Is Your Sunscreen Doing You More Harm than Good?
How to Choose the Best Sun Protection
Warm, summer days are right around the corner! We don’t know about you, but we love summer: lounging poolside sipping a refreshing drink, reading a unputdownable novel, or taking a short cat nap while the sun warms our bodies. But is your sunscreen ready for summer?
Here’s a question for you.
When was the last time you bought sunscreen?
If you’re using last-year’s sunscreen or (gasp!) expired sunscreen, you’re not doing your skin any favors.
Before you settle into your summer routine, keep reading to learn more about how to choose the right sun protection and why making sun protection a part of your daily skincare routine is so important.
Choose Broad Spectrum Protection
Check your sunscreen’s label. Does it include the phrase “broad spectrum?” Sunscreen products like ZO® Skin Health’s Sunscreen + Powder SPF 45 labeled as broad spectrum protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. All sunscreens offer UBV ray protection to reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancers, but only broad-spectrum products provide UVA protection. According to The American Cancer Society, “UVA rays also contribute to skin cancer and premature aging.”
Not sure if your sunscreen is a broad-spectrum product? Check the bottle for a warning. Products that don’t protect against UVA rays must have language on the bottle that states the product only protects against sunburns, not skin cancer and skin aging.
Pay Attention to the Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
A higher sun protection factor (SPF) is always better. The American Cancer Society recommends everyone use SPF 30 sunscreens or higher. Although higher SPF numbers don’t guarantee complete protection, the higher the number, the more UVB rays the product filters. Here’s a quick breakdown of how the different numbers affect UVB rays:
SPF 15 sunscreens – 93% of UVB rays filtered
SPF 30 sunscreens – 97% of UVB rays filtered
SPF 45 sunscreens – 98% of UVB rays filtered
While it’s a fact that no sunscreen offers 100% protection, choose the highest SPF possible for the best defense.
Know the Difference Between Water Resistant and Waterproof
Planning on spending day working in the yard or playing in the water? Make sure your protected from the sun the whole day. Here’s the deal—no sunscreen is waterproof or sweatproof. If you have a bottle of sunscreen at home making these claims on their label, toss the sunscreen. Manufacturers aren’t allowed to make such bogus claims!
No matter how expensive or how high the sunscreen’s SPF factor is, protection doesn’t last all day. If the sunscreen advertises that it’s water resistant, the label must tell you for how long. Most water-resistant sunscreens offer protection from 40-8- minutes while swimming or sweating. Reapply every two hours while swimming or working up a sweat.
Also, be mindful of how often you’re toweling off. Have you ever wondered how it’s possible you got sunburned when you reapplied religiously? Well, sunscreen rubs off when you use a towel. If you towel off frequently, you will need to increase how often you apply your sunscreen.
Why You Need to Level Up Your Sun Protection Game!
Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about the importance of daily sun protection. You already know that you need to apply sunscreen when participating in outdoor activities to prevent sunburn, but did you know your skin is at risk while driving and even walking from your car to the grocery store?
Harmful UVB and UVA rays are a constant threat to your skin’s health and appearance. It’s up to you to do everything you can to protect it. Common signs of sun damage include:
Sunspots
Liver spots
Fine lines and wrinkles
Wearing a daily sunscreen protects your skin from photoaging (premature aging), leathery appearance, and reduces inflammation.
Even if it’s cloudy, you need to wear sunscreen—and you need to reapply it several times throughout the day. Sunscreen isn’t a one-and-done-for-the-day skincare product like moisturizers. It’s a product that needs to be a handbag staple like your lip gloss or hand moisturizer.
How to Choose a Daily Sunscreen
The best daily sunscreen is one that fits into your lifestyle because let’s be honest—if something isn’t easy, we tend to avoid doing it.
One of the most common reasons women don’t reapply their sunscreen throughout the day is they don’t want to mess up their makeup. Hey, we get it! You spend time perfecting your look. The last thing you want is to mess it up with a greasy sunscreen.
The good news is that there are great products that work with your look, so you don’t have to sacrifice your skin. Here are some of our favorites:
ZO® Skin Health Sunscreen + Powder SPF 45: This sunscreen Triple-Spectrum Protection® and exclusive ZO® antioxidant technology. It brushes on, includes a hint of advanced color pigments, and delivers superior skin defense. Available in light, medium, and deep shades.
ZO® Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50: A non-greasy sunscreen that works great under makeup, drying quickly to a sheer matte finish. Reapply as much as needed and know your skin is hydrated and protected all day long. Use with the Power SPF 45 product for ultimate protection.
Epionce Ultra Shield SPF 50 Sunscreen: An affordable daily broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s water resistant and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. This antioxidant-rich formula is suitable for all skin types.
Trade In Your Old Sunscreen for Better Sun Protection!
At The Color Room in Wentzville, we want you to have the best skin of your life every day, and that starts with sun protection! From May 2- July 2, bring in your old sunscreen (any brand) and get 20% off any sun protection purchase from the ZO® Skin Health and Epionce lines.
Have skin care questions or concerns?
Call us at 636-856-1400 to schedule an appointment with one of our highly educated and trained aestheticians!
