Sun Damage Prevention – Sunscreen Tips From the Pros

Sunscreen 101- Let’s Have Fun in the Sun!

With summer getting into full swing, a lot of clients have been asking questions about what they can do to minimize the damage caused by the sun’s harmful rays. There is a lot of misleading information out there so here are a couple of helpful tips to help keep yourself protected! Skin cancer and sun damage are much bigger problems than people realize. Skin cancer affects over 5 million Americans every year at a cost of almost $8.1 BILLION dollars.

Protect Your Skin from UVA and UVB Rays

The sun creates two different types of harmful UV rays, UVA and UVB. UVA rays are responsible for wrinkles and premature aging while UVB rays cause sunburns. Not all sunscreen is created equal! It is very important to make sure you are using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA &UVB rays.

Mineral Based Sunscreens Versus Chemical Based Sunscreens

Most sunscreens are either chemical or mineral based. There are merits to both, but it is important to note that they work in different ways. Mineral based sunscreens using Zinc Oxide and/or titanium dioxide act as a physical barrier to the sun’s rays. This means that they are immediately effective. Mineral based sunscreens tend to be easier on people with allergies or sensitive skin as well. Chemical based sunscreens work to diffuse the sun’s rays by breaking them down before they reach the skin. Because it takes time for the chemicals to be absorbed, these sunscreens can take up to a half hour to be effective.

What does this mean for you?

If you’re using a chemical sunscreen, make sure you apply it at least a half hour BEFORE sun exposure. If you see yourself getting a little pink at the beach, reach for a mineral-based sunscreen.

Don’t Rely on SPF

Also, don’t rely on SPF! SPF 30 already blocks out 97% of UVA and UVB rays so higher doesn’t always mean safer. It’s more important to make sure it offers broad spectrum protection.

Don’t Be Shy-Reapply!

Be sure to reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and especially if you’re swimming or sweating. But most important of all: The most effective sunscreen is the one you actually use!!

RenovoMD proudly offers EltaMD Sunscreens for our clients. Dr. Casello and our team of aestheticians can help you select the right sun care products for your need. Click here for more information about EltaMD Sunscreens.