Sunscreen:  An essential step in your everyday skin care routine

I cannot emphasize enough to all my clients the importance of a broad-spectrum sunscreen in their daily skin care routine.  You may ask, “well, what if I am not going to be in the sun?” The truth is even walking to and from your car and driving you are getting enough sun exposure to damage your skin.  Sunscreen is your daily protection in preventing the aging process. It is essential when you are having any type of skin rejuvenating treatments such as facials, peels, laser, micro needling for post care and long-term.  Choosing the right sunscreen with enough SPF (sun protection factor) and the right ingredients can also prevent photoaging and ensure skin health. Things to look for in your sunscreen:

• SPF 30 or higher
• Higher percentage of zinc and titanium dioxide which are the physical barriers as opposed to the chemical barriers
• Broad spectrum
• Antioxidants

Research has also proven that the Infrared Rays which come from heat can be damaging to the skin and can increase hyperpigmentation.  A broad-spectrum sunscreen will protect against the UVA and UVB rays but not against the infrared rays. Skin Medica’s Total Defense and Repair is one of the first broad-spectrum sunscreens to protect against the heat from the infrared rays and help reduce the appearance of the fine lines and wrinkles while improving the appearance of damaged skin with their unique blend of antioxidants.   

Aubrey Novy LE, CME