How to Pick the Right Sunblock

So we all know that the term “SPF” stands for “sun protection factor,” but did you know that it only relates to the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays? UVA rays penetrate the skin 30 to 40 times deeper than UVB rays, causing sunburn, aging, and skin cancer. So it is very important that you use a sunblock that has both UVB and UVA protection. If that isn’t complicated enough, UVA rays come in a wide spectrum of wavelengths, so even if you are smart enough to find an over-the-counter product that touts UVA protection, you then have to make sure it provides broad-spectrum coverage.

There are now additional products available called topical antioxidants that add eight times the protection to sunblock and have been shown to assist in the repair of DNA. DNA damage caused by UVA rays leads to skin cancers. If all this sounds scientific, it is! Make it easy on yourself and purchase sunblock and a skin care program from a knowledgeable physician. I carry several options in my office for different skin types and different levels of sun exposure.

• For more about this, Dr. Flint offers detailed information about skin care in Scottsdale and Mesa.

Patti Flint, M.D., P.C. is a board certified plastic surgeon that strives to ensure that all of her patients are thoroughly educated about the plastic surgery procedures they desire so that they can make a confident, well-informed decision. She is a devoted and experienced professional whose focus is to help her clients feel more beautiful and confident by delivering natural results. Learn more about Dr. Flint and read Dr. Flint’s patient reviews.

Categorized in: Skin Care