Families across the U.S. are looking forward to spending more time outdoors as warmer weather approaches. One of the things to stock up on for the summer is sunscreen. Yet, many people are hesitant to use sunscreen because of some common myths.

In this post, we’re going to debunk the Top 5 common sunscreen myths. If you’ve been lazy about applying sunscreen or think you don’t need it at all, check out these facts and myths before you head outdoors.

Myth 1: People with darker skin tones don’t need sunscreen

People with darker skin tones don’t sunburn as easily as fairer skin tones. This can put them under a false impression that they don’t need to wear sunscreen. The truth is that your skin color cannot protect you from sun damage. It’s just harder to see the sun damage on dark skin. This is because skin cells release pigment in response to damaging U.V. rays – what we call sunburn – and the subtle pigment changes are simply less visible in darker skin tones.

Our board-certified dermatologists recommend that people of all skin tones should wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day.

Myth 2: All sunscreen products are messy

Protecting your skin doesn’t have to be messy. The great news is that there are a lot of products on the market that are cosmetically elegant and you can wear them as part of your normal daily routine. Today, there are many different types of sunscreens available that provide aesthetically minded individuals with the protection and elegance they need for daily use. For a more exhaustive list of these products, check out our blog entitled, “5 Best Sunscreens for Every Skin Type.”

Myth 3: You don’t need to reapply waterproof sunscreen

No sunscreen or sunblock is waterproof. It can’t be because then how would you wash it off? If you look at the label on your sunscreen carefully, you’ll notice it says “water-resistant” and not “waterproof.” This means it holds up better when exposed to sweat and water but ultimately washes off.

So, if you’re in water or sweating, you should reapply your sunscreen every hour. If you’re staying dry, you can reapply sunscreen every two hours. Remember that being around snow, sand, or water increases the need for sunscreen because they reflect the sun’s rays.

Myth 4: SPF 100 sunscreen gives triple the sun protection of SPF 30

No matter what the SPF number on your sunscreen label, it only works for a specific amount of time (generally two hours). The SPF number indicates how much protection you get and not for how long. SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97%, SPF 50 blocks 98%, and SPF 100 blocks 99% of UVB rays. No sunscreen blocks 100% of the sun’s rays.

As you can see, there’s only a minor difference between SPF 30 and higher SPFs. Experts recommend that everyone wear SPF 30 or higher sunscreen and reapply it every two hours.

Myth 5: You don’t need to wear sunscreen indoors or on cloudy days

Window glass blocks UVB rays that cause sunburn but not UVA rays that cause skin aging and cancer. So, if your desk is near a window or you’re riding in a car, you can still have enough sun exposure to cause damage. Also, you should know that the sun emits harmful U.V. rays even on cloudy days.

We advise using sun protection while riding in cars, trains, buses, airplanes, etc., even on cloudy days.

Tips on buying the best sunscreen

Here are some things to look for when choosing a sunscreen:

• Broad-spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB rays)
• SPF 30 or higher (blocks at least 97% of the sun’s rays)
• Water-resistant (protects in water for 40-80 minutes) when actively sweating or around water.

Tips on using sunscreen

Most people apply less than half the recommended amount of sunscreen. To fully protect your skin, you should:

• Use enough sunscreen on all sun-exposed areas, including your face, ears, neck, arms, hands, legs, and feet. Use a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips.
• Apply sunscreen 15-20 minutes before going outdoors.
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when dry and every hour when in water or sweating.

Sunscreens Myths Conclusion

We hope these helpful tips and clarification help you stay protected as we all look forward to getting out in the beautiful sunshine this spring! As always, we are available to assist you in our Skin for Life Boutique, or you may call us at 205.877.9773.

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The post Don’t be foolish wear your sunscreen appeared first on Village Dermatology.

You probably know that sunscreen is a critical part of your daily skincare routine. Wearing sunscreen can protect you from sunburn, skin cancer, wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of premature skin aging.

Yet, with thousands of sunscreens available on the market, it can be overwhelming to figure out which sunscreen will give your skin the best protection. In this article, we’re going to decode one of the most common terms used on sunscreen labels – SPF.

What is SPF?

SPF (sun protection factor) is a measure of how well a sunscreen product protects your skin from sunburn. It is usually followed by a number, such as SPF 15 or SPF 100.

However, these labels are often misunderstood by the average consumer as they do not account for time. For example, if your skin normally burns when out in the sun at 5 minutes, then sunscreen with an SPF of 15 would allow you to remain in the sun for approximately 75 minutes, which is a factor of 15 times (SPF 15) your baseline, before getting burned.

Secondly, SPF is also a measure of how effective the sunscreen product is at blocking all of the UVB rays from the sun. This number tells you how much of the sun’s UVB rays the sunscreen can filter out.

• SPF 15 blocks 93% of the sun’s UVB rays
• SPF 30 blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays
• SPF 50 blocks 98% of the sun’s UVB rays
• SPF 100 blocks 99% of the sun’s UVB rays

As you can see, no sunscreen offers 100% protection. Also, there’s only a marginal difference between the various SPF values beyond SPF 30.

