What a great time to be outside enjoying so many fun activities with family and friends. It’s important for all of us to remember that while it is great getting some sunshine, we still need to take precautions to protect our skin.
Sunshine aids in the formation of Vitamin D, which is important within our body. It helps the body absorb calcium from food and supplements to maintain strong bones and it helps the immune system fight off bacteria and viruses. Sunshine can further make a person feel less depressed, more hopeful and indeed happier. However, the negative side of getting unprotected sun exposure is the increased risk for skin cancer. It is estimated that approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Research estimates that non-melanoma skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, affects more than 3 million Americans a year.
On a beauty level, sun exposure decreases our elastin (which helps skin return to its original position after being poked or stretched), dehydrates the skin and thus leads to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and a rough skin texture with time. The sun actually accelerates the effects of aging.
Here at Q Med Spa, we offer several sunscreens and sun blocks that offer UVA/UVB protection so you can enjoy your time in the sun. Our product lines are paraben free, fragrance free, non-comedogenic and contain Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide. These two ingredients will block and reflect the sun away from the skin. Our products have been carefully selected with scientific evidence to their efficacy. A few important things to remember when choosing and using a sunscreen:
- Choose products that won’t irritate your skin or worse, not fully protect your skin
- Reapply every 2 hours
- Cover your entire face, ears and neck/décolletage and areas of body that are exposed
- Don’t forget your hands, a dead giveaway of your age if you don’t take care of them
In addition to sunscreen and your skin, don’t forget about other exposed areas, such as your eyes. Extended exposure to the sun’s rays has been linked to macular degeneration. Q Med Spa carries sunglasses to protect the eyes from UVA/UVB rays. Sunglasses that provide 99 to 100 percent UVA and UVB protection will greatly reduce eye damage from sun exposure. We also carry some stylish and functional hats to further shade your beautiful face!
Don’t forget to drink lots of water to stay hydrated and moisturize the skin once out of the sun. Enjoy summer, but remember to protect your skin so that you can age as beautifully and safely as possible. Stop by Q Med Spa to pick up some sunscreen and protective items so you can fully enjoy summer stylishly and safely!
Wishing you a safe and wonderful summer!
Julie, MSN, FNP
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