The One Skincare Step You Can't Skip: Sunscreen
Whether you're headed to the beach or just running errands, your skin is constantly exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays. Did you know that just one blistering sunburn can double your risk of skin cancer? Protecting your skin with sunscreen is not just about avoiding sunburn--it's about long-term health & maintaining that youthful glow.
In this blog, we'll get into why sunscreen is a must have in your daily routine but also some surprising facts about sunscreen that you may not know.
Broad-Spectrum Protection--this is very important! When you're searching for the right sunscreen, make sure you always get one labeled broad-spectrum because it will protect against UVA & UVB rays. UVA rays cause skin aging, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburns & both emit from the sun & tanning beds.
Sunscreen labeled with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) only measure how well the sunscreen protects against UVB rays & not UVA rays. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%.
Waterproof Sunscreen- This can be a little misleading...regular sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours & that is if you're just sitting in the sun. If you're working, sweating, or swimming you need to apply much sooner. Waterproof sunscreen should be reapplied every 40-80 minutes to ensure continuous coverage. So basically whether or not your sunscreen is waterproof, you'll need to reapply around the same time.
Most sunscreens have a shelf life of about 3 years. After they've expired, there effectiveness diminishes drastically. The recommended amount of sunscreen to use to cover entire body is a little more than 1 ounce. Most people are not applying enough, reducing the effectiveness even more. It is advised to wear SPF 30 or higher when you plan on spending more than 30 minutes outside & SPF 15 for daily use when you only plan to be outside for brief moments. Sunscreen should be applied about 15-30 minutes before going outside to give it time to bind with the skin. Sunscreen should be used year-round on a daily basis, even on cloudy days & in the winter. Everyone, regardless of skin tone, needs sunscreen! Darker skin tones are less prone to burning but are still vulnerable to UVA damage, skin aging & skin cancer. It is also worth noting that sunscreen can slightly reduce the skin's ability to produce vitamin D.
Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreen:
+Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens- Use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that sit on top of the skin & reflect UV rays.
+Chemical Sunscreens- Contain ingredients like avobenzone or oxybenzone, which absorb UV rays & convert them into heat.
Harmful Ingredients Awareness- Oxybenzone, a ingredient in chemical sunscreens have raised environmental & health concerns. It's primary function is to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly UVB & some UVA rays. However, some studies have shown that oxybenzone can mimic or disrupt hormones when absorbed into the skin, leading to concerns about potential effects on endocrine function. There are concerns about its possible effects on estrogen levels & reproductive health, though these claims are still under investigation. Oxybenzone also causes allergic reactions & skin irritations in those with sensitive skin.
Environmental Impact- Places like Hawaii & Palau have banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone due to its contribution to coral reef bleaching. Studies suggest that it may be toxic to marine ecosystems, particularly coral larvae.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still allows the use of oxybenzone in sunscreens, but it's safety is being re-evaluated. The European Union regulates it more strictly, limiting its concentration.
Oxybenzone is not very stable when exposed to sunlight & can degrade, which reduces its effectiveness. For this reason it is usually combined with other ingredients that stabilize its structure & extend its protective benefits. Due to all these reasons, people are turning to mineral sunscreens.
