Why Everyone Should be Wearing Sun Protection on a Daily Basis

Currently, it is well understood that the effects of sun exposure have a become an increasing and serious health concern as a result of the decline of the earth’s ozone layer. According to Dr. James Balch, the main benefit of the ozone layer is that it screens out harmful ultra-violet rays, and yet incidences of skin cancer continue to grow. Dr. Balch further affirms that, ” Skin cancer affects more people in the United States than any other form of cancer. It is estimated that 600,00 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year.”

As summer draws on, persons need to be especially mindful of prevention. Experts agree that the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and therefore it is wise to stay out of the sun during those hours. Always use sunscreen for extra protection against the sun. We’ve outlined some product recommendations that are cost-effective and available at most drugstores.

Jackie O'Neal 

FACTS:

·         With more than 1 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year, a form of cancer that is preventable, the need for proper sun protection is imperative

·         In 2007 alone nearly 60,000 people were diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer

·         More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure

·         Unlike other forms of cancer, preventative measures such as daily sun protection can help reduce the incidence of this deadly disease—sun protection for a day at the beach is simply not enough

Realizing the significant impact this disease has on Americans, more and more beauty brands are acknowledging skin cancer as a public health concern.  In addition to an introduction of very high, very photostable SPF products, companies continue to launch daily moisturizers with SPF; hand creams with SPF and SPF products for specific skin tones and textures.  With so many products readily available, there is no excuse not to wear protection.

While people are developing better sun-health habits in terms of applying sunscreen, they are still neglecting to apply enough of it, often enough and to all areas of their bodies.  Luckily, the guide below offers a variety of SPF products that feature superior technology:

HIGHER PROTECTION: THE CUMULATIVE PERSPECTIVE  

Sun protection is not just for the beach.  Research indicates that the key to proper sun safety is protection from a lifetime of cumulative sun damage.  It is important to think beyond the short-term prevention of a sunburn taking preventative measures to protect yourself against the damage that appears over the course of a lifetime.  The higher the SPF number, the better protected you are over a longer period of time.  If you look at it from a cumulative perspective, applying an extremely high broad-spectrum UVA/UVB product like NEW Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 85 with Helioplex will ensure less damage over a lifetime.  

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-touch Sunblock Spf 85, with Helioplex SRP $9.99, drugstores

A DAY AT THE BEACH, A YEAR WORTH OF DAMAGE

According to Aveeno, the amount of sun exposure you receive over an entire year is equivalent to being at the beach for an entire week without any sun protection, and in fact, 80% of your lifetime sun exposure comes from daily activities.  A broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunblock like Aveeno’s NEW Continuous Protection Sunblock Spray SPF 70 formulated with Active Photobarrier Complex will deliver very high, very broad and photostable protection, shielding your skin from burning UVB rays and aging UVA rays over a longer period of time.

Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Spray SPF 70 with Active Photobarrier Complex SRP $10.99, drugstores

A HIGHER LEVEL OF MELANIN DOESN‘T EQUAL A LOWER SPF

Women of African, Latin and South Asian descent have higher levels of levels of melanin but still need the broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection offered by an advanced SPF product.   With Ambi Even & Clear Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30, a unique daily moisturizer with SPF that bears the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation, darker skin tones are protected while visibly reducing skin discolorations.

Ambi Skincare, Even&Clear Daily Moisturizer, with SPF 30, SRP $9.99, drugstores

INCIDENTAL SUN EXPOSURE

Incidental sun damage, which is present all year round, is specifically seen with short wave UVA rays that have the ability to pass through clouds and glass are largely responsible for premature signs of aging including photodamage, fine lines and wrinkles and may contribute to early signs of skin cancer.  With highly advanced biotechnology skincare products like Remergent High Intensity DNA Repair + SPF 30, your skin’s DNA repair mechanism is prompted to self-correct actually reducing the visible signs of sun damage while providing daily protection.  Additionally, this potent daily corrector offers patented DNA repair enzymes, antioxidants and moisturizing emollients to repair and condition as it protects.

Remergent High Intensity DNA Repair SPF 30.