So, in our example above, if an individual uses a sunscreen product with SPF 15, then they would have protection against roughly 93% of the sun’s UVB rays for approximately 75 minutes.

But here’s the thing. You need to reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours for it to continue working.

What is a broad-spectrum sunscreen?

Another term that you frequently hear when talking about sunscreens is “broad spectrum.” What does it mean?

Sunlight contains two types of harmful rays – UVA rays that cause skin aging and skin cancer and UVB rays that cause sunburns. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects your skin against both UVA and UVB rays, thereby offering more complete protection.

What SPF should I use?

The American Academic of Dermatology recommends everyone should wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or more every day.

Keep in mind that factors besides the duration of sun exposure also play a role in how soon your skin burns. For example, 30 minutes of sun exposure at 9 am may be equal to just 10 minutes of sun exposure at 3 pm when the sun is high in the sky.

That’s why you shouldn’t rely solely on the SPF number. The effectiveness of your sunscreen will depend on other things like your skin type, how much sunscreen you apply, how frequently you reapply sunscreen, and activities (swimming or sweating can wash off your sunscreen).

I use a high-SPF sunscreen – do I need to do anything else to protect my skin?

As mentioned, no sunscreen can completely protect your skin from sunburn, aging, and skin cancer. That’s why it’s important to take other measures such as wearing protective clothing (wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, long sleeves, pants), staying in the shade as much as possible, and staying out of the sun between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun is strongest.

Also, remember that 80% of the sun’s rays can pass through clouds, so you should wear sunscreen even on cloudy days. You also need to wear sunscreen when you’re indoors or in a car because UV rays can pass through glass windows.

Frequently Asked Questions About SPF

Is it better to use SPF 30 or 50? And is SPF 50 or 100 better?

In general, a higher SPF number indicates greater sun protection. But anything beyond SPF 30 makes very little difference. The more important thing is to wear sunscreen every day and to wear it correctly.

Is SPF 15 better than nothing?

A sunscreen that’s labeled SPF 15 blocks 93% of the sun’s UV rays, so yes, it’s better than nothing. However, it’s preferable to wear SPF 30 sunscreen, which offers 97% protection.

Is SPF 30 enough for the beach?

When you’re going to be outdoors all day, such as at a beach, swimming pool, park, or on a hike, SPF 30 is the minimum. Remember to reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours, more frequently if you are in water or sweating.

Can you get a tan with SPF 50?

No sunscreen is 100 percent effective. As noted above, SPF 30 sunscreen blocks 97 percent of the sun’s UVB rays, so 3 percent of these rays can still penetrate your skin. That’s why you can still get tanned while wearing sunscreen.

Interested in learning about our favorite sunscreens?

Check out our article “5 best sunscreens for every skin type.”

As always, we are here to help!  If you have any additional questions about this article or any of the sunscreens products we sell, don\’t hesitate to reach out to our Skin for Life Boutique for answers to your questions.

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The post Understanding SPF appeared first on Village Dermatology.

Come rain or shine, wearing sunscreen is one step in your skincare routine that you can’t afford to skip.  It’s the best and easiest way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays in sunlight.  Regular use of sunscreens will help prevent sunburns and skin cancer and premature aging.  That’s why it’s so important to make sunscreen a part of your daily skincare routine.

But which is the best sunscreen for your skin type?  Shopping for sunblock can be overwhelming.  To make the choice easier, we’re going to tell you about some dermatologist-recommended sunscreens for every skin type.

Types of Sunscreens

Before we dive into the recommendations for the best sunscreens, let’s take a quick look at the different types available.  Sunscreens can be broken down into essentially 2 types – mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens.  They work in different ways to protect your skin from the sun.

Mineral Sunscreens

Mineral sunscreens sit on top of your skin and create a physical barrier to block or deflect UV rays. They contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium oxide. You can think of them as tiny mirrors, and they offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays. They’re effective as soon as they’re applied. However, because they can get easily rubbed off or be rinsed off with sweat or water, you need to reapply them frequently. Some people don’t like mineral sunscreens because they tend to leave a white film or cakey residue on the skin.

Chemical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens work differently than mineral sunscreens as they get absorbed into your skin. They absorb UV rays and convert them into heat. Most individuals are not aware that it takes chemical sunscreens 20-30 minutes to become effective. You still need to reapply chemical sunscreens if you’re in direct sunlight. However, you can apply smaller amounts compared to mineral sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens are also thinner and easier to spread on the skin and are invisible after application. Please note: All of the chemical sunscreens we carry are benzene-free.

Combination Sunscreens

One of the more popular approaches that some expert sunscreen manufacturers use is a combination approach—combining the benefits of both chemical and mineral sunscreen properties. In general, this makes for a great sunscreen that protects your skin and delivers another level of cosmetic elegance.

Understanding SPF

SPF or sun protection factor is a measure of how much UV radiation produces sunburn in protected skin versus unprotected skin. A higher SPF value indicates greater sun protection. But you shouldn’t go by SPF number alone. For example, don’t think that if you normally get sunburned in 1 hour, an SPF 15 sunblock cream will lengthen this to 1 hour 15 minutes.

