Summer is over, the temperatures are dropping, and you’re most likely tempted to skip the sunscreen when you go out. But protection from the sun is one of the most important factors of year-round skin care. Even on the cloudiest days, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage your skin. Thankfully, making it a habit to apply a daily lotion or moisturizer with SPF can protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays all year long.
What exactly is SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it measures how well a product protects your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UVB rays (sunburn). Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. Higher-number SPFs block slightly more of the sun’s UVB rays, but no sunscreen can block 100 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. It is also important to remember that high-number SPFs last the same amount of time as low-number SPFs. A high-number SPF does not allow you to spend additional time outdoors without reapplication. All sunscreens should be applied approximately every two hours or according to time on the label, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
A few reasons to use SPF year-round:
Skin protection. UVB rays from the sun are the main cause of those nasty sunburns, and prolonged exposure can severely damage your skin. But using a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 will protect your skin from 93% of UVB rays.
Anti-aging. Many of the visible signs of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines, are caused by the sun. UVA rays can penetrate your skin and affect how your skin rebuilds itself. But this can be avoided. Look for Broad Spectrum SPF products that protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
Healthy-looking skin! Proper skin care and protection with SPF can help your skin maintain its smooth, youthful appearance. And if you’re using a moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF and applying it daily, you can have the benefits of protecting your skin and nourishing it. Keep your skin healthy and glowing.
Quick Tip:
To make sure that your skin stays protected all day long, reapply your SPF lotion or moisturizer every 2 hours during exposure to sun.
For more tips on skincare, Subscribe Now to Naturally.
