SkinMedica suncreens: Do I really need to wear sunscreen everyday? Answers to all of your SPF questions:

Wearing sunscreen every day is one of the best and easiest ways to protect your skin. Even when it’s overcast, up to 80% of the sun’s rays are still being absorbed by your skin. Used regularly, SkinMedica sunscreens can decrease the risk of sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging. They are essential in every skincare routine! If you aren’t using SPF every day, it is time to start. It doesn’t matter if you are inside or outside- your skin needs protection. Here are some answers to common questions regarding skin protection and sunscreen.

What type of sunscreen should I use?

Any sunscreen should be broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, and water-resistant. Don’t worry- all the SkinMedica sunscreens we carry meet these standards!

Your skin type also matters. For example, if your skin is dry, choose a sunscreen that doubles as a moisturizer. If it is oily, water-based sunscreen is best. Our Essential Defense Everyday Clear sunscreen is great for oily and combination skin! If you have sensitive skin, our Essential Defense Mineral Shield is a great option, and it’s also ideal for post-procedural skin.

What are UVA and UVB rays?

There are two types of UV rays- UVA and UVB- both of which can be damaging to your skin. UVA rays (or aging rays) age your skin, causing sun spots and wrinkles, and can pass through window glass. They penetrate deep into your skin and lead to signs of premature aging. These are what tan your skin. UVB rays (or burning rays) are the primary cause of sunburn. They penetrate the outer layer of your skin and damage those skin cells. UVA rays stay pretty constant throughout the entire year and pass through clouds (they are also what are emitted by tanning beds). Both increase your risk of skin cancer, but Broad-Spectrum sunscreens protect against both types of rays.

What is the difference between chemical and physical sunscreen?

Physical sunscreens contain active mineral ingredients (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) that act like a shield on top of your skin, deflecting the sun’s rays. These are also called natural or mineral sunscreens. A plus side of physical sunscreen is that it doesn’t clog your pores, but a downside is that it is often heavier, can leave a film on your skin, and rubs off more easily, which means you have to reapply much more often.

Chemical sunscreens contain organic compounds that react with UV rays, turning them into heat and releasing them from your skin. They act like a sponge, soaking up the sun’s rays. Chemical sunscreens are well liked because they are thinner and easier to blend into your skin.

Many dermatologists recommend using both physical and chemical sunscreens when your skin allows. This combination provides both inner and outer protection. SkinMedica sunscreens combine both types in their formulas, providing broad-spectrum protection.

What does SPF mean?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It measures how well sunscreen protects you from UVB. The number tells you how long the sun’s UVB rays (not UVA) would take to redden your skin if you apply sunscreen as directed, compared with the time it would take without sunscreen. So, if you use an SPF 30 product properly, it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you used no sunscreen. SPF 30 blocks nearly 97% of UVB rays, and SPF 50 blocks nearly 98% of UVB rays. The important thing with sunscreen is not necessarily the SPF number, but how you use it- reapplying every 2 hours. Also, use broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB rays, since SPF only measures UVB rays.

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