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Understanding UVA Rays and Your Skin: Why SPF is Year-Round
We often think of applying sunscreen only when it’s hot or sunny outside, concerned about preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of skin cancer. While this is crucial, it's easy to overlook the fact that sun damage—and the risk of skin cancer—can occur year-round, even on cloudy days.
As a physician with years of experience in skincare, one of the most important messages I want to share is how critical it is to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. UV exposure is one of the leading causes of premature skin damage, accelerated aging, and skin cancer.
The Concern: UVA Rays
The key concern here is UVA rays. These rays are present all year round and penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature aging—like fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of skin elasticity. UVA rays are just as strong on cloudy days and during the winter as they are on a bright summer afternoon, and they can even pass through windows, including car windows. This means that your skin is exposed to UVA rays far more often than you might realize.
UVB rays are more intense during the summer months and are responsible for sunburns, but they, along with UVA rays, contribute to long-term skin damage and can lead to skin cancer over time.
We’re also learning more about the effects of blue light (high-energy visible light), which is emitted from digital screens and indoor lighting. While research is still evolving, it’s believed that blue light may contribute to skin aging by promoting oxidative stress and pigmentation issues, further compounding the effects of UV exposure.
How UVA Rays Cause Skin Damage and Premature Aging
When UV rays penetrate your skin, they cause the breakdown of collagen and elastin—two proteins that give your skin its youthful structure. This process accelerates the natural aging of your skin, leading to early wrinkles, sagging, and sunspots. You may not notice the damage right away, but it accumulates over time, becoming more pronounced as the years go by.
Beyond the visible signs of aging, UV exposure damages your skin cells’ DNA, increasing the risk of developing skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. The reality is that the majority of skin cancers are linked to UV exposure, which makes protecting your skin from these rays even more important.
The Importance of SPF and How to Use It Effectively
The good news is that much of this damage is preventable with daily use of SPF. Sunscreen is one of the simplest and most effective tools we have to protect the skin from UV damage. But not all sunscreens are created equal, and knowing how to use them properly can make all the difference.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen
Firstly, choose one you love. Try several to get the one that you like the feel and touch of—if you like it, then you won’t be tempted to skip applying it, and the best SPF is the one you wear! That said, not all SPFs are created equal.
- Choose a Broad-Spectrum SPF: Make sure your sunscreen is labeled “broad-spectrum,” meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. This ensures comprehensive protection for your skin.
- SPF 30 or Higher: For daily use, I recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
- Daily Protection, Year-Round: Even when it’s cloudy, rainy, or cold, UVA rays are still present. Protect your skin every day, whether you’re indoors or out, and even in winter. If you’re sitting near a window, remember that UVA rays can penetrate glass.
- Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreens: Physical sunscreens (those with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) sit on the surface of the skin and reflect UV rays. They’re often a great choice for sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb UV rays and are typically more lightweight, which some people prefer for daily use.
- Non-Comedogenic: If you’re prone to acne, choose a sunscreen that won’t clog your pores.
- Apply Enough: Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen. You need about a shot-glass amount to cover your body. Don’t forget often-missed areas like the neck, upper chest, ears, and backs of your hands.
- Reapply Regularly: Sunscreen isn’t a one-time application. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.
At Merrion Medical Aesthetics, we offer a range of high-grade SPF products that are designed to provide optimal protection and fit seamlessly into your skincare routine.
Take Action to Protect and Repair Your Skin
It’s never too late to start protecting your skin and to correct existing damage. I invite you to schedule a complimentary skin consultation at Merrion Medical Aesthetics. Together, we’ll assess your skin’s health, explore the best ways to prevent premature aging, and discuss how to repair some of the damage already done. I’ll also guide you in choosing the most effective, high-grade SPF products to protect your skin and keep it looking its best.
Let’s work together to keep your skin healthy, radiant, and youthful—no matter the season.
Book a Complimentary Skin Consultation to Protect Your Skin
Visit merrion.ca to schedule your consultation and discover skincare solutions that protect and rejuvenate.