Sun Smarts: Simple Tips for Sunscreen Success
Understand SPF and Choose the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin
Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen
With sunny days back again this year, it's so very important to prioritize your skin's health. Applying and reapplying sunscreen is a essential tool in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.
Table of Contents:
Reminder About The Risk
Understanding SPF
Different Types of Sunscreen
Mineral, Chemical, Antioxidant, DNA-repair enzymes, Broad-spectrum, Skin-Microbiome-friendly, Film-forming Sunscreens
Choosing Sunscreen For Your Skin Type
Making the Best Choice
Reminder about Skin Cancer Risk:
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC): The risk of developing basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is pretty high. It is estimated that about 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
Melanoma: The lifetime risk of developing melanoma for an average American is about 1 in 38 for men and 1 in 58 for women.
Understanding SPF
A primer on “SPF” and the different types of sunscreens available to choose:
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how well a sunscreen can protect your skin from UVB rays, the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
SPF Rating: The SPF number indicates how much longer it takes for UVB rays to redden the skin when using the sunscreen compared to without any protection. For example, if your skin normally burns after 10 minutes in the sun, an SPF 30 sunscreen theoretically allows you to stay in the sun for 300 minutes (30 times longer) without burning. However, this is an ideal scenario and real-life factors can reduce this time.
Percentage of UVB Blocked: SPF ratings provide an estimate of how much UVB radiation is blocked:
SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays
SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays
SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays
Reapplication is Key: Sunscreen effectiveness diminishes over time. It’s important to reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating, to maintain protection.
Types of Sunscreen
Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens:
Reflection and Scattering: Physical sunscreens contain minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These minerals sit on the surface of the skin and act as a barrier, reflecting and scattering UV radiation away from the skin.
Examples: EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41, Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen SPF 30+.
Pros: Provide full protection from UVA and UVB rays, effective immediately, won’t clog pores.
Cons: Require frequent reapplication, may leave a white cast, spray and powder forms should be avoided due to inhalation risks.
Chemical Sunscreens:
Absorption and Conversion: Chemical sunscreens contain organic (carbon-based) compounds such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, and others. These compounds absorb UV radiation and undergo a chemical reaction that converts the UV rays into heat, which is then released from the skin.
Examples: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 30, Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50.
Pros: Require less product for protection, easier to spread on skin, applies invisibly.
Cons: May not fully protect against UVA rays, require time to become effective, can exacerbate acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation, need frequent reapplication.
In addition to the chemical & physical types, there are other specialized sunscreens available:
Antioxidant-Enriched Sunscreens:
Enhanced Protection: Products like La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum with Sunscreen and Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 combine traditional UV filters with antioxidants to provide enhanced protection against free radicals.
Sunscreens with DNA Repair Enzymes:
Repair Mechanisms: ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica is an example of a sunscreen that includes DNA repair enzymes like photolyase to help repair UV-induced DNA damage in the skin.
Broad-Spectrum Sunscreens (Including Infrared and Visible Light Protection):
Extended Protection: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 contains iron oxides and other ingredients to protect against blue light and infrared radiation, in addition to UV rays.
Skin Microbiome-Friendly Sunscreens:
Skin Health: Mother Dirt AO+ Mist and TULA Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30 are examples of products that incorporate prebiotics and probiotics to support the skin's microbiome while providing UV protection.
Film-Forming Sunscreens:
Durable Protection: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ uses their proprietary "WetForce" and "HeatForce" technology to create a more durable and effective protective film on the skin.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin Type
Dry Skin For dry, flaky, or itchy skin, choose sunscreens that include hydrating and skin-softening emollients such as sodium hyaluronate and caprylic/capric triglyceride. Project Sunscreen’s roll-on mineral sunscreen is an excellent option because it hydrates skin without irritating fragrances or dyes.
Oily Skin For oily skin, avoid thick, creamy sunscreens that can feel sticky. Opt for water-based, powder, or matte lotions labeled ultra-light. These products prevent excess oil buildup and provide effective sun protection.
Normal Skin If you have normal skin, you're in luck! You can choose from a variety of sunscreen forms—cream, spray, roll-on, or stick. Focus on high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreens to ensure full protection.
Combination Skin Combination skin requires a balance. Look for sunscreens that are hydrating yet non-greasy. These types of sunscreens provide effective protection without pilling, making them a good base for makeup.
Oily and Acne-Prone Skin For those with oily and acne-prone skin, mineral sunscreens are preferable as they are less likely to clog pores. Look for products containing niacinamide, which helps decongest pores and control oil.
Mature Skin Mature skin benefits from sunscreens with reparative ingredients like antioxidants. These help fight cellular damage and counteract the effects of photoaging.
Sensitive Skin Sensitive skin needs sunscreens free of fragrances and dyes. Look for hydrating ingredients for dry sensitive skin, and non-comedogenic formulas for oily sensitive skin to avoid clogging pores.
Making the Best Choice
When selecting a sunscreen, consider the following:
Ingredients: Opt for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for safety and effectiveness.
Form: Choose lotions over sprays to reduce inhalation risks.
Usage: Use mineral sunscreens for prolonged sun exposure or sensitive skin. For swimming or sweating, reapply frequently or consider chemical sunscreens.
Application: Apply mineral sunscreens liberally for immediate protection and chemical sunscreens 20 minutes before sun exposure.
Reapplication: Reapply every two hours, especially after sweating or swimming.
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