Sunscreen: Myths, Tips, & Why to Wear It

There are a lot of questions surrounding sunscreen about the different types, how often to apply, and more. Today, we're shedding some light on this product to help you protect your skin in the best possible way. Here are our sunscreen myths, tips, and why to wear it:

What does sunscreen do?

Let's start with the basics. Sunscreen protects your skin from the sun's harmful UV radiation by reflecting or absorbing it, depending on the type of sunscreen you choose (more on that later). Wearing sunscreen protects your skin from sunburn, sun damage, premature aging due to collagen and elastin breakdown, and skin cancer. Apply your sunscreen about 15 minutes before heading outdoors.

What strength should I look for?

When choosing a sunscreen, most dermatologists recommend choosing at least SPF 30 that's broad spectrum. Broad spectrum means that you'll be protected from both UVA and UVB rays, which can cause sun damage and skin cancer. Make sure to put sunscreen on any exposed skin when you go outside, and put it on your face every day as a general rule.

What are the different types of sunscreen?

There are two main types of sunscreen: chemical and mineral (sometimes called physical blocker or sunblock). Chemical sunscreens' active ingredients absorb UV rays as they hit the skin. Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to form a barrier on the skin's surface that reflects UV rays. Hybrid sunscreens use a combination of both chemical and mineral blockers.

All sunscreen products are created equal, right?

Not really. There are sprays, squeeze tubes, sticks, powders, and so much more on the market these days, but they won't all give you the same protection, so follow the instructions to make sure you're using them properly. A specialty product with sunscreen in it (like foundation) should never replace your sunscreen cream or lotion, but instead used as reapplication. For example, sunscreen sticks often require more product than most of us would naturally apply in order to get the same amount you'd get from a cream. As such, they're great for reapplying on the go, but be careful--it's easier to miss areas of your skin with products like these.

Why don't they work the same way?

The FDA measures the weight of these products per skin surface area in the exact same way: they apply 2 mg of product per square centimeter to the skin and measure how well the product protects the skin against a certain dosage of UV light. Because of the way the products are dispensed, or because of their density, you may not be getting the advertised amount of protection. Often, such as with powders, you'll have to use a lot more to get the same amount of protection--and it'd be an uncomfortable amount of powder on your face.

How much should I use?

For using sunscreen lotion on your whole body, use about an ounce--think of filling a shot glass with sunscreen. A half teaspoon will be enough for your face and neck. With a spray, it's harder to tell, but use enough so that your skin glistens, and make sure to rub it in after you spray. Spray it close to your skin so it doesn't blow away, either. A sunscreen stick is a great way to protect a tattoo when you're outdoors, or even your body if you're out hiking, as it tends to be less greasy on the body than it is on the face. You'll need four full passes over the skin to get enough.

How often should I reapply?

The general rule is to reapply your sunscreen every two hours, no matter the strength (SPF 30 or SPF 50, etc.). If you're swimming or sweating, check the label to see how long the sunscreen will last in the water. There is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen, but there is water-resistant sunscreen, so try to grab that before your next beach day. If you're not great at remembering to reapply, try a physical blocker sunscreen--it'll tell you since it doesn't absorb on the skin! If you see the white cast on your face, it's still working. If you no longer see the white cast, it's time to reapply.

Do I only need sunscreen in the summer?

No! Sunscreen is an everyday necessity, whether it's cloudy, rainy, summer, or winter. In fact, winter activities can also give you sunburn because the sun reflects off the snow in addition to overhead exposure. UV rays also come in through your windows, so yes, you should be wearing sunscreen inside, too.

What else should I do?

Sunscreen should be one part of your protection plan. If you're going to be outdoors for long stretches of time, consider a putting a physical barrier between yourself and the sun's rays: stay in the shade as much as possible or use a tent or umbrella, wear UPF clothing that protects against UV rays, or tint your car windows. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head and shield your face and neck.

What if I got too much sun?

Immediately get out of the sun and cool your skin down with a cool bath, shower, or damp compress for 10-15 minutes a few times per day. Don't use ice, as that can damage the skin further. Use a gentle, cooling moisturizer like aloe vera or soy and avoid lotions that contain petroleum jelly, heavy fragrances, and alcohol, as those can trap the heat and irritate the skin. Make sure you hydrate with extra water, juice, coconut water, or other electrolyte-infused drinks, as sunburns pull fluid to the skin's surface. If your skin blisters, do not pop or peel them, as they could become infected. Wear loose clothing and stay out of direct sunlight while your skin heals. If you experience blistering over a large area of your body or have symptoms or signs of heat exhaustion (dizziness, nausea, headache), go to the emergency room.

If you've seen sun damage on your skin and would like a little extra TLC, consider booking a Sun Damage and Capillary Skin Treatment Facial to treat it and help the skin recover. Call Salon Patrice at (815) 223-8643 to schedule an appointment, or find all of our facial services here.