Sunscreen
This is a staple in my skin care routine for prevention of sunburn, brown spots, skin cancer, and wrinkles. Wearing sunscreen every day is absolutely necessary, whether you are indoors or outdoors.
What is Sunscreen?
Sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunscreens are considered an over-the-counter drug (OTC) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the FDA has monitored sunscreen and its variety of ingredients since the mid-1970s to ensure all products meet the appropriate safety and effectiveness standards.
Due to its FDA classification, each bottle of sunscreen must have a Drug Facts label, which will reveal whether a sunscreen is chemical or physical /(mineral). More about this below.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), most people apply only 25 to 50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. Inadequate protection against the sun’s UV rays can cause photodamage, and even some cancers.
How Much Sunscreen Should I Use?
The AAD recommends applying at least a full ounce of sunscreen (which is an equivalent to a shot glass) on your body and about a tablespoon on your face. The vast majority of us do not apply enough sunscreen to achieve the SPF rating on the bottle. If your sunscreen bottles last you for months and months, chances are you aren’t applying enough on a daily basis.
What is Broad Spectrum Protection Sunscreen?
This simply refers to the coverage of the sunscreen.
The best sunscreens provide broad spectrum coverage for both UVA and UVB. Look for this on the label.
This helps to prevent sun damage and acts as a potent protection for the skin.
CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN
1. Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients such as:
• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Octisalate
• Avobenzone
• Octocrylene
• Homosalate
• Mexoryl SX
Once applied, the ingredients in a chemical sunscreen absorb harmful UV rays so they cannot penetrate your skin. Each of the ingredients in a chemical sunscreen are responsible for protecting you from a portion of the UV spectrum. So manufacturers combine several chemical sunscreen ingredients to formulate a final product that gives adequate coverage. The majority of chemical sunscreens approved by the FDA have more UVB coverage than UVA, which can leave you at risk of sun damage.
The state of Hawaii was the first to ban the two chemical sunscreens oxybenzone and octinoxate, citing environmental ramifications to endangered coral reefs - which, depending on your source, is debatable. California, the Virgin Islands, and Key West, Florida have followed suit. I always recommend for my patients to stay current. Consider, the studies into chemical sunscreens and formulate your own opinion before making a selection.
2. Physical (Mineral) Sunscreen
Physical also known as (mineral) sunscreens : • Titanium dioxide • Zinc oxide These are the only two physical blockers currently available in sunscreens. When applied to the skin, physical sunscreens reflect damaging UV rays away from the skin. Combined, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide have the potential to provide true broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. However, it is important to look for the highest percentage, preferably greater than 10% each, of these active ingredients to ensure comprehensive protection. What do I Recommend? There are several variables to consider when choosing a sunscreen, including active ingredients, broad spectrum protection, and the cosmetic elegance. Personally, the best sunscreen is the one you will use. There are so many great options. Powders, lotions, and sprays. I have listed my favorites on: https://shopmyshelf.us/collections/1224
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