3 Steps For Selecting The Best Sunscreen
Thankfully most of us now realize how terrible an idea it was to lather ourselves in baby oil and layout for hours on end. In today’s world, instead of trying to maximize our time in the sun, many of us are trying to do everything we can to stay away from it! Which is why it’s very common for people to wear hats (some quite large!) to shield themselves from the sun and to protect their skin from unsightly permanent damage like sagging skin and discoloration. Sunscreen should be a must for everyone to protect their skin, but not sure how to pick the best sunscreen? Then read on to learn our three steps for selecting the best sunscreen to protect your face and body!
Step 1: Get A “Broad Spectrum SPF” Sunscreen
The sun has two different types of rays: UVA and UVB. Here’s an easy trick to remember the difference:
The “A” in UVA stands for aging.
The “B” in UVB stands for burning.
Although UVA rays do not cause sunburn, they penetrate much deeper into dermal layers, which breaks down collagen and causes those unsightly brown sun damage spots. In fact, the EPA predicts that 90% of premature aging is due to UVA sun exposure. Yikes! Lather up on that sunscreen! UVB on the other hand has a short wavelength and therefore affects epidermal cells. The energy is so great with UVB that it causes the skin to turn red and burn. It can also create a mutation that leads to cancerous cell growth.
What to do: To ensure you are selecting the best sunscreen to protect from both UVA and UVB rays, make sure you select a “broad spectrum SPF”.
Step 2: Choose Either A Physical Or Chemical Sunscreen
Physical SPF, are designed to reflect UV radiation. Physical SPF’s include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Chemical SPF, are designed to absorb UV radiation. Chemical SPF’s (but not all) include: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate octinoxate.
What to do: Overall, we don’t care what type of sunscreen you use, whether it’s physical or chemical based SPF, the most important thing is that its broad spectrum and covers both UVA and UVB radiation.
Step 3: Where To Buy The Best Sunscreen
Denver Laser Solutions offers a variety of different sunscreens for our Denver clients’ skin protection needs. With Denver being a mile high, you know that sun protection is crucial 365 days a year!
What to do: If you are lacking in sun protection, you can shop online at denverlasersolutions.com or swing by our office for some help on selecting the best sunscreen for your skin. Click to schedule a consultation now!
- As a basic rule of thumb, please apply at least an SPF 30 to your skin daily and then reapply every 2 hours while exposed to the sun.
- You may hear controversies on whether sunscreen causes cancer, but at the end of the day, there have been zero confirmed cases of sunscreen as the cause of cancer – but there have been far too many cases from not using it.