Table of Contents
We can’t stress this enough: always wear broad-spectrum, waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. SkinMedica, EltaMD, and other high-end names are among the best sunscreens we sell to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
WHAT DOES SPF MEAN?
Sun protection factor is what SPF stands for. The number on the bottle tells you how long sunscreen shields you from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Putting on sunscreen is important all year, not just in the summer. Sunscreen blocks both rays of UVA and UVB rays.
Difference Between UVA Rays and UVB Rays.
UVA rays hurt the dermis (lower level of skin), and UVB rays hurt the epidermis (top layer of skin). UVA light speeds up the aging process of the skin. UVB light, on the other hand, is the most harmful to the skin because it causes sunburn, redness, and skin cancer. UVA rays make the skin yellow, but a darker color means that the cells in the dermis have been damaged. It’s important to note that the SPF numbers only talk about UVB rays and not UVA rays. It is best to find a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Here’s an example to help you figure out how long you are safe. Let’s say that an SPF 15 sunscreen doesn’t help your face after 30 minutes in the sun. The SPF 15 will protect you for 450 minutes, which is 30 minutes times 15.
Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours at the very least. This is because the sunscreen wasn’t put on right, and most sunscreens don’t last long enough to be exposed to the weather. A sunscreen with a high SPF will protect you more. 93% of UVB rays are blocked by SPF 15, 97% by SPF 30, 98% by SPF 50, and 99% by SPF 100. No sunscreen completely stops UV rays.
SUNSCREEN BENEFITS
Sunscreen offers terrific benefits for the skin, including:
- Minimizes redness of the skin
- Protects the skin from the harmful rays of the sun (ultraviolet rays)
- Improves skin health by protecting the elements of the skin like protein or collagen
- Protects the skin for a more extended period from exposure to the sun
- Sunscreen helps keep skin from getting red.
- It helps keep the skin from getting discolored, so the tone is smooth and even.
- Keeps you from getting sunburned and heat stress, which can put you at risk for skin cancer.
- Stops the formation of free radicals, which protects the skin’s antioxidant defense system.
- Early signs of aging, like sunspots, drooping, dry skin, wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation, and photodamage, are stopped.
WAYS YOU CAN FURTHER PROTECT YOURSELF FROM UV RAYS
Put sunscreen on your face directly and wait for it to set before putting on makeup. Every two hours, you can put a small layer on top of your makeup again. To get the most protection, you should wash it off and put it on again. But this isn’t always possible.
You should pick makeup that protects against the sun if you can. Before getting dressed, put sunscreen on your whole body. Don’t forget your neck, behind your knees, the tops of your ears, your head, and the tops of your feet. Since there is no such thing as a perfect sunscreen, here are some other things you can do to protect your skin from aging and other skin problems:
Please stay away from tanning beds because they can cause cancer.
- Protect yourself with wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and as much of your legs and arms as you can. Stay in shady places if you can. Not all clothes can keep you safe from the sun. Clothing made of cotton, silk, or crepe that is light can let the sun shine through. Do not wear light-colored clothes. Instead, wear clothes made of dark, thick materials like denim, wool, polyester, or rayon plus heavy.
- The sun’s rays are best between 10 am and 4 pm, so stay out of the sun during that time to avoid getting burned. Drink plenty of water all day.
- Check your skin often for any new changes, like growths.
- There are times when clouds look like they might not be there, but up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can still get through.
- Even in the winter, you should wear sunscreen every day. This is because snow can block up to 80% of the UV rays from the sun. The ozone layer, which is the part of the earth’s atmosphere that blocks most of the sun’s dangerous UV rays, gets thinner in the winter. This means that you are more likely to get sun damage because your skin isn’t as strong against UV rays.
- Sunscreen should also be worn inside since the sun’s rays can get through the glass. The amount of UV rays that hit you in a room full of sunlight is the same as when you are outside.
