Sunspots on Skin? 8 Things You Must Know About Sun Protection (Skin Care Blog Post)

1) Sunspots on skin -- where do they come from?

Sunspots are patches of discolored skin resulting from staying in the sun for too long. They are often called liver spots or age spots. They are usually harmless, but look rather unattractive.

Unfortunately, once you have sunspots, you can't get rid of them. Even expensive laser treatments cannot remove them completely. However, you can prevent them by staying out of the sun, and applying as much UV protection as you can.

2) Types of UV

There are two types of harmful UV -- UVA and UVB.

UVA penetrates deeply into your skin, and suppresses your immune system. It is responsible for age spots, wrinkles, and other dangerous side effects from the sun.

UVB causes sunburns.

3) What is SPF, and how is it measured?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor.

Its measurement depends on how the formula defects UVB. The number is calculated from the amount of time it takes to burn your skin. 

Of course, the higher the SPF, the better.

4) What is Broad Spectrum Sunscreen?

Broad spectrum sunscreen protects your skin from both UVA and UVB. 

5) Can sunscreens be washed off?

Yes. That is why you need to continue applying it. Sunscreen can easily sweat or wash off.

This is also why products with higher SPF aren't necessarily better.

6) What is the difference between sunscreen and sunblock?

Sunscreen contains ingredients that reflect UV. It protects against both UVA and UVB.

Sunblock contains ingredients that act as a wall between you and the sun. It protects against UVB.

7) Can you still get skin cancer if you wear sun protection?

Yes. Skin cancer depends on genetics, as well as sun protection. If you have a family history of skin cancer, you need to consult a dermatologist every year and get examined.

  

8) Sun protection for little ones?

You can apply sunscreen on babies as young as six months. Do use sunscreen especially made for babies or children. They contain less harsh ingredients.

Protect. Prevent. Preach.

Thanks for reading.

 

Sunspots on skin suck, but skin cancer kills.

 

Are you protecting yourself from the sun?

 

Sources:

Mayo Clinic, Best sunscreen: Understand sunscreen options