The truth is that besides the duration of sun exposure, other things matter too. For instance, one hour of sun exposure at 9:00am could be equivalent to just 15 minutes of sun exposure at 2:00pm. The effectiveness of sunscreen also depends on your skin type, the amount of sunscreen you apply, your activities (for example, swimming can wash off sunscreen), and how frequently you reapply your sunscreen.

Dermatologists advise that you find a sunscreen that suits your skin and lifestyle and contains a minimum of SPF 30.

Alright, so now let’s get to it. Here are the 5 best sunscreens for every skin type as recommended by a dermatologist.

Best All-Around Sunscreen – EltaMD UV Daily

SPF 40

Type: Mineral/Chemical (Combination) Sunscreen

Key Features: The EltaMD UV Daily is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects your skin against both UVA and UVB rays.  This SPF 40 sunscreen contains hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and help to reduce fine lines.  It’s an excellent lightweight sunscreen and moisturizer that be worn by itself or under makeup.  Tinted and untinted formulas are available, making it a great choice for daily use for all skin types.

Best Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin – EltaMD UV Clear

SPF 46

Type: Mineral/Chemical (Combination) Sunscreen

Key Features: The EltaMD UV Clear is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers SPF 46 sun protection. It’s an excellent choice for acne-prone and pigmentation-prone skin. The ingredients in this dermatologist-recommended sunscreen include hyaluronic acid and lactic acid to promote hydration. It also contains niacinamide (vitamin B3) and tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) that help to calm breakouts, reduce discoloration, and diminish the visible signs of aging. This lightweight and silky sunscreen doesn’t leave any residue and is available in both tinted and untinted versions.

Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin – SkinBetter Smart Tone

SPF 75

Type: Mineral Sunscreen

Key Features: This mineral sunscreen provides extraordinary protection for sensitive skin with an SPF 75 rating. It’s a soothing, creamy lotion that’s effective against both UVA and UVB rays. With 80-minutes of water resistance, you have the advantage of less frequent reapplication if you’re in the water. The hint of color in this sunscreen is ideal if you’re looking for something that adapts to your skin tone, like a light foundation (it can be worn under makeup as well).

Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin – Revision Intellishade Matte

SPF 45

Type: Mineral/Chemical (Combination) Sunscreen

Key Features: This broad-spectrum SPF 45 sunscreen is ideal for people with oily or combination skin. It contains vitamin C to brighten skin tone and lecithin to improve pore size and absorb excess oil. This sunscreen also contains a blend of additional ingredients to hydrate and enhance your skin’s natural moisture barrier and promote overall skin health. It’s a great 5-in-1 tinted moisturizer/sunscreen combination product that protects, corrects, conceals, brightens, and hydrates your skin.

Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin – Revision Intellishade Original

SPF 45

Type: Mineral/Chemical Sunscreen

Key Features: Revision Intellishade Original is a broad-spectrum SPF 45 sunscreen that protects your skin against UVA and UVB rays. This is a clinically proven 5-in-1 anti-aging formula that not only protects your skin from the sun but also corrects, conceals, hydrates, and brightens your skin. The tinted formula is ideal for daily use as it conceals minor imperfections. The active ingredients in this sunscreen for dry skin work to improve the appearance of fine lines, brighten skin tone, and improve overall skin health, leaving you with a healthy glow.

We hope this guide to sunscreens has helped you understand more about this important product in your skincare health. As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Skincare Specialist at our Skin for Life Boutique.

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Antioxidants in Skincare

The post 5 Best Sunscreens for Every Skin Type appeared first on Village Dermatology.

1. Ignoring the label

There are a variety of sunscreens on the market. To effectively protect yourself choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher, is water-resistant and provides broad-spectrum coverage (meaning it covers you from both UVA and UVB rays)

1. Using too little

Adults need about 1 ounce (size of a golf ball/shot glass) to fully cover their body. Apply a liberally amount to all areas of the body before getting dressed and going outside to allow more time for your skin to absorb and provide the best protection

1. Applying too infrequently

Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours while outdoors and more frequently if your skin will become wet with activities such as swimming or sweating. Individuals who get sunburned usually don’t use enough sunscreen or didn’t reapply after being in the sun.

1. Relying solely on sunscreen

Don’t forget lip balm with SPF, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and UPF clothing. Heliocare is an oral supplement that works as an antioxidant to help prevent UV damage and skin aging when used in combination with sunscreen.

Sunscreen is meant to protect your skin against skin cancer and premature aging. However, it is not as effective unless it is applied correctly! Make sure you follow these tips to ensure adequate protection.

As always, if you have any questions about this information or simply need to speak with someone regarding your skin health, then please give us a call.

Village Dermatology

Other recommended reading:

6 myths about skin cancer

How to check yourself for skin cancer

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/prevent/sunscreen-apply

The post Five ways you may be applying sunscreen incorrectly appeared first on Village Dermatology.