How the Sun Damages Your Skin
Did you know the sun emits UV rays all day, every day even in the pouring down rain?! Keeping your skin protected from the sun is as simple as choosing a daily moisturizer that includes a natural sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Do this everyday for a lifetime of healthy skin!
How the Sun Affects Your Skin
1. The Sun’s Harmful UV rays
Too much exposure to UV rays has been linked to skin damage, age spots, and skin cancer. The sun’s UVA rays shine down on us from sun up to sun down every single day of the year; it even gets us through clouds, windows and the pouring down rain! The sun’s UVB rays are the strongest in the summer months (hence why it’s hot and sunny!), so it’s important to be sun safe and avoid getting a sunburn. Remember, though, that clouds and rainy weather don’t protect your skin from the sun, so using a daily SPF moisturizer should be a part of your everyday routine. (CNN) Insert the UV Rays diagram
2. The Sun Changes the Appearance of Your Skin
A very common misconception among many teens and tweens is that tanning is good for your skin. What’s actually happening when you tan is your body triggering its natural defense mechanism--melanin production--to help keep you protected from the sun. Tanning is actually a sign of skin damage, and can result in permanent freckles, sun spots or moles on your skin. (American Cancer Society)
3. The Sun Dries Your Skin and Can Burn Your Skin
Because the sun’s heat can quickly deplete your skin of much needed moisture and oil, spending a day at the beach can easily turn into sunburned and dried skin. If you notice that your skin is becoming flaky or is peeling, that is a sign of dry, sun-damaged skin. This is also why too much sun exposure now can lead to premature wrinkles and age spots later in life. (Mayo Clinic) PREP NOTES: Have a sunburn? Read this article to learn how to Heal A Sunburn! PREP Tip: Wearing a chemical free sunscreen every day will dramatically reduce your overall sun damage which will slow down the skin’s aging process.
How a Moisturizer with SPF Can Protect Your Skin
1. Sunscreen Blocks UV rays
To effectively block the sun’s harmful UV rays, look for a moisturizer with an SPF of 30 or higher. If you take a look at our PREP SPF 30 Face + Body Lotion, you’ll also notice that it’s ingredients are a bit different from what you’re probably used to seeing on the labels of most sunscreens. Choosing a natural UV-blocking ingredient like zinc oxide in place of harsher chemicals like oxybenzone can help to keep your skin protected from the sun while not causing any additional irritation. (Environmental Working Group)
2. Sunscreen Protects Against Skin Blemishes
As this article mentioned earlier, the sun can have lasting effects on the skin. If not properly protected now, years of tanning and excess sun exposure can cause permanent blemishes on the skin later on. To keep your skin looking and feeling its best for years to come, pair SPF protection with a daily moisturizer. (WebMD)
3. Sunscreen Keeps Skin Hydrated
The best thing about combing a great moisturizer with SPF protection is that you can reap the benefits of both, while only having to apply one product. Keeping your skin hydrated, especially in hot summer months, can actually help to prevent breakouts and other unwanted skin conditions. (American Journal of Clinical Dermatology)
The Beauty Scoop
At PREP, our number-one piece of skincare advice is to always keep your skin protected from the sun. But we know that no one wants to add yet another step to their morning routine, so we think that using an SPF moisturizer can be a great way to make sure you’re getting the sun protection you need while you moisturize your skin. Skincare for teens really can be as simple as applying a few gentle, natural products each morning and letting your skin do the rest!