San Jose Morgan Hill By Molly Boudreault, ACNP
It’s summertime! If you are like most us, chances are that you and your family will be spending most your days enjoying the California sunshine. With all of the excitement that comes with nice weather, it can be easy to forget to use sun protection.
As your health (and beauty) providers, at Illuminate Plastic Surgery, we strongly encourage you to build sunscreen into your daily routine. Sunscreen is vitally important in preventing skin cancer, sunburns and in reducing signs of aging.
With hundreds of sunscreens on the market, selecting which product best suits your needs can feel like a chore. We’ve simplified this process for you, below.
Use a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen that Protects Against Harmful UVA and UVB rays.
UVA rays from the sun penetrate deeply into the skin. We can thank UVA rays for our bronze tans, but also for causing premature aging. UVB rays are extremely intense and affect the most superficial layer of the skin causing it to burn. Exposure to either UVA or UVB rays can lead to skin cancer.
While no sunscreen protects from 100% UVA and UVB exposure, those labeled as “Broad Spectrum” will offer dual protection from both UVA and UVB light.
Understand the Difference between Physical and Chemical Sunscreen.
Sunscreens are considered physical or chemical and differ in how they respond on the skin when exposed to sunlight. When applied to the skin, physical sunscreens act as a shield to block and deflect sunrays while chemical sunscreens absorb sunrays and then convert them into a less damaging form of radiation.
You can tell the difference between the two by reading the ingredients label on your sunscreen bottle. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients such as avobenzone, octocrylene and octinoxate. These ingredients allow for a smoother application on the skin’s surface, but can also cause skin irritation. Physical sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients may leave a faint white sheen on your skin after application, but should be more gentle.
The type of sunscreen that you use depends on your personal preference. Try both, and see what you like!
Need help selecting medical-grade SPF? Schedule a skin consult or reach out to our Palo Alto plastic surgery clinic so we can personalize your regimen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carrie Evanger, FNP-BC
Carrie Evanger, FNP-BC is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with more than 15 years of nursing experience. She has advanced training in medical aesthetics, injectable treatments, medical-grade skincare, and Sciton laser technology. At Illuminate Plastic Surgery, Carrie provides customized aesthetic and anti-aging treatments for patients throughout Silicon Valley, including San Jose and Morgan Hill, with a focus on natural-looking, confidence-boosting results.
Carrie specializes in advanced injectable treatments including Botox®, Dysport®, Sculptra®, dermal filler, lip filler, and full facial balancing designed to soften signs of aging while preserving each patient’s natural features and facial harmony. She also performs advanced laser and energy-based treatments including BBL® HERO™, Moxi®, Halo®, Sciton® TriBrid™, Discovery Pico®, and Ultherapy® nonsurgical skin tightening treatments. Her expertise includes treatments designed to improve pigmentation, redness, sun damage, acne scarring, skin texture, skin laxity, collagen production, and tattoo removal while helping patients achieve healthier, more youthful-looking skin. Carrie also incorporates customized medical-grade skincare regimens into treatment plans to support long-term skin health and optimize aesthetic results.
Known for her approachable personality, artistic eye, and attention to detail, Carrie creates personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s skin concerns, aesthetic goals, and long-term skin health. Her aesthetic philosophy focuses on achieving refreshed, balanced, and natural results through preventative aesthetic medicine and evidence-based treatments.
With a strong clinical background and a Master’s degree in Nursing Education, Carrie combines advanced medical knowledge with the latest innovations in aesthetic medicine to provide safe, effective, and results-driven treatments. Her years of nursing experience, passion for patient education, and commitment to continued learning allow her to create personalized treatment plans while helping patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident throughout every stage of their aesthetic journey.
As part of the expert team at Illuminate Plastic Surgery, Carrie works alongside leading aesthetic providers and board-certified plastic surgeons to deliver advanced cosmetic injectables, laser skin rejuvenation, and non-surgical aesthetic treatments using the industry’s most innovative technologies. Patients across Silicon Valley trust Carrie for her meticulous approach, conservative recommendations, and ability to deliver subtle, beautiful results that enhance natural beauty without looking overdone.
At Illuminate we’re with you during every step of your journey toward greater self-confidence. Schedule a consultation with us today and let Illuminate’s expert team listen to your concerns and guide you through treatments and procedures to help you reach your individual goals. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your renewed appearance and realized potential.
