When making resolutions to improve something in your life, the 21-day rule is the general standard. If you dedicate yourself to committing to a goal for three 3 weeks, the pursuit of that goal typically becomes a habit. When it comes to your skincare regimen, dermatologists will advise patients to minimally adhere to these three 3 healthy skin habits daily: cleanse, moisturize, and wear sunscreen. Yes, daily. That means even when the seasons change or even when you are indoors, sunscreen should still be applied as a protectant for the skin. 

Is it true that I need to wear sunscreen even when it is not summer? UVA and UVB rays do not hibernate in the winter. In many places, not only does the sun shine all year round but even on cloudy days, you are still at risk for sun burns. In fact, up to 80% of UV rays can still penetrate light cloud cover and affect the skin. Additionally, even if the sun is not bright overhead, it can reflect harshly off snow and water. The sun is just as intense from one season to another even if the temperature is not high. Leaving your skin unprotected while exposed to sunlight can prematurely age the skin by causing fine lines, wrinkles, freckles, moles, discoloration, and dark spots, as well as lead to precancerous or cancerous lesions and marks, loss of collagen and elastin fibers, and dilation of small blood vessels under the skin. With excessive sun exposure, ultraviolet rays can reach the inner layers of skin, potentially causing cells to die, become damaged, or develop cancer. You can help protect the skin by wearing a broad-screen protective sunscreen of at least SPF 30 at least thirty 30 minutes before heading outside. Even indoors, sunlight pours through windows, including the windows and windshield in your vehicle. You can also add high concentrated antioxidant products to your skin care routine to help reduce UV damage.

No matter your risk for skin cancer, patients should schedule a yearly skin cancer screening. A simple, non-invasive checkup can diagnose, monitor, and treat suspicious growths, moles, or marks on the skin to prevent cancer from spreading. For more information on how to safeguard your skin daily, visit WEBSITE. To schedule an appointment to discuss your skincare needs or any concerns you may have, call THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 and let us help you fight sun damage all year round with patient proven skin care.