WHAT YOU’RE MISSING WHEN YOU’RE SKIPPING SUNSCREEN
May 27, 2020 by Jack
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Even if you’re currently (or always) in WFH mode, that doesn’t mean sunscreen isn’t necessary.
It means you’re missing out on some everyday opportunities to prevent your skin from damage.
How many times a week do you…
- Go to and from your car
- Walk the dog
- Take out the trash
- Go for a run/jog
- Play catch with the kids
- Ride a bike
- Get the mail
- Sit in front of a computer screen with the light pouring in from your office window?
Any and all of those activities you think nothing about are exposing you to UVA/UVB rays, environmental aggressors, blue light…all things that might eventually lead to skin cancer. FACT: Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers–but it’s also the most preventable.
What’s your number?
If your activities involve being outside for short periods of time, e.g. checking the mail, driving to and from the office, the FDA recommends a minimum of 15 SPF. If you’re spending more time outside, use a higher value. TIP: Regular daily use of 30 SPF or higher sunscreen blocks out 97% of the sun’s rays, reducing the risk of skin cancers.
How much damage can you do?
Sun damage starts a process called photo-aging. That means the oxidative stress caused by the sun breaks down collagen–a protein that gives skin its strength. You know the result: wrinkles and looser, sagging skin. The sun can also cause solar lentigines (small light brown spots) to form and appear, and it can increase the DNA damage to your skin cells–eventually leading to skin cancer.
What are you missing?
The face, arms, and neck are the obvious places for sunscreen–but what are those places you should be hitting, but aren’t?
- The back of your hands: Sun exposure can cause wrinkles, brown spots, and leathery skin. TIP: Your hands can give your age away–keep them protected for smoother, younger-looking hands.
- Your ears: A high risk area for skin cancer since ears are the most sun exposed.
- Top of your head: If you’re bald or thinning, hats don’t always do the trick.
- Top of your feet: Going barefoot or wearing sandals can expose your feet to too much sun.
- Lips–Every time you eat or drink, you need to reapply sunscreen. Skin cancers of the lip most frequently occur in fair-skinned men older than age 50. NOTE: The lower lip is about 12 times more likely to be affected.
How and When? Apply sunscreen evenly and generously to the body 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every 2 hours or immediately after towel drying or after 80 minutes of swimming or heavy perspiration.
What does Jack Black® recommend? (This is the good part.)
We recommend making SPF a habit. Sun protection is crucial, and we have multi-tasking products that make daily application easy and effective.
Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20
Lightweight, emollient moisturizer provides lasting hydration and helps improve the skin’s overall appearance. Broad-spectrum SPF 20 with antioxidants helps protect the skin from the damaging effects of environmental stress–including UV light, blue light, and pollution.
Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
Emollient balm, enriched with superior skin conditioners and antioxidants, soothes and relieves dry, chapped, irritated lips.
Oil-Free Sun Guard SPF 45
Vitamin-enriched, water- and sweat-resistant lotion offers superior broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and absorbs quickly without greasy or heavy residue.