It’s been a hot and beautiful summer, and many of us have been blessed to spend time outdoors in the sunshine. With so many of these gorgeous and sunny days, we often see the unwanted and failed attempts of trying to get a sun tan, also known as sunburns, here at the clinic.

Dark, “sunkissed” skin is an aesthetic many people desire, especially during the summer months, but tanned skin can be unhealthy if you don’t use the proper precautions. There’s a lot of false information out there about skin care during the summer, so we are here to help set the record straight. The one thing we always recommend before getting any type of ultraviolet (UV) exposure is to use quality sunscreen even if it’s a cloudy day or you’re under strong indoor lighting, according to some recent studies. 

Here’s why you should be wearing sunscreen daily:

Protection Against UV Radiation 

Sunscreen helps protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, which is emitted by the sun. UV radiation can cause sunburn, premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, dark spots, and even skin cancer.

Skin Cancer Prevention 

Prolonged exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Regular use of sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) can significantly reduce this risk.

Sunburn Prevention 

Sunburn is a visible sign of skin damage caused by excessive exposure to UV radiation. Sunscreen acts as a barrier, reflecting and absorbing UV rays, thus preventing sunburn and reducing the immediate damage to the skin.

Prevents Premature Aging 

The sun's UV rays can accelerate the aging process of the skin, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Sunscreen helps protect against photoaging by blocking UV radiation, allowing your skin to maintain a more youthful appearance.

Reduces the Risk of Hyperpigmentation

UV radiation can trigger an overproduction of melanin, leading to the formation of dark spots and uneven skin tone. By using sunscreen regularly, you can help prevent the development of hyperpigmentation and maintain a more even complexion.

Maintains Skin Health 

Sunscreen not only protects against the immediate damage caused by UV radiation but also helps maintain overall skin health. By shielding the skin from harmful rays, sunscreen allows it to recover and regenerate more effectively.

To maximize the benefits of sunscreen, it's important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, apply it generously to all exposed skin, and reapply every two hours or more frequently if you're sweating or swimming. Additionally, it's essential to combine sunscreen usage with other sun protection measures such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using hats and sunglasses.

Thankfully we are able to treat sunburns in house with our partner, RUN Aesthetics. If you happen to find yourself with some damaged skin, we have many options to treat you depending on how bad the burn is and where it is located. 

Above all, we care about your health and safety, so put on that SPF and have a wonderful rest of your summer! To see all the services offered by NP Clinic, you can visit their website at https://www.npclinictn.com/

About the Expert:

Lavonne Clifford is the owner of NP Clinic and has over 21 years of nursing experience. She uses different methods, both traditional and non-traditional approaches for treatment, to care for her patients. Her goal is to treat underlying conditions to improve the overall health. 

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