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There is a lot that can be said of the importance of a well-planned skincare regimen. Facial cleansers rid the skin of harmful bacteria, serums provide antioxidant coverage and reduce signs of aging, and moisturizers keep the skin supple, soft, and smooth all year long. But nothing shares the importance of the single most essential product on the shelf: sunscreen.
Emphasizing the Care in Skincare
Conversations around skincare products all too often focus entirely on the aesthetic. How does a product make your skin feel? How well does a product conceal blemishes? Will this product help smooth my wrinkles and alleviate age spots? While these questions are valid, they do little to address the health of the skin. And it is only by improving skin health that we can hope to keep our complexions clear and beautiful for years to come.
You Don’t Have to Choose Between the Sun’s Health Benefits and Your Sunscreen
The sun is essential to the health of all living things on earth. Time spent in the sun can vastly improve our moods and releases the feel-good chemical serotonin. Studies show that sun exposure can positively impact the amount of melatonin our brains produce, resulting in better sleep. Vitamin D, an essential nutrient, is given to us in large part by the sun and helps our bodies maintain healthy bone structure.
As skin care professionals, we at Vanguard are all too aware of the conversations had about the health benefits of the sun and why many people believe that wearing sunscreen somehow deprives our bodies of these vital effects. The truth, however, is that the vast health benefits offered by sun exposure are awarded to us through very little direct sunlight, and even while our sunscreen protects our cells from mutation, our skin is still able to absorb the best the sun has to offer.
1 in 5: A Very Real Statistic with Very Real Consequences
According to Skincancer.org, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. This number is further compounded when we consider that more people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other forms of cancer combined.
The good news is that the solution is not difficult to find. Simply wearing a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher can greatly reduce the likelihood of developing skin cancer while simultaneously keeping our skin more youthful and vibrant as we age.
Sunscreen Tips from Our Experts
Wear your sunscreen properly: “If you make it a daily habit to apply sunscreen year-round, your skin will thank you for years to come. Sunscreen should first be applied at home before you go out for the day. Apply a thin layer to all areas that will be exposed to the sun and rub in well. Don’t forget your ears, neck, legs and tops of your feet! These areas are prone to sunburns as we often forget to apply sunscreen on these important locations. Reapply it every two hours for regular activities and every hour if you are sweating or are in the water. Sunscreens as well as wide-brimmed hats and sun protective clothing work together to protect your skin.” – Rachel Frederickson, PA-C
Don’t forget to apply in key areas: “As a Mohs surgeon, I treat skin cancers in every part of the body, but some areas have higher risk. I like to encourage patients to remember to use sunscreen on all areas exposed to the sun that cannot be covered by protective clothing. Even patients who are diligent about sun protection and sunscreen use often admit forgetting to protect certain areas. Therefore, use your broad-spectrum sunscreen on your face, but especially don’t forget the skin around the eyes, the ears, the back of the neck, and even the scalp. Wearing a large-brimmed hat and sunglasses will add further protection to these areas.” – Renata Prado, MD
Use a physical sunscreen: “Physical sunscreens are mineral sunscreens. They rely on ingredients such as zinc, titanium dioxide and iron oxides to provide the skin with a physical shield from UV. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV and disperse it so that the rays cannot penetrate deeper into the skin. At Vanguard, we recommend using a physical sunscreen. You should look for a sunscreen that has zinc as the number one ingredient and at least an SPF of 30.” – Mandy Brown, Aesthetic RN
Find a sunscreen that you love: “We know that if you don’t like your sunscreen, you won’t wear it. Thus, we currently offer 15 different sunscreens at Clara. All of them are a great choice because they are zinc-based sunscreens with a sun protection factor of at least 30. We carry many options because we know the biggest obstacle to wearing sunscreen for most people is finding one that feels good and doesn’t cause irritation or smell unpleasant. We have enough choices we believe we can find a sunscreen that you will love!” – Lisa Boness, Aesthetic Team Lead
Annual Sunscreen Sale
Vanguard is offering its annual sunscreen sale from May 1st until June 30th. Purchase any 3 sunscreens or anti-oxidants and your 4th is free. Cannot be combined with other offers or specials.
To find a sunscreen that fits your needs, visit ShopClara.com or call us at 719 579 5555 to schedule your skincare consultation.
Vanguard Skin Specialists is a dermatology and plastic surgery practice with offices in Canon City, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Woodland Park. Vanguard’s dermatologists believe in early detection and early cure for skin cancer. Sunscreen is a key preventative measure to protect your skin and to reduce likelihood of developing skin cancer. For more information on Vanguard or to schedule an appointment, call 719-355-1585.
