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You’ve undoubtedly heard sunscreen is important.
In fact, you may have even heard it is the MOST important skincare product you’ll use.
Well, it is true! In fact, you should wear it every day of the year, regardless of season or weather. Here are the top THREE reasons WHY – and, what to look for in a sunscreen so you get the most benefit.
- 1. UV Ray Protection – The primary function of sunscreen is to block UV rays. The best sunscreens are Broad Spectrum Sunscreens that protect against BOTH kinds of UV rays – UVB, which are the ones that burn, and UVA, which are the ones that age our skin. Fortunately, using sunscreen will not only reduce your chances of getting burned (ouch!), but it can also reduce your chances of getting heat exhaustion or heat stroke (which can include nausea and muscle cramps). Plus, as our ozone layer continues to diminish, it is less able to absorb UV rays. This means more UV rays will reach you than ever before, making wearing sunscreen daily that much more important.
- 2. Reduced Risk of Skin Cancer – In this day and age, I feel like we are all trying to do as much as we can to reduce our chances of getting cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). And, don’t assume you’re in the clear if you have a darker skin tone. While fair skinned people may burn more easily, cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin tone or how easily you burn. Fortunately, we can all reduce our risk very easily – by wearing sunscreen. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that wearing sunscreen daily can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40% and melanoma risk by about 50% – So, slather up!
- 3. Preventing Premature Aging – Sun exposure is the number one factor that contributes to the visible signs of aging. It is the primary cause of skin discoloration and spotting, plus it speeds up collagen breakdown, which results in sagging and more (and deeper) fine lines and wrinkles. Studies show that
What Kind of Sunscreen is the Best?
Well, as with anything in life, the best one is the one that you will use. 🙂
Fortunately, you can find it in so many varieties that there is no excuse to not use it! Creams, light-weight lotions, makeup products, roll-on sticks, sprays – they will all help if you use them, as long as they are:
Broad Spectrum – Look for sunscreen with this classification, because it will protect your skin from BOTH kinds of damaging rays – UVB and UVA.
- UVB rays are the ones that primarily cause burns.
- UVA rays are the ones that cause aging – fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, and yes – tans.
Minimum SPF Rating 15 – SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor.
- The higher the SPF number, the longer you should be able to be in the sun without burning. For example, an SPF of 30 should allow you to be in the sun without burning for 30x longer than if you were out with no sun protection!
- Here is another fun fact: According to skincancer.org, a SPF 50 will allow about 2% of UV rays to reach your skin, while a SPF 30 will allow about 3% – that is 50% MORE UV rays! For very minimal exposure (such as going from your home to car a couple times a day), SPF 15 may be sufficient. For longer exposure, or exposure during the hottest times of the day, a SPF of 30+ is recommended. Keep this in mind too: Regardless of which SPF you choose, it is recommended that you reapply about 1oz. for your whole body at least every 2 hours. And remember – it can take up to 30 minutes for sunscreen to become fully effective, so make sure you reapply before ‘times up!’
Additional factors to consider:
Ingredients – Sunscreens can contain one or both types of ingredients to protect your skin:
- Physical ingredients are mineral based ingredients, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These work by blocking and scattering the rays before they can penetrate your skin. Here are two of my favorites: Soothe Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 30) for sensitive skin and Recharge Protect & Blur (SPF 30) -which doubles as a makeup primer!
- Chemical ingredients, such as octisalate an avobenzone, are UV organic filters, meaning they absorb the rays before they can damage your skin. Here are my favorites in this category: Redefine Triple Defense Cream or Lotion (SPF 30) which also helps with fine lines and wrinkles, and Reverse Brightening Defense Fluid Lotion (SPF 50) which combats skin discoloration while protecting.
- Both types of sunscreen ingredients have been tested as safe and effective, and you’ll find that many sunscreens contain both to give you a broader range of protection. The one my family loves for whole-body protection is the Essentials Face & Body Sunscreen (SPF 50) because it is light-weight, easy to apply (even on wiggly kids), smells yummy, and provides great protection.
Water Resistance – For outdoor activities involving water, or times when you’ll potentially be sweating, you’ll want this feature. Water Resistant sunscreen has been tested to be effective for up to 40 minutes. Very Water Resistant stays effective for up to 80 minutes. Unfortunately, there is no such thig as waterPROOF sunscreen so make sure to set a timer or alarm to remind you to reapply! When it comes to my kiddos, we love the sunscreen sticks that can be applied even to damp skin, like this Neutrogena SPF 70 stick that you can grab on Amazon.
So – grab your sunscreen of choice and get outside! Your fun in the sun is waiting! 🌞