Let’s get real—aging UV damage is like that annoying ex who keeps showing up uninvited. You might think, “I’m young, I’ve got time,” or “I’ll just wear a hat.” But the truth is, if sunscreen isn’t part of your daily routine, you’re basically inviting wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging skin to crash the party early!
Good news, though—protecting your skin doesn’t have to be a chore. Let’s dive into why daily sunscreen is your skin’s summer (and year-round) best friend. And exactly how UV damage sneaks up on you, and why living in Utah’s high-altitude sunshine makes SPF more critical than ever.
Aging UV Damage: The Sneaky Utah Villain
UV rays are like that toxic frenemy—they seem harmless but leave a trail of destruction in their wake. These rays penetrate your skin and break down collagen and elastin, causing premature aging. In fact, 90% of visible skin aging is caused by UV exposure. (Yikes!). This is not just something to worry about when you are outside. UV rays penetrate windows and make you subject to its damage while driving and while indoors.
William McElligott – The left-hand side of this truck driver’s face was chronically exposed to the sun through the window while the other side remained shaded in the cab. Photograph New England Journal Of Medicine
Think of UV damage as the savings account you DON’T want to grow. The more unprotected sun exposure you rack up, the bigger your “wrinkle fund” gets. Over time, this leads to:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone, melasma, dark spots (hello, sun freckles)
- Reduced elasticity (aka sagging skin)
And don’t be fooled by cloudy days—UV rays are sneaky. Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds, so even a quick stop at the Smith’s in South Jordan or grabbing coffee at Lehi’s quaint Tellis Caffe could be putting your skin at risk.
Why Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable
Here’s the scoop: Sunscreen doesn’t just protect against burns. It blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays, the culprits behind skin damage, cancer, and premature aging. Daily use of SPF 45 or higher has been shown to reduce your skin’s aging process by up to 34% over four years. That’s right—your skin can actually look younger just by adding sunscreen to your morning routine!
And let’s not forget Utah’s unique challenges. At high altitudes like South Jordan and Lehi, the sun’s UV intensity increases by 10-12% for every 1,000 feet above sea level. Translation? Your skin takes a beating even faster than those living at lower elevations.
SPF Pro Tips: Keep It Fun & Functional
Sunscreen doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Here’s how to make it work for you:
1. Layer It Like a Pro
Start your day with a lightweight SPF moisturizer or primer. Bonus points if it doubles as a makeup base, like Sunbetter Tonesmart (a fan favorite for its non-greasy feel).
2. Reapply Religiously (Come on Utah, we know you know how to do this!)
Sunscreen isn’t a “set it and forget it” deal. Toss a travel-size SPF in your bag for easy touch-ups while hiking the Jordan River Parkway or enjoying Lehi’s Splash Pads.
3. Protect Every Inch
Your hands, neck, and ears need love too. UV damage doesn’t discriminate, and these areas often show aging first.
4. Choose Broad-Spectrum SPF
Broad-spectrum sunscreen blocks both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays). Without it, you’re only fighting half the battle.
5. Cover Up Smart
Rock UPF clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. These are effective in doubling down on sun protection. BONUS BENEFIT: You’ll stay cool and look effortlessly stylish!
Real Results, Real Confidence
Don’t just take our word for it—our clients swear by their summer SPF glow-ups.
“After just one summer of wearing SPF daily, I noticed fewer dark spots and way less redness! My skin feels smoother, and my makeup actually looks better. Unfiltered taught me how important sunscreen is year-round!” – Jessie Lopez, Lehi
“Living in South Jordan, I thought my wide-brimmed hat was enough. Spoiler: It wasn’t. Now I use SPF every morning and still use my wide brimmed hat when in direct sun. My skin has never looked better!” – Dana Marks, South Jordan
Your Skin Deserves the Best
At Unfiltered Medical Spa, we believe preventive aesthetic medicine is just as important as any other type of preventive medicine. You know, going to the gym, getting good sleep and eating clean are worth their weight in gold. Glowing platinum skin starts with prevention—and sunscreen is your first line of defense. We carry a curated selection of SPF products designed to protect and nourish your skin in Utah’s unique climate.
Stop by our Jordan clinic to pick up your summer skincare essentials or book a personalized consultation. From hydrating SPF mists to tinted sunscreens, we’ve got options to suit every lifestyle.
Special June Promo: Sunscreen + Glow Bundle 🌟
Ready to make sunscreen your new summer BFF? For the month of June, enjoy 20% off all SPF products when you book any facial treatment. Pair it with our signature Hydrafacial for the ultimate glow-up combo.
Your skin will thank you—and so will your future selfies that crave authenticity.
Glow Confidently, Every Day
Don’t let UV damage dull your shine. Make sunscreen part of your daily ritual, and enjoy healthier, younger-looking skin for years to come. After all, confidence starts with knowing you’re protected—no matter where life (or the sun) takes you.
Ready to glow? Book your appointment today!
At Unfiltered Medical Spa, we don’t just help you look good—we help you feel amazing in your own skin.
References:
Photoaging: What You Need to Know About the Other Kind of Aging by Skin Cancer Foundation, 2019 (https://www.skincancer.org/blog/photoaging-what-you-need-to-know/)
Radiation: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation by World Health Organization, 2016 (https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-ultraviolet-(uv))
