Protecting Your Skin From the Summer Sun - Spa Velia’s Wellness Experts De-bunk Some Common Myths and Provide Sunscreen Tips

1. Myth - People with a tan or dark skin don’t need to use sunscreen with SPF

Fact - Everyone needs sun protection!

2. Myth - If you are in the shade you don’t need SPF.

Fact - The reflection of the sun will burn even if you are in the shade - sand snow and water all reflect sunlight and can contribute to your risk of burning.

3. Myth – You can’t get burned on a cloudy day.

Fact - Clouds don’t block the UV rays that cause sunburn.

4. Myth – If you apply a waterproof sunscreen before hand, you can swim or surf and still be protected for the day.

Fact - No sunscreen is waterproof, only water resistant. So if you go in the water, reapply every 40 minutes.

5. Myth – All day protection sunscreens only have to be applied once and will protect you all day.

Fact - Sunscreens actually break down in the sun and should generally be applied every 2-3 hours (sweat and activity also cause them to wear off). Sunscreens that contain zinc oxide stay on longest. Also, be aware that it takes 30 minutes for sunscreen to adequately penetrate your skin.

6. Myth – You will lose the ability to absorb important vitamin D from the sun if you are wearing sun block.

Fact – Your body can get vitamin D from food sources so you don’t have to risk burning your skin.


Sun Protection Tips

1. No sunscreen blocks 100 percent of UV rays

2. Look for products labeled “broad spectrum,” they protect against UVB and UVA rays.

3. Sunscreen with SPF of 15 protects against 93% of harmful UVB rays, SPF of 30 protects against 97% of UVB rays, SPF of 50 wards off 98 percent.

4. The average cotton T-shirt actually has an SPF of about 5.

5. Make sure at least one of these is in your sunscreen: titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide, and the recently approved Mexoryl SX.

6. Get checked by your dermatologist once a year for skin abnormalities.


This summer make sure to protect you and your family. The protective ozone layer has changed tremendously within the past years; Our environment isn’t the same.
Make sure to be proactive in wearing a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15. Remember to take the time to take care of your self!

Juliana S. Rodrigues?is Spa Velia’s Esthetic Director, and Co-founder of the Aesthetic Professionals Alliance. For more information, or to book an appointment at Spa Velia, call 619.235.0000, or visit: www.spavelia.com.

Spa Velia is nestled between the Columbia/Little Italy Districts of downtown San Diego, directly across from The W Hotel. The Spa is owned by a team of three entrepreneurs, two women and one man, who shared a vision to create an intimate, old world luxury spa, unlike any other spa destination available in America’s Finest City. The Spa caters equally to both men and women clientele, offers an expertly educated staff and features several one-of-a-kind amenities including the contemplative relaxation lounge, Swiss seven-head showers and the immensely popular Couples Suite. Since their Grand Opening in October of 2005, Spa Velia’s business has continued to grow steadily, as city dwellers, business types and downtown hotel guests alike discover this unique, old world escape from the stress of daily life. Spa Velia is located at 401 West A Street, Suite 180 in San Diego (619.235.0000). Visit www.spavelia.com.
MEDIA CONTACT: For more information, or to interview a spokesperson from Spa Velia, contact: Marti Amado, MEDIA ARTS, 760.877.0619.