How to Choose the Best One for Your Skin Type
Summer is fast approaching and that means more people will be spending time outside. Whether you’re sitting at the beach, by the pool, or going for a walk, it’s important to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Sunscreen can help protect you from sunburn, skin cancer, and early aging skin.
If you walk down the sunscreen aisle you’ll see rows of different products. Between different SPFs and types of sunscreen, there’s a lot to consider. You don’t want to pick the first one you see just for the sake of buying sunscreen. You want to do your homework so that you’re buying the one that will give you the best protection for your skin type.
It’s recommended that people use some type of sunscreen anytime they’re outside. Even on a cloudy day, the American Academy of Dermatology reports that up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can still penetrate your skin.
Here are some tips on how to choose the best sunscreen for your skin type.
Different SPF Levels
One of the big things you’ll notice when choosing a sunscreen is that there are different SPF levels. SPF stands for sun protection factor.
Sunscreens with an SPF of 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays while SPF 30 blocks 97% and SPF 50 blocks 98%. There is no sunscreen that will block 100% of the sun’s rays. Wearing a higher SPF doesn’t mean you can stay in the sun longer. No matter what SPF number you’re using, you want to apply every two hours for maximum protection.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends people use a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and has UVA and UVB protection (both of the sun’s harmful rays). UVA rays can pass through window glass. These rays are known to prematurely age your skin and cause wrinkles. UVB rays are blocked by window glass and are the rays known to cause sunburn.
It’s also important not to get confused by sunscreens that claim to be waterproof. There is no such thing; the sunscreens available today are only water-resistant. Water-resistant sunscreen means you can stay in the water for 40 minutes before needing to reapply. Even if you’re not in the water and wearing a water-resistant sunscreen, you’ll still want to reapply every two hours.
Different Sunscreens for Different Skin Types
Someone who has oily skin will want to use a different type of sunscreen than someone who has dry skin. Here’s a look at what to look for based on skin type:
Are you prone to acne or have oily skin? Look for a sunscreen that says it won’t clog pores or is labeled non-comedogenic.
Do you have allergy-prone skin? Avoid sunscreens with ingredients including fragrances, PABA, parabens, or oxybenzone.
Do you have dry skin? Consider a sunscreen with added moisturizer.
Do you have rosacea? Look for a sunscreen that contains only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
You’ll notice that whatever sunscreen you choose it will likely come in a lotion or spray formula. While the spray may be easier and quicker to apply, you want to be sure you’ve covered all of your sun-exposed skin. If you choose the spray, rub it in after you spray it on so that you’re getting the best protection.
Don’t forget your lips! They can also burn. Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher and with broad-spectrum protection.
When to Apply Sunscreen
Once you’ve chosen the right sunscreen for your skin type, it’s important to apply it 15 minutes before you go outside. You want to make sure you put on enough to cover all of your skin, even the places people tend to forget like the tops of their feet, ears, and neck. Always reapply every two hours whether you’ve been in the water or not.
Reverse the Signs of Aging
Despite using sunscreen and trying to take care of our skin the best we can, we can still experience wrinkles, sagging skin, and early signs of aging. If you want to look years younger, contact Dr. Keith Ladner to learn more about plastic surgery procedures that can reverse the signs of aging. From surgical to non-invasive procedures, Dr. Ladner is highly experienced.
He is double board-certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. Contact Dr. Ladner today at (303) 253-7686 to schedule a consultation or book one online to learn more about how you can turn back the clock with facial plastic surgery.
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