Let it Block Sunscreen

With Summer in full bloom, I want to remind everyone about how important sun protection is.

FACTS

Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color.

Skin cancer in patients with skin of color is often diagnosed in its later stages, when it’s more difficult to treat. Research has shown that patients with skin of color are less likely than Caucasian patients to survive melanoma. People with skin of color are prone to skin cancer in areas that aren’t commonly exposed to the sun, like the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, the groin and the inside of the mouth. They also may develop melanoma under their nails. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. It is estimated that approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. (Source: American Academy of Dermatology)

UVA (Aging) Rays increase the risk of skin cancer and cause premature skin aging, wrinkles and age spots. These rays do not burn the skin or leave any indication of overexposure and are present at near full intensity year round. They penetrate both clouds and glass to cause sun damage anytime you’re exposed to natural light, even on cloudy days, when driving or indoors in the sun. SPF ratings do not measure UVA protection. Only a broad-spectrum sunscreen offers UVA protection.

UVB (Burning) rays are what people classically equate with sun exposure. These rays causes sunburns and increase the risk of cancer and premature aging. Intensity varies by season, location and time of day, and is most intense in the summer between 10 AM and 4 PM. SPF measures the degree of protection against these rays only.

So if you have skin (regardless of age, gender, or location), The American Academy of Dermatology recommends you choose a sunscreen which states on the label: SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum (required for protection against both UVA and UVB rays), and water resistant for up to 40 or 80 minutes. Make sure you reapply after 80 minutes, because it does not last longer than that. I usually apply before going to work and the before leaving from work, but I’m going to step it up to every 2 hours.

Don’t forget, though, you should still follow other sun protection measures, including:

limit time in the sun, especially from 10 a.m. — 2 p.m., when the sun is at it’s strongest
wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses (your eyes can also be damaged from those UV rays!)

Some of you might not know that I have a history of precancerous skin problems. I recently had 2 skin biopsies which came back abnormal (again!), so this news reinforced my need to be conscious with sun protection. I was gifted Let It Block Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 for testing purposes, and I actually really like it! I like that I can protect and boost my skin’s defense against aging caused by the sun with this scientifically proven, antioxidant-infused, broad spectrum SPF sunscreen. Plus, the recyclable pouch packaging uses less plastic than traditional sunscreens and is travel friendly!

Key Ingredients

Key ingredients include

aloe vera

blueberry

cranberry

grape seed

kiwi

strawberry

hemp

and goji

which are full of nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins. These extracts combat unwanted free radicals, fight against premature skin aging and guard against harmful UV rays. LET IT BLOCK sunscreen is also Broad Spectrum, which protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays. This formula provides water-resistant protection for up to 80 minutes, is paraben free and 100% vegan and cruelty free.