Myth Busters: Sunscreen

“Why do I need Sunscreen in the winter time or when it’s cloudy outside?”

Believe it or not UV Rays are actually just as present when it’s cloudy out as they are on a hot summers day!

Though we may not feel the standard “burn,” it does still damage our skin significantly.

According to the Academy of Dermatology, almost one in five is expected to develop some type of skin cancer in his or her lifetime.

Clouds can be quite deceptive in many people’s ideas and perceptions because many feel that they block the infrared rays because they can’t feel that warmth. Depending on the cloud cover, yes, some of the rays are blocked and bounced back, but on just an average cloudy day they still only shut out about 20 percent of the ultraviolet rays that cause you to burn.

Sun exposure can lead to many things from the standard skin burn of course, but also the long term effects such as pre-mature aging and skin problems such as Melanoma.

Personally speaking I have seen many friends now my own age and even in their early 20’s have cancerous spots removed with some “results” of these spots not playing out how most of us would hope for in such a situation.

Many of them avid tanning bed users or sun-fanatics during the summer months. Though what many do not realize is that most of our “damage” from the sun is done when we are younger, but by continuing into our adult years, we openly add to this and break down the skin even further setting ourselves up to possibly develop cancer.

Though I openly admit I too was a “chronic” tanner for most of my teen years, I no longer “tan.”  If I feel the need for a little “glow,” I rely mainly on make-up and self-tanning products instead.

Watching friends of mine deal with skin cancers really does wake you up to the realities of improper skincare, which is now why I’m quite the advocate with my services and the use of skin protection.

No one wants to go through it and they hope it won’t happen to them, but you never know!

So do your skin that little favor and use some sunscreen as part of your daily beauty regime.

With many different options available in your beauty products from SPF Foundations, tinted moisturizers, Primers and more… buying a multi product containing protectors in it is both a smart choice and can actually save your life!