The #1 Anti-Aging Tip: SPF Always by The #1 Anti-Aging Tip: SPF AlwaysSPF AlwaysWe know just how fun it can be to lay out by the pool during the hot summer days to work on your tan. But, it’s all fun and games until those tanning days start catching up to your skin. While small doses of sunlight can keep you maintain healthy vitamin D levels and are quite enjoyable, too much sun exposure can be dangerous, causing sunburn, damaging DNA and suppressing the skin’s immune system. Most people thoroughly enjoy spending time outdoors, which is absolutely okay! We’re not here to put a stop to your outdoor activities. However, even if you’re only planning to spend a short period of time outside it is always a good idea to apply sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.Why do I need to wear sunscreen everyday?For the tanning enthusiasts and those who claim they “don’t burn,” SPF may seem like an unnecessary step in your daily  routine. Let’s change the way that we view both sunscreen and the sun. The sun is a key factor in making sure you get enough vitamin D in your daily routine, but too much of it can be detrimental to your skin. While we love the sunshine, it’s important to understand that it isn’t always a friend to us. And instead of thinking of sunscreen as a part of your tanning regimen, think of it as part of your anti-aging routine. Wearing SPF won’t stop you from getting a tan. But, it will protect your dermis from sun damage, lower your risk of getting skin cancer AND prevent you from getting wrinkles and dark spots. If you’re looking to start implementing an anti-aging routine into your life, sunscreen is definitely the first step!The sun is aging youDid you know that 80% of wrinkles/signs of aging are caused by sun exposure? Basking in the sunshine while enjoying your favorite outdoor activities may seem harmless, but the more time you spend under the sun, the more your skin ages which can make you look much older in the long run. However, using sunscreen on a daily basis helps slow down the aging process.Sun exposure can also lead to sun spots, age spots, melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation. Pigmentation occurs when the sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation that increases the production of skin cells, known as melanocytes. Melanocytes produce melanin, a type of pigment that gives the skin its color. When there is a boost or reduction in melanin production in particular areas, overpigmentated (hyperpigmented) or underpigmented (hypopigmented) skin occurs. According to a study posted in the Influential Annals of Internal Medicine, people who use sunscreen on a daily basis experience 24% less aging of their skin than those who only use sunscreen intermittently. It also found that those who started wearing sunscreen every day in their 40s and 50s showed reduced signs of aging!Picking the right sunscreenAccording to The American Dermatology, here are the 3 most important factors to consider when selecting a sunscreen:Choosing a sunscreen that says, “broad spectrum.” Applying a broad spectrum sunscreen can help shield your sun from UVA and UVB rays, both of which are harmful to humans. This means that the sunscreen can protect your skin from both types of harmful UV rays — the UVA rays and the UVB rays.Choosing SPF 30 or above: Selecting a sunscreen with a rating of 30 SPF or higher will block 97% of UVB radiation.Choosing a water resistant sunscreen: Sunscreen that is water resistant will last longer on the skin and can stay on wet skin  for 40-80 minutes before reapplication is needed.The perfect sunscreen for you!Want a sunscreen that protects you from the sun while keeping your skin hydrated? The Day Cream is a moisturizing mineral sunscreen with different formulations of SPF ranging from 30-50 and is formulated to even out skin tone and smooth the skin’s surface. This clinical grade SPF is recommended by our dermatologists and provides the best possible protection from harmful UV rays. It’s formulated with FDA-approved mineral sunscreen ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which block exposure from both UVA rays (rays that cause premature aging) and UVB rays (rays that cause burns).