The single most important thing to do for your face

We usually think about lines, wrinkles, volume loss, and loose-looking skin as age-related changes. In reality, these are all largely due to sun damage.

If you aren’t using sunscreen daily, you have an amazing opportunity to protect your face from “age”-related changes! 

We usually think of sunscreen as something that prevents sunburns and skin cancer -- which is of course absolutely true! The high-energy radiation coming from the sun wreaks havoc on our skin cells’ DNA, causing tiny errors as our skin fights to replace old cells with new ones. This is what can lead to uncontrolled reproduction of skin cells, which can lead to cancerous lesions. 

More commonly, though, these errors in cell replication lead to decreased elasticity and trouble holding on to volume. Combined with lines made from expressive muscle contractions (or squinting in the sunlight!), creases and grooves slowly deepen in our face until they’re visible at rest.

The quality of collagen and other connective proteins decreases as our skin cells become less effective, leading to volume loss and saggy skin. Neuromodulator and hyaluronic filler treatments can help once this happens, but the most powerful way to prevent these changes is by protecting your skin from those ultraviolet rays in the first place. 

Staying out of the sun is, of course, strongly recommended. A stylish hat and set of sunglasses are also a must.

If you’re anything like me, though, and can’t resist basking in the sun with a few friends and a bevvy, sunscreen (and a good hat) is the next-best defense against the damage ultraviolet radiation can do to your skin!

Sunscreen should even be used on cloudy days, during the winter, and when you’re planning to stay in the shade. Any amount of sun exposure can result in tiny changes in your skin cells’ DNA, which over the years will contribute to changes we’d all rather avoid. 

Any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen. That said, especially if you have sensitive or acne/rosacea-prone skin, a medical-grade sunscreen is a must. Find yourself a sunscreen that’s free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, chemicals, and artificial fragrances and dyes. Bonus points if it’s not tested on animals! 

If you don’t already have a medical-grade option or are interested in a specific recommendation or two, stay tuned -- we may have a deal for you soon!