Sunscreen 101: The Rays Will Get You, No Excuses

Spring is here, time for beachwear, shorts and outdoor sports.

What really is important to remember is to wear sunscreen.

Sunscreen should have a minimum SPF15, but I recommend wearing SPF30.  Sunscreen should say on label broad spectrum, which protects you from UVA and UVB rays.

UVA rays are present all the time. They are very strong and can penetrate some clothing and even glass. These rays are responsible for the signs of aging because they penetrate deeper into the surface of the skin, damaging the cells beneath.

Each time you tan you damage your skin, which can lead to wrinkles, leathery skin and sun spots. Some damage to the skin is irreversible. You also put yourself at risk of sunburn.

These rays, stronger in the summer months, reflect off water and are responsible for causing most skin cancers. That’s why it’s important to stay out of the sun during the mid-day hours.

It is important to wear sunscreen daily and to re-apply every two hours or sooner if you plan to sweat or get wet.

So, why do people opt not to wear sunscreen? Here are some excuses I have heard:

• "I don’t like creams on my skin."
• "It’s too sticky."
• "It burns my eyes."
• "It’s too oily."
• "I’m not out in the sun."
• "I don’t like sunscreen."

For all of those excuses, here is my answer:

"There is no excuse."

If you don't like creams on your skin, we carry a tinted-powder sunscreen from our custom-blended A Caring Touch line.

We also carry an oil-free sunscreen, which absorbs easily, for those who find suncreens "too oily" or "too sticky."

For those who say they are "not out in the sun,” I have news for you: You are out in the sun, every time you venture outside. When you drive you are in the sun. It might not be for an extended time but still you are exposed to harmful rays.

Unless there is a tent that covers you completely at all times, I hate to tell you, the rays are getting through — to you.

There is no substitute for not wearing sunscreen. Based on the facts, if you don’t wear sunscreen you are at risk of getting leathery skin, premature wrinkles, sun-damage and, even worse, skin cancer.

For more information, visit the American Association of Dermatology online.