Simplifying Sunscreen

Summer is fast approaching so here are five skin saving tips about sunscreens to remember before you hit the beach!

1 Use an SPF of 30 or higher

This is everyday. Rain or shine. Inside or outside. No exceptions! UV Rays can penetrate cloud cover and go through windows. Anything lower than 30 is not doing you any favors. A lower numbered SPF will only help to prevent you from burning. It will not protect you against premature aging or Cancer. Always protect your skin. It protects you!

2 Look for 'Broad Spectrum'

This means the sunscreen protects against UV-A Rays (Aging and Cancer) and UV-B Rays (Burning). I will assume you don't want to burn, prematurely age or get Cancer.

3 Apply liberally and early

This means ALL exposed skin. Roughly the size of a golf ball for the body and the size of a quarter for the face. Do this at least 2o minutes before sun exposure if using a chemical sunscreen*.

4 Reapply every 2 hours

Higher SPF doesn't translate to longer protection. There is no such thing as 'sweat proof', 'waterproof', or 'long wearing' when it comes to sunscreens. They ALL need to be reapplied every two hours. Keep bottles of sunscreen in your bag, car, everywhere you may need it.

5 Know that Tanned skin is Damaged skin

There is no such thing as a healthy tan. Tanning is your skin's last resort to protect itself from the harmful UV Rays that can and will cause you to burn, prematurely age and lead to skin Cancer. The only healthy tan you can ever get is a spray tan.

*Difference between Chemical and Physical sunscreens
Chemical- works by absorbing the Sun's rays
Ingredients to look for:
Octycrylene
Avobenzone
Octinoxate
Octisalate
Oxybenzone
Homosalate
Helioplex

MUST BE APPLIED 20 MINUTES BEFORE EXPOSURE
Some people find chemical sunscreens to be irritating or experience allergic reactions. If this is the case discontinue use and switch to a different brand or type.
Physical- works by blocking or deflecting the Sun's rays
Ingredients to look for:
Titanium Dioxide
Zinc Oxide
Is effective immediately upon application. If you have Acne caused by mineral makeup this may also cause you to break out. Safe for younger more delicate skins.


Cate Campbell, Esthetician/Owner of Skin and Wax

skinandwax.net

410.271.5456