Sunscreen Tips To Keep You Sun Safe

SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

SKIN AGING, SKINCARE

Enjoying time outside is a key feature of healthy living, especially in the beautiful city of Charlotte, no matter what the season. There are so many fun outdoor activities to take part in. Even as we close out Summer and head into the cooler months (hopefully) here soon, it’s a great time to consider revamping your skincare routine, and one of the most commonly recommended skincare products is sunscreen. 

So, is sunscreen really as good as they claim? The simple answer is YES!

Sunscreen is one of the only products that can both protect our skin from the sun’s harmful, cancer-causing UV rays, as well as protect us from signs of aging, including dark spots, enlarged pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. Win-win! But how do you know which sunscreen is right for you? 

There are three things to look for when you are evaluating sunscreen options: 

1. SPF 30 or more – anything less isn’t going to give you the protection your skin needs
2. Broad Spectrum – look for a product that says Broad Spectrum, meaning it provides both UVA and UVB protection 
3. Zinc oxide and/or Titanium dioxide – turn your sunscreen over and look at the active ingredients list; make sure it has at least one of these ingredients listed. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are both considered physical sunblocks, meaning they sit on the surface of the skin and physically block the sun from being able to penetrate the skin. 

If your sunscreen hits all of these requirements, GREAT! Now, apply it first thing in the morning, every day. Even on cloudy days, the sun’s rays are hitting our skin and contributing to sun damage and skin cancer formation, so wearing sunscreen every day is key. Also, if you are spending multiple hours outside, remember to reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours. It is also a good idea to look for a separate sunscreen that is water-resistant to wear while enjoying the pool, lake, or ocean. 

It is also a good idea to complement your sunscreen with sun protective clothing, like wide-brimmed hats and clothing with built-in UPF (think of this as SPF for fabrics). Seeking shade or staying inside during the peak sun hours, between 11 am and 2 pm, is always a good idea too. 

If you’re interested in learning more about which sunscreen is the best option for you, or you need a full skincare regimen, you know where to find us! pavioldermatology.com or call us at (704) 358-9900.