Living SunSmart: Beauty Benefits

3/3/2014

blog pic Let’s be honest, health is not always the best motivation. Yes, living SunSmart will help prevent skin cancer, but there are tangible benefits, as well. A recent study has proven that regular sunscreen use protects against aging; vanity can be a great motivator.

The study followed 900 participants for four years. Some participants used sunscreen daily and were instructed on proper use. Others were given no directions. The end result? Those who used sunscreen daily were 24% less likely to show aging and researchers believe the results would have been even more dramatic if they had a control group that used no sunscreen. Using sunscreen protects against wrinkling, spotting and loss of skin elasticity.

Despite the health and beauty benefits of daily sunscreen use, a survey by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and Leo Pharma found that only 14% of Americans wear sunscreen daily. In addition, many people may not be using sunscreen correctly.

If you want to reap the health and beauty benefits of living SunSmart, make sure to follow proper sunscreen protocol.

Buy the right stuff – Different types of radiation cause different kinds of damage. UV-B is the primary cause of most skin cancers and sunburns. Photoaging is mostly caused by UV-A. Make sure your sunscreen protects against both by buying a broad spectrum sunscreen
Apply liberally – Most people use only 25%-50% of the recommended amount. Use enough that it forms a film when initially applied. Do not rub it in – let it absorb into your skin.
Reapply often – sunscreen effectiveness breaks down over time. You should reapply sunscreen every two hours and immediately after getting wet or perspiring.
Consistency is key – The daily use of low-SPF sunscreens (15) has been shown to be more effective in preventing damage than the irregular use of high-SPF sunscreen.

Next time you are not feeling up to putting on sunscreen, remember how beneficial it is for your health and your looks.'