As summer is in full swing in Ottawa, I know it is important to protect my skin from the sun. Once I am outdoors, golfing, enjoying water sports, and spending time at the cottage, I want to embrace every minute while knowing my skin is optimally protected. The warm weather feels amazing, but the sun is one of the main causes of skin aging, liver spots, wrinkles, fine lines, sunspots, and even skin cancer. Although treatments are available for sun damage in Ottawa, prevention is key!
The UV rays are harsh on our skin, breaking down collagen, and causing cellular damage. Although tanning beds are a major source of UV damage, the suns rays is where most people get their UV exposure in Ottawa. In order to enjoy those great summer days safely, the physicians at Concept Medical recommend using a quality sunscreen to help prevent sunburns, decrease the risk of skin cancer, and early skin aging. Not all sunscreens are created equally, and it is important to use one with an SPF 30 or higher. When choosing a sunscreen we suggest you consider your skin type, your activities, and the duration of your ‘fun in the sun’. As well, choosing a sunscreen that will not cause breakouts or pimples is also a major consideration for most people. Sunscreen should be non-greasy, easy to apply, and most importantly effective. Make sure you apply sunscreen to your ears. A company offering hearing aids in Colorado Springs advises to remove your hearing aids when applying sunscreen to make sure you cover the entire surface of your ear.
EltaMD and Colorescience are both high-quality sun-protecting products, available at Concept Medical, which contain key sun protecting elements in order to safely enjoy the Ottawa summer. EltaMD sunscreens are formulated with transparent zinc oxide and are noncomedogenic (meaning they won’t cause pimples). All EltaMD sunscreens are recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation as effective broad-spectrum sunscreens. They are sensitivity-free, fragrance-free and paraben-free. Most importantly, they are non-greasy and dry like a powder.
ColoreScience’ Sunforgettable Brush-on Sunscreen SPF 50 is a self-dispensing mineral powder sunscreen brush. The active ingredients in Sunforgettable, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, provide non-irritating, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 50 protection. It provides dry, convenient, broad-spectrum sun protection that reapplies easily over makeup, and fits conveniently into a purse or pocket.
Remember, the key to great skin starts with prevention, and the best way to keep your skin healthy is to protect it from harsh UV rays. Wearing a sunscreen daily is one of the best things you can do for your skin. However, sunscreen is not the whole story. Sunscreen does not make up for sun avoidance and shade. Although sunscreen can help protect your skin, if you are out in the sun all day, you will likely still absorb a significant amount of UV radiation. Remember to alternate the sun for shade, and ideally wear a hat for most or all of the day when outside. For more information about sun protection, please contact our office.