Skin Facts by Obagi Medical

A few months ago, I splurged on an Obagi signature facial treatment. Though it was discounted at 50% off via Groupon, it still turned out to be more expensive than an average facial. Anyway, the excellent service I got was worth every centavo. You may click here to read the review.

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House of Obagi Trinoma

After the treatment session, I helped myself with the array of brochures stacked near the reception area. I was so satisfied with their service that I decided to know more about other skincare procedures they offer. Among the handouts I got, the most interesting was the brochure about sun protection. The contents are so informative that I decided to share them with you. Credit goes to Obagi Medical for coming up with this very simple yet educational handout.

CONTENTS:

• When you're not wearing sunscreen to protect your skin, UVB and UVA rays can cause the following damage: 
• Sunburn
• Brown spots (sun spots) 
• Faster skin aging
• Increased skin cancer risk
• Obagi sunscreens help prevent sunburn and protect skin health because of their unique combination of ingredients:
• Physical (inorganic) protection uses ingredients such as mineral pigments to reflect UV rays away from the skin 
• Chemical (organic) protection uses chemical ingredients to absorb UV radiation and disperse it as heat

• UVA
• Penetrates skin more deeply than UVB
• Plays a major role in accelerating photoaging : wrinkles, skin roughening, blotchy skin color, brown spots, poor skin tone, sallowness
• Can contribute to development of skin cancer
• UVB
• Penetrates skin less deeply than UVA
• Is a primary cause of sunburn
• Plays a key role in the development of skin cancer
• Contributes to photoaging
• What is Sun Protection Factor (SPF)?
• SPF numbers signify the duration of protection against UVB rays versus not using a sunscreen.

• Apply sunscreen generously--every day
• For maximum protection, it's important to use your sunscreen every day because UV radiation can reach the skin even on cloudy days and through glass windows
• Skin protection guidelines
• Seek shade, particularly between 10am and 4pm
• Do not burn
• Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths
• Cover up with clothing, broad brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses
• Use a sunscreen every day with an SPF of 30 or higher
• Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen all over your body 30 minutes before going outside; reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating
• Every month, examine your akin head to toe for changes
• Every year, see your physician for a complete skin exam

I couldn't get a clear image of the Obagi products recommended for sun protection but you may check their website for the complete list. 

I had a wrong notion as to how frequent sunscreens should be reapplied until I read about it in Prevention. According to Dr. Arielle Kauvar, director of Now York Laser and Skin Care Center, to make sure you're covered, reapply your sunscreen at least once every 2 hours if you're in the water or engaging in sweaty activities. However, if you don't plan to work up a sweat or be outside long, sunscreen protection should last 2 to 4 hours, says Dr. Amy Wechsler a dermatologist in New York City. 

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Now does it really have to be as frequent as every 2 to 4 hours? I think it depends on how much your sun exposure is during the day. Remember that you need sun protection roughly between 10am and 4pm. So if you applied once in the morning and you're in the office for the rest of the day, there's no need for you to reapply unless you go out in the middle of the day. Let's say your work involves a great deal of sun exposure, a higher SPF will prolong the time before onset of sunburn but you still need to reapply sunscreen every 2  hours. 

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I know how busy each day gets that we often forget certain things that do really matter. Believe me when I tell you that skincare does matter a lot especially when it involves saving you from the worst that can happen. When I say worst, it involves the big C. So the next time you feel too lazy to put on sunscreen, think of how you can save yourself from a lot of trouble with just adhering to a simple step in your daily routine.

TIDBITS:

• This entry is not intended to advertise certain brands or products. Just giving credit to whom it is due.
• If you have any questions, comments or additional information feel free to leave them on the comment section below.