Don't Forget the SPF this Summer!

Living in South Florida means most of us have been told to slather up in sunscreen. But sun protection wasn’t always a top priority. 50+ years ago, sunscreen just wasn’t something parents had to protect their kids or themselves and little was known about the damages of sun exposure. In today’s world, we have an abundance of sun protection from lotions to sprays to hats — even our clothes have UPF! With all the research and products available, it is hard to believe that some still neglect to take advantage of sun protection. Some believe that SPF is only important in the summer, but in the Sunshine State, we know that’s not the case! Here’s a refresher as to why you should use sun protection daily.

Sunscreen Prevents Burning

A day in the pool or at the beach means fun in the sun, and nothing can put that to an end like a painful sunburn. For those who burn easily, it may be necessary to apply every time you walk outdoors to prevent burning. Sunburns can cause lasting damage to the skin, particularly cancer. Health and wellness experts advise making sunscreen application a part of your regular routine. That doesn’t mean you have to slather up with thick and sticky pastes. Most face lotions sold today have at least SPF 15, along with many brands of makeup.

Sunscreen Protects the Skin

As enjoyable as the warm sun can feel on your skin, it also causes a lot of damage. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less than 15% of men and 30% of women regularly use sunscreen on their face and other exposed skin when outside for more than an hour. Wearing sunscreen may not be as popular as we’d like, but it is a great way to prevent damage. Damage caused by exposure to the sun includes an increased chance of developing sun spots, moles, and cancer. Keeping a small bottle of sunscreen in your bag or car is a great way to help you remember to apply routinely.

Sunscreen Can Prevent Premature Skin Aging

Sometimes a part of feeling good overall is feeling good about the way you look. Millions of Americans spend hundreds of thousands of dollars each month to prevent wrinkles, particularly on the face and neck. While using good skincare can help deter wrinkles, a key step is prevention. That means protecting your skin from the sun! Research strongly suggests that wearing sunscreen as directed is a strong defense against unwanted wrinkles.

No matter what phase of life you are in, make the health of your skin a priority. Do you have any tips to help you remember to wear sunscreen? Let us know in the comments!