Mom forgot or Mom didn’t know about UVA and UVB rays, sunscreens, or the harmful rays of the sun. Who knew? Growing up at the beach brought days of sailing, fishing, and sunning. One factor is true- Mom may not have known then, but now Mom knows.
What happens to the skin?
Aging including pigmentation changes, wrinkling, cancer, age spots, and skin texture changes are just a few of the skin conditions affected directly by the sun. To put it in simple terms, as Mom would.
When the skin feels the sun’s rays, it is already too late for the damage to the skin. The majority of the damage from the sun comes from inside the body. Damage from years before will come out as wrinkles, pigmentation, and problems with loose skin.
There are many types of cells in the skin and each cell has its own assignment and responsibility. Some are responsible as messengers to the lymphatic system. When the sun damages the skin, these messengers are also damaged, affecting the entire immune system in the body. So, it is very safe to say, there is really not a safe way to tan.
What’s the difference between UVA and UVB Rays?
UVA rays will penetrate the deepest into the skin and when they do, they can kill the cells responsible for your weakened immune system. Yes, the body is very complex and you will not see the effects of UVA rays until much later in life. (after the damage is done)
UVB rays cause the skin to actually burn. This is what you see immediately. After much aloe, ice and cooling, you will think that the damage is repaired. Mom is here to tell you that the repair is only temporary.
Why is Sunscreen So Important?
Applying sunscreen is perhaps the most important step in your daily routine, to ensure UV protection, and sun protection. You should use sunscreen every day, as a matter of fact. Here’s why:
1) Helps prevent skin cancer
2) Prevents premature aging
3) Prevents hyperpigmentation or sun spots
4) Protects your skin from harmful UV rays
When Should You Wear Sunscreen?
You should always apply sunscreen! Even during winter, it’s important to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful rays that can cause skin cancer. When you’re driving, or even at home, your skin can still be receiving harmful UV rays. This is why SPF should be the most important step in your daily skincare routine!
3 Things You Should Look For in a Sunscreen:
1) SPF 30 or higher: SPF should be at least 30 or higher for daily use, to ensure protection from harmful rays
2) Broad Spectrum Sunscreen: Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays
3) Mineral Sunscreen: Brands like Supergoop carry mineral sunscreens. Generally, sunscreens are made with many chemicals that are not only bad for you but they are just absorbed into the skin and don’t provide adequate protection to the skin. Mineral sunscreen, on the other hand, sits on your skin, protecting your skin from the harmful rays, without the toxic chemicals. Supergoop is one of our favorite mineral sunscreens!
Bella Reina Spa’s Favorite Sunscreens:
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen: An invisible sunscreen, with SPF 40, broad-spectrum UV protection, and free of harsh chemicals. It’s also reef safe! It’s great for your skin, and for the environment. Not only is it a great sunscreen, but it’s super hydrating for the skin, and doubles as a primer for your makeup.
Supergoop Glow Screen Sunscreen: This sunscreen will give you dewy, glowing skin! It’s the perfect makeup primer AND SPF 40 sunscreen. Perfect for those days you want to go for a simple, natural makeup look! It has Vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid that make this sunscreen ultra-hydrating.
Whichever sunscreen that you choose, check to make sure that the block is not a chemical block, but more of a physical block. Get yourself covered up to protect your immune system!
