I believe it is important to explain why I recommend something to my clients, and not just dictate that it should be used.

So here is why sunscreen is a very important step in everyone's skin care routine, men and women alike.

Even just a quick trip to the mailbox and back or taking the kids back and forth to their multiple activities gives you enough exposure to cause a breakdown of Collagen and Elastin in your skin. Let's look at the different rays we live with and the kind of damage they do to the skin.

• UVB rays burn the skin, and damage not only the surface of the skin, but also the cells in the upper layers of the skin. This breaks down the integrity of the skin, and creates a place for cancer to grow. UVB is less active in the colder months, and most active 10 to 3 during the day.
• UVA rays age the skin. UVA rays are a very long reaching ray. Reaching much deeper that UVB, and are active 365 days a year, from sun up to sun down, rain or shine. Collagen and elastin are the fibers that give the skin its elasticity, and it only takes 2 minutes of UVA exposure for collagen and elastin production to be interrupted. Because it damages the cells deep within the skin, UVA is also believed to be a cancer causer.

Most of us are good about sunscreen when we are on the beach or at the pool these days, but daily use is very important for the constant protection of the skin.

Why chance the possibilty of damage when the solution is so simple? By protecting your skin daily, you can stop the damage to the elasticity of your skin, and slow the aging process. Daily application also sets a routine.  The routine will save you on those days when you just plan to get something out of the car, and end up talking to the neighbor for an hour. These moments add up over time, the skin looks older, and these damaged cells become breeding grounds for cancer.

So, by using a sunscreen daily you protect yourself against damage, and aging.  Trust me - it is much cheaper to prevent aging then it is to fix it. Billions are spent on laser treatments, skin creams, Botox, and Dermal fillers every year. These are all used to help repair pigmentation problems, sagging skin, wrinkles, lines, and removable of cancer.

There are many suncreens to choose from that you should have no problem finding one that suits your skin type and personal preferences.

Check in for the next blog about choices of sun protection and how to find what is right for you and your skin.

                                           Catherine Sir, Master Esthetician, Educator, and Certified Reflexologist