It’s been a long winter, but with summer just a couple of months away, many Tennessee residents are looking forward to spending their days by the pool or taking a trip to the beach. If you plan to spend a lot of time outside this summer, you’ll want to make sure you’re using an effective sunscreen product to protect your skin.
Here’s what you should look for on the bottle:
- Broad-spectrum – There are two types of UV light—UVA and UVB—that can harm your skin, so you want to make sure you’re protected from both of them. Broad-spectrum sunscreen is designed to do this.
- SPF – “The [Environmental Working Group] recommends purchasing sunscreens with SPFs higher than 15 but no greater than 50,” reports PopSugar Fitness, an online health and wellness resource. “Studies show that sunscreens with an SPF higher than 50 don’t offer greater protection, and many doctors argue that a higher number makes many people think a sunscreen lasts longer than one with a lower SPF, causing them to reapply less often, so they’re more at risk for burns.”
- Water-resistance – Even if you don’t spend a lot of time in the pool or the ocean, chances are you’ll still be sweating in the hot summer heat, so it’s a good idea to buy a water-resistant sunscreen. Just remember that water-resistant doesn’t mean waterproof, so you’ll need to reapply as directed.
Even if you’re diligent about using an effective sunscreen product, you may still notice the long-term effects that sun exposure can have on your skin. The good news is that a chemical peel procedure can improve the texture of sun-damaged skin, making you look younger and healthier. Contact The Lett Center to learn about different types of chemical peels.