The Sun AGES you.
Sun exposure not only increases the risk of skin cancer (one in five Americans will have skin cancer in their lifetime) it also AGES us. The skin is the largest organ in the body and just like our lungs and heart, it deserves protection!
Which is the best sunscreen?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher. The higher the SPF the better. There is discussion/debate about ‘SPF beyond a certain point not being any better than SPF 30’. The reality is that the higher the SPF the better AND that when you buy sunscreen with SPFs greater than 30, ‘you get less bang for your buck’ so to speak.
What are the 2 types of sunscreen?
There are two broad categories of sunscreens: chemical or mineral formulations which protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Mineral blockers (a.ka. physical blockers) reflect ultraviolet rays from the sun and contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Physical/mineral sunscreens are effective at protecting your skin immediately. On the other hand, chemical blockers contain aminobenzoic acid, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, or oxybenzone. These chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun’s ultraviolet rays and need absorption time; meaning they require ~15-20 minutes to become effective after application.
At Advanced Aesthetics M.D. Med Spa, we carry EltaMD sunscreens which are formulated with transparent zinc oxide, a natural mineral compound, making EltaMD sunscreens the physical barrier type of sunscreens. Zinc maintains its protective ability in the sun making it more stable than some chemical sunscreens. Zinc reflects and reduces the broadest range of UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) ultraviolet rays. EltaMD does not formulate with avobenzone or oxybenzone.
It is hard to look outside and see snow or clouds and remember to put it on but you need to put it on! So here are some tips & tricks to help you remember to protect your skin EVERYDAY:
- Make it a routine: Put your sunscreen inside a ziplock bag with your toothbrush (might want to keep the bag open so the toothbrush does not mold!). This way you know, “after I brush my teeth, I apply sunscreen.” Do this until it is a habit.
- Make sure you LOVE your sunscreen: how we experience things matters. So make sure you like the feel and smell of your sunscreen of choice. This way your brain will be excited to put it on. We are happy to give you some sunscreen sample packets to take home and try to help you find the one you love!
