Is the Sun really so bad for me?
It’s no exaggeration to say that the sun is potentially your skin’s worst enemy.
In fact, skin cancer, largely caused by unprotected exposure to the sun’s damaging
UV rays, is the most prevalent form of cancer in the world, affecting one in five
people. And it’s on the rise – recent studies suggest that depletion of the earth’s
ozone layer makes shielding the skin more important than ever.
Not a sun bather, you say? Well, unless you only go out at night, your skin is still
bombarded on a daily basis. Driving to work. Walking the dog. Even sitting under
indoor lighting. The bottom line – if the sun is in the sky, sun protection should
be on your skin!
Who is at greatest risk from sun-related skin cancers?
Unfortunately, no one is safe from sun-induced skin cancer, but there are several
factors that dramatically increase the risk. Anyone who has been sunburned even
once before the age of 18 has a dramatically increased risk – up to 50%! Fair-skinned
individuals are the most prone to sun damage, as are people taking medications that
contraindicate sun exposure. Speak to a dermatologist immediately if you have a
skin lesion that appears suddenly, with asymmetrical appearance, darker edges than
center, that changes color, or becomes larger than 1/4 inch (6 mm).
If you’re directly exposed to sunlight, ensuring proper coverage is vital. Recent
studies show that it’s better to apply an SPF15 more frequently (every 30 minutes)
than it is to use a higher SPF less frequently. It’s also important to keep in mind
that a higher SPF doesn’t necessarily mean better coverage. You see, a product’s
SPF is calculated based on how much sunscreen it contains. An SPF15 blocks over
90% of the sun’s damaging rays. An SPF45 contains as much as three times the number
of sunscreen agents, yet only blocks a few percent more rays.
Also, wearing a wide-brimmed hat when you anticipate long-term exposure is a great
way to prevent damage not only to the face, but the neck and ears as well. And we
say bring those big, eighties glasses right back into fashion – larger sunglasses
shield the delicate eye area, helping to reduce damage and slow the formation of
crow’s feet! Find a form that meets your needs.
Not only have sunscreen formulas improved dramatically over the past years, but
there’s been an explosion in applicator types. For daily use, why not opt for Dermalogica
mix-in Solar Defense Booster SPF30 that can customize your existing moisturizer?
Taking the kids to the beach? Our alcohol-free, Waterproof Solar Spray SPF25 provides
the longest-lasting protection. And everyone should have a pack of Full Spectrum
Wipes SPF15 in their gym bag, glove compartment and purse – the hygienic, sunscreen-
saturated towels make full protection just a wipe away!
Thanks to years of research, even the most sensitized individuals – often the ones most at risk from the sun – can get the protection that they need. Using super-fine milled Titanium Dioxide particles, UltraSensitive Face Block SPF25 reflects the sun’s damaging rays without the need for chemicals.
Yes, you can have your tan and stay healthy, too! Sunless tanning creams can
help the skin achieve a natural-looking, golden glow without dangerous sun exposure.
And, if you were scared off by the streaky, orange products of the past… well, times
have changed! Dermalogica has pioneered a new standard of sunless tanning with its
new Protective Self Tan SPF15, with a bronzer that gives the skin an instant glow
as it develops into a long-lasting tan. Best of all, the SPF15 protection makes
it the most guilt-free tan under the sun!
And if you do have the misfortune (or bad planning) of too much sun and too little
sunscreen, our After Sun Repair is a treatment balm for immediate relief.
Close