It’s surprising how many people think that they don’t need to wear sunscreen on a daily basis. And how many of us have thought, "I don’t need sunscreen today, I’m only going to be in my car. "Well, the New England Journal of Medicine recently posted a study of a 69 year old truck driver that I found rather shocking. The photo says it all. The right side of his face doesn’t look all that bad for 69, but the left side?
This man reported to his physicians that he had been driving a delivery truck for 28 years. What many of us don’t realize is that UVA rays (the ultraviolet rays that actually age your skin) easily penetrate glass into your skin. Over time, this unprotected exposure led to thickening of this gentlemans skin and dramatic reduction in elastin (the fibers that keep your skin taught and plump looking).
There are two ways to avoid the damaging rays of the sun. 1) Stay inside and hide
2) wear a physical sunblock.
Just like a long sleeved shirt or wide brimmed hat, a good sunscreen will contain an actual physical block like Zinc oxide or Titanium dioxide. Now, the good news is you won’t look like that lifeguard on the beach with the silly looking white nose. Suncreens have come a long way in the last few years. Some good ones to consider are Elta Md, Jane Iredale, ZO Skin Health or Vivier Pharma All 4 have physical blocks that provide instant, broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and go on smooth and invisible.
If you have concerns about sun damage or just want to get more information on sun protection, please contact us 519-837-1897. We are happy to answer any of your questions.
