Yesterday was a lazy Sunday, and a stormy one here in New York. Taking full advantage of the conditions, I waited out the passing thunder and rain on my couch for the better part of the morning (and the afternoon...). When the sky seemed to clear, I snuck out on errands. What did I forget?
My sunscreen.
"But it was cloudy," some of you might say. Well, the sun is a powerful thing. The daytime light that allows us to see where we are going (thank you very much sun) contains ultraviolet rays. These rays, unfortunately, aren't as helpful or as healthy for our skin.
Sun 101: UVA and UVB rays
There are two types of ultraviolet rays that make the 93 million mile journey from the sun to the earth. The first, UVA rays, are the most prevalent and are now known to cause premature aging, fine lines, wrinkles, and skin cancer. UVB rays cause sunburn and also contribute to photo-aging. The most important thing to keep in mind is that these rays are always around, from January to December, and they can easily penetrate clouds and glass.
Take the preventative measure
You may know how to treat your lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and rough patches, but sunscreen is a skincare product that can prevent these problems from occurring. It also prevents skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 120,000 new cases of Melanoma are diagnosed each year, yet (in most cases) the disease is completely avoidable if you provide yourself with adequate protection from the sun.
Sunscreen Satisfaction
Since you'll be partnering up with sunscreen daily, it's only natural that you should find one that you like. If it doesn't have the right texture and smell, you certainly won't want to put it on each morning. Look and feel aside, remember to choose a sunscreen that is strong enough to protect your skin and one that is compatible to your skin type. A daily application of sunscreen gives you 365 days of protection. Now that's a bodyguard.
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