What Does it Mean if a Mole Itches and Bleeds?
Is your mole exhibiting some concerning symptoms? You’ve come to the right place. Let’s talk about your mole and what it could mean if it starts to itch and bleed.
Yes, Sunscreen Is That Important
You brush your teeth regularly, eat a balanced diet, and exercise as much as possible — in short, you do many things to support various aspects of your health and wellness.
But what are you doing for your skin?
Whether you’re new to skincare or you’ve been in the game for years, sunscreen should be a part of everyone’s routine.
Here, our board-certified dermatologists at Sanford Dermatology dive into why sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from sun damage, one of your skin’s greatest threats.
Let’s talk about sun rays
The sun emits invisible radiation called ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are two main types of UV rays that affect your skin. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin layers and contribute to the signs of premature aging you see on the skin surface; UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and play a major role in skin cancer development.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays, so make sure your sunscreen is labeled “broad spectrum” for full protection.
Speaking of choosing the right sunscreen…
Our tips for choosing the right sunscreen
Not all sunscreens are created equal, and picking the right one can be confusing. Here’s what you should look for:
SPF of 30 or higher
Your sunscreen should be water-resistant and have an SPF of 30 or higher. The number value does not refer to how long you can stay in the sun until you burn; rather, it determines how well the sunscreen blocks UV rays — essentially, it measures how much UV radiation is required to burn your skin.
Made for your skin type
We also recommend working with our team to find a sunscreen that works with your skin type. For instance, sunscreens are lightweight for oily skin, packed with moisturizers for dry skin, and non-comedogenic for acne-prone users.
You can maximize the effects of sunscreen by eating a skin-friendly diet free from seed oils, which can exacerbate the effects of UV rays on your skin.
Why sunscreen is a must-have
Sunscreen isn’t just for preventing sunburns on sunny days; it’s often the only thing protecting your skin from the long-term exposure that ages and damages your skin. Here are some of the most important reasons we recommend daily sunscreen use to our patients.
Sunscreen prevents premature aging
UV rays cause photoaging, the main driver of premature wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. Over time, unprotected sun exposure breaks down collagen and elastin in your skin, making it look older than it is. That’s why sunscreen is a key to maintaining youthful, healthy skin.
Sunscreen reduces the risk of skin cancer
The most serious consequence of unchecked UV exposure is skin cancer, including the deadliest form, melanoma. Luckily, daily sunscreen use can cut your skin cancer risk in half. If that’s not a compelling reason to slather on the SPF, we don’t know what is.
Sunscreen prevents painful sunburns
We’ve all been there — spending too much time outside without sunscreen and ending up with painful, red, peeling skin. But sunburns aren’t just uncomfortable; they increase your risk of skin cancer and can lead to long-term skin damage.
Sunscreen supports even skin tone
Too much sun exposure can lead to skin hyperpigmentation or dark spots that can be tough to get rid of. Wearing sunscreen daily helps prevent these discolorations, keeping your skin tone even and smooth.
Tips for applying sunscreen correctly
Applying sunscreen might seem straightforward, but many people aren’t doing it right. Make sure you’re:
- Using enough to cover your whole body and face
- Applying it 15-30 before sun exposure
- Not forgetting commonly missed areas, like the tops of the ears
- Reapplying regularly when you’re outdoors
- Wearing sunscreen even if it’s overcast
- Wearing sunscreen even if you have a darker skin tone
Remember, your regular make-up is not enough to protect your skin from the sun. Make sure you’re layering it with a dedicated sunscreen.
Many of our patients ask us for ways to make sunscreen a daily habit. If you struggle with remembering to apply sunscreen, try:
- Keeping your sunscreen next to your toothbrush and other daily hygiene items
- Use a moisturizer or foundation with built-in SPF
- Carry a travel-size sunscreen in your bag to reapply throughout the day
Sunscreen isn’t just a summer habit — it’s a non-negotiable, year-round necessity. Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep it healthy and youthful.
If you have more questions about sunscreen and other skincare products, don’t hesitate to reach out. Schedule a visit at your nearest Sanford Dermatology office in Sanford, Pittsboro, or Lillington, North Carolina, today.
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