Awareness around sunscreen usage and its benefits is at an all-time high. Ask your dermatologist about sun protection, preventative aging, or skin cancer prevention, and you will definitely hear about the importance of using sunscreen daily. Sunscreen is arguably the best product to help prevent skin cancer, and is the most effective anti-aging skincare product.
Sun protection will be more top-of-mind for many of us as we transition into Spring (hence this series :)), unless you have a predilection for the outdoors, which in sunny California isn’t rare. It’s important to remember that rain or shine, the rays of the sun penetrate the layers of our skin and cause damage to skin cells, especially in individuals with less melanin or who burn easily. Using the right type of sunscreen, at the right amount and frequency, can protect you from long-term, adverse effects of the sun and significantly reduce premature signs of aging.
While the FDA’s minimum recommendation is SPF 15 for skin cancer prevention, dermatologists follow AAD guidelines and recommend a minimum of SPF 30, which filters approximately 96.7% of UV rays, and provides significant protection against both burning and aging of the skin in the form of discoloration and degradation of precious collagen.
Selecting the appropriate sunscreen can be challenging, not to mention knowing how to apply it correctly. Most people only apply 25-50 percent of the recommended amount of product, and in that case, you’re not getting the full protection you need. For your body, use about one ounce of product, which is enough to fill a shot glass, and for the face, a minimum of a nickel-to-quarter-sized dollop. When in doubt, always apply a second layer of sunscreen. And don’t forget about your, ears, hands, neck, or lips. A lip balm or lipstick with SPF can help protect the thin, fragile skin of the lips.
While all sunscreens work nearly immediately upon application after settling and forming a film on the skin, the AAD recommends applying sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside, then reapplying every two hours and immediately after sweating or swimming. If you’re using a water-resistant product, such as our SMD Hydra Pro Mineral Sunscreen, make sure you’re aware of the product claims and keep a track of time.
Wearing hats, sunglasses, and seeking shade, as well as keeping exposed parts of the body covered as much as possible is always advised when you are spending prolonged periods of time outside. Opt for UPF clothing which is made from a fabric rated for its level of ultraviolet protection, or more vivid colored clothes, such as bright red or yellow, which will absorb less UV light, making it more difficult to reach your skin. Thickness of clothing matters, too. The thicker the material, the better protected you are.
You can also follow the UV index by checking your phone’s weather app and it guides you on how much sun protection you need depending on the time of day or any given location. If you know how strong the UV rays are, you can make better decisions about your sun protection—even on cloudy days 🙂
Stay tuned for the next articles in this series where we will deep dive into chemical and mineral sunscreens and how they work, sunscreen marketing claims, and the differences between UVA and UVB rays.
Written by Maya
Reviewed by Drs. Smith & Fardin