Issue link: http://www.finelinesmagazine.com/i/1383719
F R O M T H E E D I T O R finelinesmagazine.com 3 Don't Forget to Just Do It! I know you likely hear more about the application of sunscreen over any other skin care regimen—you hear it from your esthetician, your primary care provider, your dermatologist, your mother. But that's because it is so critically important to the health of your skin. You hear it, but are you heeding it? I was shocked to learn that in a recent survey of consumers, 61 percent of males and 50 percent of females reported they rarely or never wear sunscreen. That number astounds me, especially after the decades of education we've been given on the subject. Here in Colorado, with our thin air and high elevation, not wearing sunscreen is a deadly sin . . . literally. Knowing what we know about sun damage and skin cancer, it's hard to understand why someone wouldn't follow the guidance. But then I remember my own experience, when earlier this year, after months of being stuck indoors, I neglected to do a good job applying sunscreen to my face on a bright spring day. I know I was "tricked" by the cool temperatures (despite the bright sun), and by my own false sense of security that my makeup had enough SPF to protect me for my five hours outdoors (turns out, my foundation only has SPF 4, not nearly enough to protect against sun exposure). The next morning, I saw the damage I had done. My forehead and scalp were brightly pink, tender, and slightly swollen from the injury and assault from the sun. For days, as I slathered myself in vitamin C creams, I wondered how I could be so irresponsible to let this happen? Why had I let my guard down? As my aging skin slowly healed, I looked at the wrinkles that weren't there only days earlier, the "age" spots that immediately darkened, the sunburn recovery that took longer than in years past. It made me sad, but it also motivated me to re-up my sun-care diligence. Yes, we're only human, but let's work hard not to let our guard down with something as important as our skin's health. Don't become complacent and tire of hearing the message to wear your sunscreen . . . at the least, it will save you some wrinkles; at most, it might save your life. 61% of males 50% of females rarely or never wear sunscreen, a recent survey says Karrie Osborn, editor karrie@ascpskincare.com This publication is intended for the exclusive use of ASCP members. To be entitled to ASCP benefits, you must be a member in good standing. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from ASCP. © Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. ascpskincare.com Fine Lines Volume 3 Issue 2 Editor Karrie Osborn Editorial Darren Buford Mary Barthelme Abel Brandon Twyford Design Amy Klein Amy Rowe Advertising Angie Parris-Raney brought to you by staff