Sunscreen - A key player in your anti-aging skin care routine.
A good sunscreen can keep you from getting burned, minimize the development of wrinkles, photo-aging and other signs of skin damage and can reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Sunscreen should be worn daily, no matter if you’re indoors or outdoors. It’s a good habit to apply as part of your daily routine, that way you’re always protected regardless of if you’re staying home for the day or decide to head out.
Yes, even if it’s cloudy… Incidental exposure adds up quickly and UV rays can penetrate cloud cover. According to the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology), even when the sun is nowhere to be seen, 80 percent of its UV rays still hit your skin. Another reason to still apply is those rays can pass through glass windows. Windows block UVB rays, but most let UVA rays through. Because of this, it’s important to wear SPF inside your home, as well as inside the car. (Don’t forget chest and hands!)
How do I choose the right one? Knowing the difference will help:
Broad-spectrum
These sunscreens protect against both UVA — which causes wrinkles — and UVB rays — which causes sunburn and skin cancer, according to the FDA. UVA rays enter the skin’s surface even deeper, and they can contribute to skin cancer and cause signs of aging. Again, remember that UVA rays are present throughout the year at about the same intensity, even when it's cloudy or through windows.
Physical Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreen formulas contain zinc and titanium. Because they’re natural ingredients they are better suited for those with sensitive skin, as they don’t irritate the skin and are less likely to clog pores. These physical sunscreens sit on the surface of the skin to deflect the rays. They offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays and protect from the sun as soon as they are applied.
Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens contain organic (carbon-based) compounds that create a chemical reaction and work by changing UV rays into heat, then releasing that heat from the skin. Chemical sunscreens used to have a bad rap for containing oxybenzone, which has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage. However, there are many on the market today that no longer contain oxybenzone and are just as effective without it.
The Difference
Physical sunscreens sit on top of the skin and block rays at the surface, chemical sunscreens absorb them, like a sponge. If your skin tolerates both forms, use a combination sunscreen to get the best of both worlds and the best protection.
Reapply
According to the FDA, no sunscreen is “sweat-proof” or “waterproof” anymore. Instead, the label will say ‘water-resistant’ and for how many minutes. Be sure to reapply after any water activity or heavy sweating within that time frame. Regardless of activities, always reapply at least every two hours, or the SPF level will get diluted. Remember… Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. If you’re already outside and not protected it decreases sunscreen efficacy.
High SPF
Extremely high SPFs (above 50) are totally misleading and may give you a false sense of security. According to the FDA they “do not have adequate data demonstrating that products with SPF values higher than 50 provide additional protection.” For now, stick with ones in the 30-50 SPF range and remember to reapply.
Beyond Sunscreen
While it’s important to use sunscreen, no single method of sun defense can protect you completely. Sunscreen is just one important part of a strategy that should also include seeking shade and covering up with sun protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses.
At The Effect Lifestyle Practice, we take the time to get to know our clients and their aesthetic goals and we’ll recommend the best products and treatments — always with natural-looking results!
