It’s that happy time of year when the sun is starting to shine a little brighter but with summer on the way you want to make sure your skin is protected!
Whether you’re heading to the beach this summer or not, harmful UVA and UVB rays can cause damage to the skin, such as premature aging or even skin cancer.
But don’t fear! You can still head outside and enjoy the sunshine, just make sure to protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen containing zinc oxide and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
When shopping for the perfect sunscreen, it’s important to know the difference between a “physical sunscreen” and a “chemical sunscreen.”
Here’s the major difference.
Chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s energy rays and then through a chemical reaction release the energy as heat. The bottle will name active ingredients like “avobenzone,” “octylcrylene” and “octinoxate,” to name a few.
Yet, not all chemical sunscreens have active ingredients that are “photostable.”
A photostable sunscreen will not break down when the UV filters are exposed to sunlight—avobenzone is notoriously unstable unless it is mixed with other ingredients.
Reminder, do not leave your sunblock in your car or in the direct sun as this will cause it to break down and lose it’s effectiveness.
Some chemical sunscreens can be irritating to skin. The FDA has approved these sunscreens and considers them to be safe.
Physical sunscreens work differently.
Instead of absorbing the sun’s rays, physical sunscreens work by protecting your skin from the sun by deflecting the rays.
The active ingredients you’ll find in physical sunscreens are “zinc oxide” and/or “titanium dioxide” and are generally stable.
Zinc is important because it protects your skin from the entire spectrum of UVB and UVA rays, unlike titanium dioxide, which protects only against UVB rays.
Protecting your skin from the entire spectrum of rays will decrease signs of premature skin aging, like wrinkles and sunspots. It will also decrease your chances of getting skin cancer.
So what exactly is zinc?
Zinc is an inorganic compound that is insoluble in water. It is not only used to protect the skin from the sun rays, but can also work to treat minor skin irritations, like a rash.
If you’re thinking you’ll have a white, ghostly appearance after application of sunscreen with zinc, the beauty braniacs here at SMD say not to worry!
You can find sunscreens with zinc that go on smooth and are typically transparent.
What’s the best way to apply?
The best way to apply is always naked and at least twenty minutes before you go out in the sun—head to toe! Make sure to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming.
Another important item to bring with you when outdoors in the sun is a floppy hat. Not only will you look stylish, but you will protect yourself even further.
If you have any questions about protecting your skin from damaging sun rays, call SMD to find out what type of sunscreens will work for you!
Below is a list of sunscreens you can find at SMD!
- SMD’s Sheer Physical Sunscreen 50+ (comes in a spray or cream)
- SMD’s Antioxidant Moisturizing Sunscreen 50+
- EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
- EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
- EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 31
- EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
- EltaMD UV Aero Broad-Spectrum SPF 45
- Colorescience Sunforgettable Loose Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50