you want to enjoy a nice summer day outdoors? If you’re looking to protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays, the best option is sunscreen! Sunscreen protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, both of which can be extremely harmful to the skin. That’s why it is the obvious solution for enjoying the outdoors while also protecting the skin from harm. There are many types of sunscreen available, however, so how do you choose the one that’s right for you?
SPF stands for sun protection factor. It is a value that describes the level of sun protection that a sunscreen will provide to your skin. SPF values can range from as low as 15 to as high as 100 or more. For most people, a sunscreen that is SPF 30 provides plenty of protection for a day in the sun. While no sunscreen can block all of the sun’s rays, picking a higher SPF can ensure that you get as much protection as possible. Here is a breakdown of common SPF levels and the amount of protection they provide:
In order to get the most protection out of your sunscreen, you’ll want to apply it frequently throughout the day. If you are swimming or participating in physical activities like sports, you may want to apply it even more often. Some sunscreens offer water-resistant formulas, which can be a great way to maximize your protection during these activities. As a general rule of thumb, you should apply sunscreen every two hours. If you are being active or getting wet, you might want to re-apply as often as every hour.
Even with consistent sunscreen usage, you may still notice minor skin damage and signs of aging over the years. The truth is, it takes more than sunscreen to maintain optimal skin health. If you’re looking for other ways to enhance the appearance of the skin and maintain your youthfulness, you may want to consider medical spa treatments at Facial, Plastic, Reconstructive & Laser Surgery. If you are located in Poughkeepsie, New York City, Westchester or the nearby cities of New York, contact us today to schedule your initial complementary consultation with our skin specialists.
