Did you know that SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor? Well now you know, so listen up! SPF is a measure of how long sunscreen will prevent UVB rays from damaging your skin. There are many common mistakes people make when it comes to SPF sunscreen, but that’s okay. The skin experts at Skin NV med spa in Tampa are here to set things straight.
Do: Apply SPF Everyday
Whether it is a cloudy day or a snow storm, the sun is always out to play. It is vital that you wear sunscreen everyday of the year to protect yourself from the sun’s UVB rays. 80% of harmful UV rays can go straight through clouds and onto your skin. You can even get burnt through a window. Don’t underestimate the sun. Apply SPF 15 sunscreen to block out 93% of UVB rays.
Do: Put SPF on Your Scalp
Want to hear something scary? I’ll tell you anyways. One of the most high-risk areas for skin cancer is the scalp. People often neglect their scalp when heading off to a day at the beach. Your scalp can get burnt just as easily as the rest of your body. Apply some SPF 30 sunscreen to the scalp for protection from the sun. For extra protection, wear a cute sun hat.
Don’t: Apply SPF Once
Applying SPF once a day is a big no-no! SPF sunscreen should be applied every two hours! If you go for a dip in the pool or start to sweat, it’s time to slather up again. Apply about one shot glass full of SPF 30 sunscreen to block out 97% of UVB rays.
Don’t: Use SPF 50+
You would think that using SPF 100 or 50 is way better than SPF 30. In reality, SPF 50 only blocks 1% more of UVB rays than SPF 30. High SPF sunscreens can often be misleading. People believe they are more protected from the sun and tend to stay out longer. They may think that SPF 100 will only have to be applied once. This is not at all true, you will get burnt and you still need to apply SPF every two hours.
Questions? Concerns about sun damage or sun spots? Give us a call and learn how the aestheticians at Skin NV Tampa med spa can help you.