Sunscreen 101: What You Need To Protect Your Skin.

Summer is just around the corner, and many people are starting to pull their sunscreens out of their closets or in the market for new ones. But did you know that you should actually be wearing sunscreen 365 days a year? Rain or shine, cold or hot, it does not matter because it is the invisible UV rays that harm our skin and they are year-round.

With that being said, it’s time to start thinking about protecting your skin from these harmful rays. While many of us know that sunscreen is important, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. With so many different types, brands, and SPF levels, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of options. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you navigate through the sunscreen aisle or online shopping and choose the best one for your skin.

1. Look for Broad-Spectrum Protection

When choosing a sunscreen, it’s important to make sure it offers broad-spectrum protection. This means that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin (dermis) and cause premature aging (our lines and wrinkles), while UVB rays affect the outer layer of our skin (epidermis) and cause sunburn. Both types of rays can also lead to skin cancer. Look for sunscreens that offer “broad-spectrum” or “UVA/UVB” protection on the label for full protection.

2. Choose the Right SPF

SPF stands for ‘Sun Protection Factor’, which is a measure of how much UVB radiation is blocked by the sunscreen. The higher the SPF, the more protection it provides. However, it’s important to remember that SPF only measures protection against UVB rays, not UVA rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97% of UVB rays. SPF 50 (best for your face) blocks about 98%, and SPF 100 blocks about 99%. It honestly is not necessary to go higher than SPF 50, as the added protection is minimal.

3. Consider Your Skin Type

Different skin types have different needs when it comes to sunscreen. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for a lightweight, oil-free formula that won’t clog pores. If you have dry skin, look for a creamier formula that can add hydration to your skin while protecting it from the sun. If you have sensitive skin, look for a sunscreen that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Almost every client in the treatment room will tell me they use sunscreen because “it is in their moisturizer.’ Although that is true, a moisturizer’s job is not to protect from the sun, it is meant to hydrate. Therefore the SPF will not be as strong even if it says SPF 30 and you should still apply sunscreen over your moisturizer.

4. Think About Your Activities

Consider what activities you’ll be doing while wearing sunscreen. If you’ll be swimming or sweating, look for a water-resistant formula that will stay on longer. Water-resistant sunscreens are labeled with a time limit, usually 40 or 80 minutes. After that time, you’ll need to reapply. If you’ll be outside for an extended period, look for a sunscreen that is long-lasting and won’t need to be reapplied as frequently. On average, sunscreen should be reapplied every 2-3 hours (indoors or outdoors.) For my makeup lovers, the most asked question is “What sunscreen can I wear over my makeup”? Ideally, SPF goes under makeup but when you are reapplying, there really is no direct answer as everyone prefers something different. You can always use a facial mist SPF BUT you will want to reapply more often as it does not have the same coverage as a lotion. Personally, I use Elta MD’s tinted sunscreen over my makeup and it works just fine!

5. Check the Expiration Date

Finally, make sure to check the expiration date on your sunscreen before using it. Sunscreen does expire and loses its effectiveness over time. Sunscreens are required by the Food and Drug Administration to remain at their original strengths for at least three years but that does not mean it starts when you purchased it, so please check! If the expiration date has passed, it’s time to toss it and buy a new one.

In conclusion, choosing the right sunscreen can be overwhelming, but it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. I always tell everyone, the best sunscreen is the one you will actually apply, so find one you love! By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your time outside (and inside as well) safely and without worry.

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