The Sun Isn't the Only
Thing Aging Your Skin

Most people know sunscreen helps prevent sunburn. What many don't realize is that protecting your skin today goes far beyond UVA and UVB rays.

In modern dermatology, we now understand that multiple wavelengths of light contribute to premature aging, collagen breakdown, inflammation, and unwanted pigmentation. If you're concerned about wrinkles, brown spots, melasma, rosacea, redness, or simply maintaining healthy, youthful skin, understanding what you're protecting against matters.

Here's what we now know, and why the newest generation of sunscreens does so much more than block a burn.

UVA + UVB: The Obvious Culprits

UVB rays cause sunburns. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and accelerate collagen loss, wrinkles, laxity, and discoloration. Both are present year-round, even on cloudy Michigan days, and UVA can pass straight through the windows of your home, office, and vehicle.

Translation: even when you're not actively sunbathing, your skin is still accumulating damage, while you're driving, sitting near a window, or walking from your car to the front door.

The Hidden Agers: Blue Light + Infrared Radiation

What surprises most people is that ultraviolet light isn't the only concern.

High-Energy Visible (HEV) Light, commonly known as blue light, is emitted by the sun, but also by the devices many of us spend hours behind each day: phones, tablets, computer screens, televisions, and LED lighting. Research continues to show that HEV exposure contributes to oxidative stress, inflammation, pigmentation, and premature aging.

Infrared-A (IR-A) Radiation penetrates even deeper into the skin than UV light. It generates heat within the skin, increases free radical formation, accelerates collagen degradation, and can worsen pigment disorders such as melasma.

If You Have Melasma, Rosacea, or Hyperpigmentation — This Matters Even More

For individuals struggling with melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne, rosacea, or chronic redness, protecting against all forms of light exposure becomes especially important. Heat, infrared radiation, visible light, and ultraviolet light can all stimulate pigment-producing cells and contribute to flare-ups.

This is why so many people feel frustrated when they're diligent with sunscreen yet continue to battle stubborn pigmentation. Often, they're only protecting against part of the problem. For these conditions, comprehensive daily protection is one of the most important steps you can take toward clearer, more even-toned skin.

"Your future skin is being created today."

— Jessica Farhat, MSN, NP-C · Founder, NECTAR body•face•skin

Why We Recommend ZO® Skin Health Sunscreens

At NECTAR, we carry sunscreens that go beyond traditional UV protection. ZO® Skin Health's Triple Spectrum Protection® technology was designed to help defend skin against:

Their formulations combine mineral and chemical filters for broad-spectrum protection, plant-derived melanin to help defend against blue light, and ZOX¹²® antioxidant technology for long-lasting defense against free radical damage.

Whether you prefer a completely clear finish, a mineral formula, or a little complexion-perfecting coverage, there's a ZO® sunscreen designed for your skin and lifestyle.

The Best Anti-Aging Product Isn't a Serum

It's the sunscreen you wear every single day.

The best laser treatment, the most advanced injectable, and the most effective skincare routine all share one thing in common: they work better when your skin is protected.

Whether you're sitting by a sunny window, working behind a computer, driving to soccer practice, spending the day on Lake Michigan, or enjoying a patio dinner downtown, daily protection remains one of the most effective investments you can make in the future health and appearance of your skin.

NECTAR body•face•skin is located in DeWitt, MI, just minutes from Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos, and Haslett. Stop in and let us help you find your perfect sunscreen match.