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About Sunscreen
Why You Need It. How it Works for You.
The big picture: Sunscreen is an important part of a complete
sun protection strategy. But sunscreen alone isn’t enough to
keep you safe in the sun.
Sunscreen ingredients
Sunscreen includes active ingredients that help prevent the sun’s UV
radiation from reaching your skin. Here’s how the two types of sunscreen
work for you:
Physical (mineral) sunscreen ingredients (including the minerals
titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) block and scatter the rays (like a shield)
before they penetrate your skin.
Chemical sunscreen ingredients (like avobenzone and octisalate) absorb
UV rays (like a sponge) before they can damage your skin.
Are sunscreens safe?
While physical sunscreens may be less likely to cause skin
irritation than chemical sunscreens, both types have been
tested as safe and effective. In fact, many sun protection
products available today combine both types of ingredients.
All active ingredients in sunscreen are chemically derived. Some people
may think of physical sunscreens as more “natural,” or even “organic,” but
they’re actually inorganic mineral compounds. The sunscreens many
people call “chemical” are actually “UV organic filters.”
What does SPF mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The number tells you
how long the sun’s UVB rays would take to redden your skin if
you apply the sunscreen exactly as directed compared with the
amount of time without sunscreen. So, if you use an SPF 30
product properly, it would take you 30 times longer to burn
than if you used no sunscreen.
What level of SPF do I need? If you’re inside most of the day with just
short intervals in the sun, you can use a sunscreen or cosmetic product
with an SPF of 15 or higher. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially
when and where the sun is strongest, you need an SPF 30 or higher, water-
resistant sunscreen. More about SPF.
No matter the SPF, reapplication every two hours is key. Sunscreen must
also be reapplied immediately after swimming or sweating.
Broad-spectrum protection
In the past, most sunscreens only included information on product labels
about protection against UVB — the rays that cause sunburn, and not
UVA — the rays that cause tanning and premature aging. Now that UVA
dangers are well known, broad-spectrum sunscreen provides clear
information on product labels about protection against both UVB and
UVA.
SPF 15: Ideal for every day, occasional exposure, like walking
your dog, or driving to work. Look for our Daily Use Seal of
Recommendation
SPF 30 or higher: Necessary for extended outdoor activities,
The biggest change you can make in your daily routine to help protect your skin
is applying sunscreen each morning and again throughout the day. It’s also
crucial that you contact your local Board-Certified Dermatologist if you notice
any changes in your skin or new spots. Below, we outline the importance of daily
sunscreen use and how you can protect your skin.
Repeated sun exposure with little to no protection can cause damage to your
elastin, collagen and skin cells. Over time, this can lead to premature signs of
aging including discoloration, wrinkles, fine lines, and a leathery appearance.
Premature aging, called photoaging, is common in those who spend time in the
sun without sunscreen – especially in their 20s and 30s. Thankfully, these skin
issues are preventable with daily sunscreen use.
Using sunscreen each day, even when it is cloudy, is one of the best ways to
prevent skin cancer. Statistics show that by age 70, one in five Americans will
develop skin cancer. You can lower your risk of developing this disease using a
minimum of SPF 30 multiple times each day. For even more protection, you can
use a higher-level SPF. If you are spending prolonged time outdoors or will be in
the water, you should reapply your sunscreen every two hours.
Prevent Skin Discoloration
It can be difficult to live with areas of skin discoloration, especially when they
appear later in life. These areas of discoloration are often called “sun spots” or
“liver spots” and are usually tan to brown in color. They often develop on the
face, head, hands, and arms, and can affect both men and women. Applying
sunscreen periodically throughout your day can help prevent these spots from
appearing on your skin.
Reduce Inflammation
When our skin is exposed to UV rays it can cause painful redness and
inflammation. This can be especially challenging for individuals with skin issues
like psoriasis or rosacea. Wearing sunscreen each day helps to prevent
inflammation from harmful rays. If you are prone to redness and have sensitive
skin, look for a sunscreen with gentle ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium
dioxide. You should also avoid spray-on sunscreens as these can contain harsh
formulas, including alcohol that can dry out the skin. If you have questions
regarding your skin issues or need help selecting a product, reach out to your
local board-certified dermatologist for assistance.