UV Protection & Awareness: Sunscreen Importance

Sunscreen isn’t just to protect against sunburn or a tan. “But I don’t even burn,” we commonly hear. We get it! But sunscreen protection is important for so much more than just that. Using sunscreen regularly can decrease the risk of developing skin cancers, pre-cancerous growths, melasma, sun burn, dark spots, and premature aging of the skin (wrinkles, crepey or tough, leathery skin, age spots). It can also protect patients with Rosacea and melasma from flare-ups.

 

What is SPF?

SPF stands for sunburn protection factor. The number that follows SPF tells us how much of the sun rays it can protect against. For example, SPF 15: 93% of the sun’s UVB rays vs. SPF 30: 97% of UVB rays. UVB rays are the “burning” rays while UVA ray are the “aging” rays.

Sunscreen is now sold in a wide variety of options. There is chemical and mineral sunscreen, a variation of SPF protection levels, and formula choices. Sunscreen comes in a lotion, spray, gel, stick, or cream form. Some are catered specifically to the face, and some are great for overall use. These variating formulas will be preferred by different patients depending on the consistency or type of application you are looking for. Some may be better for day-to-day use, while others are better for those intense beach and pool days.

Chemical sunscreens are most common. They absorb into the skin to convert the UV rays into heat, then disperse the rays away from the skin. They may last a little longer since they aren’t as easy to wipe off as physical/mineral sunscreens.

Mineral sunscreens are those made with zinc or titanium dioxide. These may be preferred for sensitive skin types, small children, or during pregnancy.  These sit on top of the skin to work more as a “blocker” rather than being absorbed into the skin. It’s worth noting this can create a more uncomfortable texture, though, for some people.

Neither is considered better or worse by dermatologists, so feel free to choose whichever you prefer. When searching for the best sunscreen, your top priorities really should include:

• Water resistance
• Protects against both UVA/UVB rays (broad-spectrum protection)
• SPF 30+

It is not recommended that children 6 months or younger use sunscreen. Shade, a wide-brim hat, even sunglasses, and lightweight clothing are recommended during this time. Once the child is 6 months or older, a child-based sunscreen should be used. These are typically made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which can be most appropriate for a small child’s sensitive skin.

How do I apply sunscreen?

Sunscreen takes at least 15 minutes to absorb and activate. We recommend applying your product 15 minutes before heading outdoors so you do not go unprotected even for that short period. About one full ounce of sunscreen is needed to cover the average adult’s entire body (such as if you are in a swimsuit and the legs, arms, feet, back, chest, face, and stomach are exposed). Apply to all areas of bare or exposed skin. Don’t forget the scalp! Of course, we don’t really want to spread a thick white lotion on our scalp, so there are some alternatives. Using a spray sunscreen can be best for men, otherwise opt for a cap or stylish hat for women. There are also plenty of lip balms with a minimum SPF 15 that can protect the skin on the lips!

Sunscreen should be used all seasons, rain or shine, on all skin types and tones. Just because it doesn’t feel as hot, and you may not see or feel a burn, doesn’t mean the UV rays aren’t still penetrating! Studies and visible results have shown that even sun exposure through the car window from years of driving will cause more damage to the left side of the face than the right side over time (in the United States). We tend to see patients developing more sun spots, wrinkles, and volume loss on the left side—and this wasn’t all just from sunny days. Up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds, so no—the clouds do not protect us! It just doesn’t feel quite as warm.

It’s also important to reapply sunscreen. Most manufacturers recommend reapplication every 2 hours, or every 1 ½ hours if in and out of water or actively sweating. The activation of ingredients can only protect for so long, so if you’re outside for 6+ hours, you should reapply twice after your initial application. Be sure to double check the expiration date on the bottle as well to ensure the ingredients are still active. If expired, the bottle needs to be replaced. Always be sure to read the label, directions for use, and expiration dates (of all your products really!).

Where can I find good sunscreens?

There is a plethora of drugstore & prestige sunscreen products today in stores such as Walgreens, Ulta, Target, & Walmart. Here at Edgebrook Dermatology, we carry sunscreens from SkinMedica—a medical-grade product collection created by dermatologists with Allergan. The sunscreens in our collection start at SPF 32 and offer tinted or non-tinted products. The collection offers both chemical and mineral sunscreens, as well as a Total Defense sunscreen that also protects against infrared light AND visibly improves damaged skin with a powerful blend of antioxidants! SkinMedica offers sunscreens that are hypoallergenic, oil-free and fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic (meaning they will not clog the pores).

Visit our clinic to purchase SkinMedica sunscreens or meet with a consultant for more information. For medical exams of skin concerns or conditions, schedule a visit with our dermatology providers.