In an earlier article, it was pointed out that most of the aging of the skin is a result of sun exposure, and that the damage caused by the sun’s rays is accumulative. As we think about these two facts, it makes sense that if we want to have a younger-looking, more healthy complexion, protection from the sun is really important.
Of course, we can’t all look like 20-year-old models. We know that is not possible, even with today’s science and technology, but it is possible to have a more youthful look at whatever age we are. We all know people who look great for their age, and other people who look older than they should for their years. As a matter of fact, skin on areas of the body that are well protected and unexposed to the sun shows only very slight changes until well past age 60.
By using a 10% glycolic acid preparation together with a sunscreen of at least SPF 15, we get not only the repairing action in the skin produced by the glycolic acid, but use of this sunscreen gives the bonus of protection from further sun damage from the ultraviolet rays. It protects the skin from UVA, the rays that cause the wrinkling and aging of the skin. Most sunscreens on the market today only protect us from UVB, the rays that cause sunburn.
How many times have you heard someone say they use a sunblock only when they are going to the beach or when they are going to “catch some rays” in the backyard or in the park? The truth is that most of the damage to our skin occurs from casual exposure on a daily basis — exposure we receive from rays penetrating the windshield of the car, walking from the car to our destination, gardening with a hat on, sitting in the shade reading, taking an afternoon walk, and dozens of other activities that many people don’t consider “real sun exposure.”
Your skin is the largest organ of your body. It deserves very special care. Use a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 that contains zinc oxide every morning immediately after applying a 10% glycolic acid cream, before you venture out into the world. Your skin will thank you for it.
