Your Basic Guide to Sunscreen

Over 8,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Even though not all cancer is caused by overexposure to the sun, avoiding this risk factor alone could prevent around 3 million cases every year. 

Sunscreen offers exposed skin the protection it needs from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Understanding sunscreen and how it works will help you choose the best form of protection for your skin.

Sunscreen Basics

When outdoors, it is recommended that all skin types wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater. This rule-of-thumb is important all year, not just during the summer. Winter sun can also damage your skin. To avoid the worst ultraviolet rays, enjoy the outdoors during early morning or late afternoon. Opaque clothing will also help deflect damaging rays.

There are two types of ingredients in most sunscreens: those that absorb the rays and those that reflect them. This is to help your body handle the two forms of radiation. UVB radiation causes sunburn and cancer. UVA penetrates deeper and results in premature aging and wrinkles. Choose a broad-spectrum product that protects against both UVB and UVA.

Explaining SPF

SPF stands for the sun protection factor. This can range from 2 to 100 and refers to the product’s ability to screen your skin from the sun. A higher SPF allows for longer time in the sun without burning. As the SPF number gets larger, so does the concentration of sun-filtering chemicals. These chemicals may result in tissue damage and hormone disruption but reduce your risk of cancer.

Mineral vs. Chemical

Physical or mineral sunscreens are made from titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, ingredients that the FDA has determined are safe and effective. They sit on the skin and deflect ultraviolet rays. They tend to be better for sensitive skin, the better choice for kids, and healthier for your skin in general. However, this sunscreen does not absorb into the skin, so it often looks really white.

Chemical sunscreens contain one or more active ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, or octinoxate. The FDA is still collecting information on the safety and efficacy of these ingredients, but they have not been determined unsafe. This form of sunscreen is absorbed by your skin and also absorbs harmful sun rays. Some may have allergic reactions to chemical sunscreens, but it will leave less white residue on your skin.

A Few Other Tips

Waterproof sunscreen allows you to enjoy the water and sun without reapplying your sunscreen as often (you still need to reapply occasionally). However, these products are oil-based and highly comedogenic. Because your skin cannot breathe, pore secretions are blocked and you may experience breakouts. 

Remember your lips when you are out in the sun. Despite their darker color, lips have almost no melanin. Avoid shiny glosses that will attract ultraviolet rays and stick to a matte product with an SPF of 30.

Be practical and aware when you are spending time outside. Remember that your skin needs protection and use your sunscreen. Prevention is your best friend. If you experience severe burns or strange skin symptoms, contact our office today! Our team is here for you and we are always ready to answer your questions.