Summer is here! That means you'll spend more time outside and show a little more skin. So, it's understandable that you'd want a bronzed tan to make your skin glow. And while that golden glow might look healthy, it's actually one of the unhealthiest things you can do for your skin.

It's widely known that the sun's harsh UVA and UVB rays lead to skin cancer and premature aging, but we also know that avoiding the sun altogether is quite literally impossible. Indoors, outdoors, rain or shine, sun exposure is inevitable, which is why SPF (sun protection factor) is your skin's best friend. 

THE SUN AND SKIN CANCER 

Did you know skin cancer is the most common cancer found among American adults? Skin cancer is primarily attributed to sun exposure; in fact, more people develop skin cancer because of tanning than lung cancer because of smoking. Sunburns can be even more hazardous to your skin health. On average, it only takes five sunburns for a person's risk of melanoma (the most severe form of skin cancer) to double.  

From just these statistics, it's easy to see why spending time in the sun without sunscreen can be harmful. But the damage that these powerful sun rays cause doesn't stop at skin cancer. 

EARLY AGING

Repeated unprotected sun exposure leads to premature aging (photoaging) that can prove challenging to reverse with even the most effective age management products. When the skin is exposed to UVA and UVB rays, there are DNA changes at a cellular level, deep within the skin. In the long run, this will affect the skin's ability to produce collagen and hyaluronic acid and slow down the skin's natural exfoliation process, leaving your skin susceptible to:   

• Spotty pigmentation   
• Wrinkles and fine lines   
• Sagging skin  
• Dryness   
• Rough skin texture  
• Broken capillaries   

You might wonder why you don't notice these signs of aging already if you've been spending time in the sun. The reality is that these DNA changes happen in the deepest layers of the skin, so it can take years before the damage becomes visible.  

SPF HABITS TO CREATE

The regular and almost religious use of SPF is the only way you can truly and completely protect yourself from those dangerous UVA and UVB rays. Did you know that even casual exposure to the sun can do irreparable damage to your skin? Just a ten-minute drive with the sun coming through your window can scramble the DNA in your cells.  

So, you might wonder what you can do to protect yourself from the sun since exposure is inevitable. Like we said before, sunscreen is your new best friend. Apply sunscreen in the morning, preferably 15 minutes before going outside and even throughout the day. The sun protection factor in any sunscreen (no matter how high) decreases within two hours, so it's essential to reapply throughout the day on any skin that may become exposed to the sun.   

On days when you're in and out of the water or sweating a lot, it's best to reapply more frequently, about once every hour. It can be easy to forget on these fun days, especially if it's not scorching hot outside or if there is cloud coverage, so set a few alarms on your phone to help remind you!  

If you regularly wear makeup, you might wonder how you can apply sunscreen to your face without messing with your coverage but ensuring plenty of sun protection. Here's a technique GlyMed loves to teach and use:   

1. Grab your favorite SPF  
2. Dispense the sunscreen onto your fingertips* 
3. Rub your fingertips together
4. Pat the sunscreen into your face rather than rubbing it in   
5. Keep patting in the sunscreen until you're provided with the appropriate coverage

Pro Tip: You can also tap the sunscreen in with a dampened beauty sponge!

FDA REQUIREMENTS FOR SPF

Within the last few years, the FDA has taken a more in-depth look at over-the-counter SPFs and adjusted their requirements. The FDA has stated the following: "To help consumers select and use sunscreens appropriately, the final regulations include these additional labeling provisions:  

• The FDA requires an SPF product to protect against both ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) and ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) for it to be labeled as a broad-spectrum sunscreen. 
• Under the new regulations, sunscreen products that protect against all types of sun-induced skin damage will be labeled 'Broad Spectrum' and 'SPF 15' (or higher) on the front.  
• The new labeling will also tell consumers on the back of the product that sunscreens labeled as both 'Broad Spectrum' and 'SPF 15' (or higher) not only protect against sunburn but if used as directed with other sun protection measures, can reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging.   
• Sunscreen products that are not broad spectrum or that are broad spectrum with SPF values from 2 to 14 will be labeled with a warning that reads: "Skin Cancer/Skin Aging Alert: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging."
• Based on standard testing, water resistance claims on the product's front label must tell how much time a user can expect to get the declared SPF level of protection while swimming or sweating. Two different times will be permitted on labels: 40 minutes or 80 minutes. 
• Manufacturers cannot claim that sunscreens are 'waterproof' or 'sweatproof' or identify their products as 'sun blocks.'   
• Sunscreens cannot claim protection immediately upon application or for more than two hours without reapplication unless they submit data and get FDA approval.

GLYMED PLUS SUNSCREENS

At GlyMed, we believe that your best anti-aging tool is good sunscreen. As a professional-only skincare brand, our sunscreen products must meet these FDA standards and undergo frequent efficacy testing to ensure our claims are valid. You'll find thorough directions for the proper use of our sunscreen on every bottle, so read them over to ensure you're getting the best possible protection from UVA and UVB rays.

 We currently offer a wide range of sunscreens that use chemical and physical protectants, many of which offer a sun protection factor of 15 or 30+. Shop now to find your new favorite sunscreen, perfect for summertime and all year round!