Although there’s no time of year when you shouldn’t prioritize sunscreen, it’s common to hear more talk about the benefits of sunscreen during warm weather when the sun coaxes more of us outdoors. While we’ve all heard, and probably even shared, the advice to use sunscreen among our other skincare products, not everyone knows the ins and outs of sunscreen options, reapplication, or which one to use. Today we’ll discuss the function of sunscreen and how to choose the best sunscreen for you all year round!
What types of sunscreen are there and how do they work?
Sunscreen is typically divided into two categories: physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen.
Physical sunscreen is also known as mineral sunscreen and tends to have active ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Physical sunscreens work by settling on the surface of the skin and reflecting the sun's rays. Physical sunscreens work well against both UVA and UVB rays, both of which can cause damage to the skin.
Some of our favorite physical sunscreens that we carry at Coco Med Spa are:
Skinbetter Sciences Sunbetter Tone Smart Lotion
Skinbetter Sciences Sunbetter Tone Smart Compact
Skinbetter Sciences Sunbetter SHEER 70 Lotion
Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral
Alastin SilkShield All Mineral
Skinceuticals Physical Fusion
Chemical sunscreen tends to have ingredients like avobenxzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone. Chemical sunscreens absorb the sun's rays before they reach the skin and convert them into heat energy that is released from the skin. While the effects of this process are typically not noticeable, the extra heat being released can irritate those with extremely sensitive skin.
Coco Med Spa carries chemical sunscreens as well! Our favorite is:
Skinceuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense
What does SPF mean?
SPF stands for sun protection factor. According to the FDA, “SPF is a measure of how much solar energy (UV radiation) is required to produce sunburn on protected skin (i.e., in the presence of sunscreen) relative to the amount of solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin.” In layman’s terms, SPF on a label lets you know how much sun it would take to burn your skin once you’ve applied the product. It’s a measure of how much protection you’re receiving. Although many people think that SPF dictates how much time you’re protected, that is not necessarily true as SPF measures solar energy and factors like location, time of day, and even the amount of clouds in the sky determine how much solar energy you’re exposed to.
Do I have to reapply sunscreen?
The short answer is, Yes! Because it's not easy for the average person to measure the exact amount of solar energy they’re experiencing during sun exposure, the best way to protect your skin is to be diligent about reapplication. A good rule of thumb is to reapply sunscreen about every two hours. For the most convenient results, you might find it best to invest in several different types of sunscreen. While you may start with a lotion or cream at the beginning of your day, it may be easier to apply a spray or powder sunscreen during the day over makeup. It’s important to note that, even if your makeup states that it has SPF in it, typically the amount is negligible in terms of protection and you should still be applying a standard sunscreen to your face before makeup application, as well as re-applying throughout the day.
Which sunscreen is the best?
As Amy, APRN and co-owner of Coco Med Spa, always says, “The best sunscreen is the sunscreen that you’ll wear.” If you find your skin feels better with a certain kind of sunscreen, go with that one. If you find that it’s easier to commit to reapplication if you have multiple types of sunscreen for different occasions, make that investment in your health. Although there are many wonderful sunscreens available, check out Our Favorite Alastin Skincare Sunscreens for a few recommendations that you can trust.
Armed with this information, there’s no reason that you can’t enjoy fun in the sun all year round while also protecting your skin. Your future self will thank you!
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