Did you know that you should apply sunscreen even if you’re not in the sun? Keep reading to learn more.
What does the sun do to the skin?
The sun has many effects on the skin. People with darker skin types tend to tan when exposed to the sun. People with fair skin tend to burn. The pigment in your skin is what protects you from getting burned, and those with less pigment have less protections. That’s why they burn. Over decades of your life, you get long-term exposure to the sun. And as you get older, you see changes like loose skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. These are all mainly caused by exposure to the UV (ultraviolet) rays of the sun. It causes changes in your skin like collagen loss. Collagen is the protein that keeps your skin firm and tight. When it gets damaged from sun exposure, you start to see loose skin. The sun’s rays can also lead to dark spots, or sometimes called sun spots. Additionally, long-term sun exposure increases your risk for skin cancer.
What does sunscreen do?
Sunscreen will protect your skin from the harmful UV rays form the sun that damage your skin. The physical sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide reflect the light. These are called broad -spectrum because they protect you against both types of UV rays, called UVA and UVB. Physical sunscreens absorb the light. You want to use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more and apply it at least 30 minutes before you go outside. And if you’re outside for long periods, you want to reapply every hour or two.
What if I’m not in the sun?
Many times you think you’re not in the sun, but you actually are getting exposure to the harmful UV rays from the sun. For example, a lot of people don’t apply sunscreen when it’s overcast outside, thinking that they’re not getting sun exposure. In fact, you actually do get sun exposure even when it’s overcast. Think about night time, where there’s no sun at all. It’s completely dark outside. But even on an overcast day, you can still see outside without needing lights. That means the sun’s rays are penetrating the clouds and you are getting exposure.
Another thing you need to remember is that when you drive, although you’re not technically outside, your skin is still exposed to the sun through the windows. Some people drive back and forth to work 30 minutes a day. That’s an hour a day of sun exposure you’re getting without even knowing it.
Also, many people live in or work in places where there are windows nearby. Just like in a car, you’re getting the sun exposure that can damage your skin.
What if I wear a hat?
A lot of people wear hats to protect their face from the sun. This is a great idea because it really reduces the amount of sun exposure your skin gets. However, the light can reflect off the ground and reach your face. So even if you wear a hat, it’s still important to protect your skin with sunscreen.
The important thing to remember is that people don’t think about the small amount of sun exposure they get every day. And sometimes it’s not even small, it can last hours. But you’re still getting the sun exposure that can harm your skin. So you do need to apply sunscreen every day, even if you’re not “outside.”
Dr. Alex has performed over 10,000 cosmetic treatments with many satisfied patients. Contact us to schedule an appointment for a free consultation with Dr. Alex in our Encino, CA office.