- Wear sunscreen when you’re at a high elevation, like when you’re on a ski trip because the UV rays are stronger at higher elevations. Also, up to 80% of the dangerous rays are reflected by the snow. Sunscreen helps protect your skin from the sun’s rays that hit your face and other uncovered parts of your body.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING SUNSCREEN
There are many kinds of sunscreen on the market. Picking one that meets all of your skin’s needs and keeps you safe from sun damage and early signs of aging is a big mistake. UVA and UVB rays can hurt your skin, but broad-spectrum protection with SPF 30 or higher can protect it. SPF 15 is best for short periods outside, while SPF 30 is best for longer periods.
Water-resistant sunscreen for swimming and doing a lot of physical exercise. It works for up to 40 minutes of swimming, while sunscreens that are very resistant to water work for up to 80 minutes. It’s important to remember that sunscreens don’t last forever; they wear off or wash off over time.
OUR BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST RECOMMENDS:
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen
Antioxidants and niacinamide are two high-quality ingredients that provide natural coverage, protect against the sun, and reduce redness from acne scars. You can wear it alone as a thin base or under makeup. It’s not heavy or greasy.
SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 – Untinted
| Product Benefits | Protect skin from harmful infrared rays (IR-A rays). Reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. |
| Sun Protection Factor | 34 Sun Protection Factor (SPF) |
| Item Weight | 4 Ounces |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Unit Count | 2.3 Ounce |
SkinMedica has ingredients that have been tried in clinical trials and offer full protection against UVB, UVA, and infrared rays. It is light and has a mix of antioxidants that keep the skin strong against external stressors and stop it from aging. It also has both physical and chemical sunscreen ingredients that protect against the sun’s harmful rays, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and make the skin tone and structure better. There are no parabens or scents in this sunscreen, so it’s good for all skin types.
Contact Oakland Hills Dermatology today to learn more about how to pick the best sunscreen for your face.
Conclusion
To sum up, SPF is an important part of skin care because it shields skin from UV rays, which can be harmful. The risk of skin cancer can be significantly decreased by using sunscreen with the right SPF level every day. Sunscreen can also keep the color of the skin even, slow down the aging process, and protect against sunburn. A good habit to get into is using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day. This will help your skin stay healthy and look good over time. Try to put it on again and again, especially after being in the sun for a long time, to keep its UV protection.
FAQs
Q: How does SPF work?
Ans: It makes a shield on the skin that either absorbs or reflects UV rays. It keeps the sun’s dangerous rays from getting through to the skin, which lowers the risk of getting sunburned and other skin damage from the sun.
Q3: What kinds of UV rays are there, and how does SPF guard against them?
A: UV rays come in two main types: UVA and UVB. SPF mostly shields against UVB rays, which are what burn you in the sun. But it’s very important to pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen that also blocks UVA rays, which can cause skin cancer and early aging.
Q4: Do I only need SPF when it’s warm outside?
A: No, UV rays are always there, even when it’s cloudy, and they can get through screens. No matter what the outside environment is like, it would help if you used SPF every day as part of your skincare routine to protect against UV damage.
Q5: What is the recommended SPF level for everyday use?
A: Dermatologists often recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for everyday protection. However, individuals with specific skin conditions or concerns may require higher SPF levels.
Q6: Can I skip SPF if my makeup contains sun protection?
A: While makeup with SPF is beneficial, it might not provide sufficient coverage. It’s recommended to use a dedicated sunscreen underneath your makeup for comprehensive protection.
Q7: When should I apply SPF in my skincare routine?
A: Apply SPF as the last step in your skincare routine after moisturizing and before makeup. Reapply every two hours or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming.
Q8: Can people with darker skin tones skip SPF?
A: No, people with all skin tones should use SPF. While individuals with darker skin may have more natural protection, they are still susceptible to UV damage and skin cancer. Everyone should incorporate SPF into their daily skincare routine.
Q9: Can I use the same SPF for my face and body?
A: While it’s possible to use the same sunscreen for both, facial skin is often more sensitive. Consider using a facial sunscreen with a formula tailored to the delicate skin on your face.
Q10: Can SPF prevent skin aging?
A: Yes, regular use of SPF can help prevent premature aging caused by UV exposure, including wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. It is an essential part of any anti-aging skincare routine. a
