FIVE TIPS FOR CHOOSING SUNSCREEN
We all love soaking up the sun’s warm rays. Lying on the beach sipping a pina colada is the pinnacle of vacation ecstasy.
Debbie downer alert: 90 percent of the visible signs of aging are caused by the sun!! This means wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and sagging. Using sunscreen is the best way to prevent premature aging. However, there are factors that make choosing the right protection a bit confusing. Luckily, you can always turn to your trusty esthetician (me!) to clear the air for you. So, sit back, relax -under a wide brim hat, of course, and safely enjoy the sun.
Full Spectrum Protection
For the most comprehensive protection, use a sunscreen that blocks UVB rays as well as UVA rays. What does that mean? UVA rays are known as aging rays. They are ultraviolet sun rays that can penetrate deep into the layers of the skin, causing damage you often won’t see until years later. UVB rays are know as burning rays. These cause damage to the skin and are a factor in skin cancers. Yikes! For protection from both UVA and UVB rays, look for the words ‘full spectrum protection’ on the container. If it only says SPF, you will not be protected from UVA rays.
SPF 15 or 30
Probably the most confusion around sunscreen is which SPF number to choose.
You’ll find SPF numbers ranging from 10 to 60+. What does it all mean? SPF stands for sun protection factor. The number behind it is less clear. An SPF of 15 protects the skin from 93% of the sun’s rays. An SPF of 30 gives you 97% protection and SPF 50 gives you a protection of 99%.
There is no value in going any higher than 50. You are safe to use one ounce of full spectrum SPF 30 for body and one teaspoon for face and neck. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours.
Physical Sunscreens
Physical sunscreens use mineral blocking ingredients, including titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to disperse and reflect UVA/UVB rays. I love mineral sunscreens because they are non-toxic and provide a physical barrier between the sun and the skin. The downside to mineral sunscreens is that they often leave the skin ghostly white.
Try products before buying. Brands like Coola are constantly working on reducing the molecule size, making the product as transparent as possible.
Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens work like a sponge, absorbing UVA and UVB rays. The most common FDA-approved chemical sunscreen blockers are ensulizole, octisalate, homosalate, octocrylene, octinoxate, oxybenzone and avobenzone. I advise avoiding the ingredients octinoxate and oxybenzone due to their link to hormonal disruption. They also harm to the ocean’s coral reefs.
Products I love
I recommend using a tinted mineral foundation like Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue for daily protection. Yes, even on cloudy days or the days you spend most of your time indoors. The time you spend driving and spending time outside (however briefly) adds up and your skin pays the price. For added protection, layer your mineral foundation over oil-free Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.
For fun in the sun, slather your body with Coola Classic Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30. This broad-spectrum chemical sunscreen is water resistant, toxin-free and offers plant protection to fight damaging free radicals.
On active days, try Skinceuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 50. This is broad spectrum protection is designed for extreme conditions, including full marathons.