Take Care Tuesday-All About SPF
Take Care Tuesday With Vai
“As the weather starts to warm up, more of us start reaching for our sunscreens and sunglasses. But, how important is SPF really to the skin and is it okay to go without it sometimes? The answer may surprise you!
We all know that our exposure to the sun can lead to burns, but did you know that it’s also the leading cause of premature aging? The sun emits two types of rays- UVA and UVB. UVA rays can penetrate deep into the skin and cause signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles. Where as UVB rays are the cause of sunburn, which damages the outer layers of skin cells. Repeated sun exposure without protection breaks down the elastin and collagen in your skin. Collagen and elastin are responsible for keeping your skin tight, helping to protect from leathery skin, and age spots!
UVA rays stay constant year round, meaning that even on cloudy days, you are still going to feel 80% of the suns UVA rays. UVB rays are more prevalent in the summer and winter- the snow can reflect 80% of the suns UVB rays, so year-round sun protection is key! Not only does exposure to the sun cause permanent aging and skin damage, but it’s also the leading cause of skin cancer. Thankfully, you can lower your risk and protect your skin by using a good sunscreen every day.
I recommend using a sunscreen product, that is separate from your makeup- you’re most likely not going to reapply your foundation every few hours. So, reapplying your SPF is much easier when the products stand alone. Luckily, there are so many different formulas, from lotions to sprays, to powders that it makes reapplying sunscreen a breeze! Try Aveda’s Daily Light Guard, a mineral sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It is non-acnegenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores, and it contains ginger extract, providing antioxidants to defend against free radicals. Don’t forget to apply on the tops of your ears, your hairline, and the back of your hands!
Applying sunscreen daily is the single best thing you can do for your skin, at any age, with any issue. It protects the skin against skin cancers, premature aging, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and more. If you haven’t added on SPF to your routine yet, this is your sign to start! Your skin will thank you for years to come. As always, see me in the spa if you have questions!” -Xoxo Vai