man applying sunscreen to his arm
It is increasingly common knowledge that the sun is damaging to the skin and that sun damage can speed up the aging process. Our office has come up with a list of seven ways to help protect your skin from the bright rays of the sun.
#1 Sunscreen
The most obvious way to protect yourself from the sun is, of course, putting on sunscreen. But with so many types with so many varying levels of SPF, just what is the best to use? The product our office recommends is the Obagi® Sun Shield which has an SPF level of 50. It is a non-greasy, fragrance-free cream that will keep your skin hydrated and healthy while also protecting it from damaging UVB and UVA rays during your time in the sun.
#2 Proper Application
It’s not uncommon to see people rubbing their sunscreen on at the beach, but it’s important to know that it won’t start working until about 30 minutes later. We recommend applying Obagi® Sun Shield prior to going out in the sun so that your skin has time to absorb it and really let those protective factors kick in.
#3 Wear Protective Clothing
Protective clothing not only gives you the chance to show off your sense of style, but great hats, bathing suit cover ups, and sunglasses help protect your skin from damaging rays.
#4 Don’t Be Afraid to Reapply, Reapply, Reapply!
When it comes to your sunscreen, you should never be afraid of putting more on. Depending on how long you are in the sun, you should make sure you are keeping up with how much sweat and water you are putting on your skin, as these elements can contribute to wearing down your sunscreen faster, making it less effective.
#5 Be Generous
Applying an ounce of your Obagi® Sun Shield is enough to properly cover your upper body. However, if you need more than an ounce to coat your skin, take what you need. It is always better to apply more, just in case.
#6 Avoid Tanning Beds
Nothing is more damaging than the unnatural lights given off in a tanning bed. If you do want to tan, then the actual sun is your best option. However, you still need to apply sunscreen. Yes, it’s possible to get a tan despite wearing sun protection.
#7 Mind the Time
The sun’s strongest rays shine down between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which means during this time you shouldn’t be afraid of seeking out shade, when possible.
If you would like to schedule an appointment to have any sun damage examined, or have the full line of Obagi® Skin Care Products prescribed to you, contact our offices today.