You’ve probably heard sunscreen is essential if you are interested in skincare or obsess about ingredients. Do you know the importance of daily sun protection? What happens to your skin when you don’t use sunscreen? Statisticians estimate that the sun is responsible for 80% of visible signs of aging. Our Skin Health Experts advise daily sun protection, whether you are indoors or outdoors.
Let’s explore the various types of UV rays, blue light, and their impact on the skin to help you understand how vital daily SPF protection is.
What are UVA Rays
UVA rays, which are ultraviolet rays in sunlight, are absorbed by the middle layer of your skin (dermis). UVA rays can cause wrinkles and age spots on your skin. They can also penetrate window glass. UVA rays can also cause skin cancer, so you should protect yourself from them every day.
What are UVB Rays
UVB rays, or ultraviolet rays, are also created by the sun. These rays, however, are absorbed in the epidermis or upper layer of skin. UVB rays cause sunburn. They are also involved in certain forms of cancerous skin, such as malignant melanomas. Window glass blocks UVB rays but not UVA.
What is blue light
Blue light, also known as high-energy visible light, is the closest color spectrum to ultraviolet light. Blue light is emitted by the sun and electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets, etc. Blue light can penetrate deeper into the skin and affect the deepest layer, the hypodermis. Blue light accelerates photo-aging signs such as fine lines, lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and sun spots. Think about how much time you spend in front of devices emitting blue light each day. You’ll soon realize the importance of using a daily SPF to protect you from UV and blue light.
Now that you understand the various rays let’s discuss SPFs and how they affect the skin.
What is SPF
SPF is the Sun Protection Factor. The two main factors are the amount of UVB radiation that is blocked and the time it takes to burn. SPF numbers measure how much UVB radiation is blocked by your sunscreen. For example, sunscreens with SPF 15 filter out approximately 93% of UVB radiation, while those with SPF 30 filter out about 97%. SPF 50 filters out about 98% of UVB rays, while SPF 100 blocks about 99%. We recommend sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher for optimal sun protection. Remember that no sunscreen will completely protect you. Our Skin Health Experts Clinic has formulated ours with the best ingredients to give you maximum protection without irritation.
What does ‘Broad-Spectrum Mean’
Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against UVA and UVB. All sunscreens protect against UVB because UVB is the primary cause of sunburn. As we mentioned earlier, UVA can cause skin cancer and premature aging. We recommend broad-spectrum sunblock for maximum protection.
Does ‘Waterproof’ mean ‘Water resistant’
No sunscreen is sweatproof or waterproof. Reapplying sunscreen throughout the day is crucial to avoid skin damage. You should pay attention to the instructions on your sunscreen to determine how long it is water-resistant and how frequently you need to reapply. You should also know sunscreen can rub off when you dry yourself with a towel. You should reapply sunscreen if you are swimming, sweating, or showering.
What does PA mean
In Japan, the PA rating system was created to inform consumers about sunscreens’ level of sun protection. The pluses show the hierarchy of available security. The higher the level of security, the more pluses there are.
The following is the rating system:
PA+ = some UVA protection
PA++ = Moderate UVA Protection
PA+++ = High UVA Protection
PA ++++ = High UVA protection
How do I choose the right sunscreen for my skin
We have already mentioned that everyone can benefit from daily sun protection of SPF 30 or higher. It’s really up to you and your skin type. Choose from a sunscreen spray, lotion, or stick. Consider whether you need a sunscreen that can be used under or over makeup. Also, think about how easy it is to reapply. Also, you will want to consider both chemical and mineral sunscreens.
What is a chemical sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s harmful rays. They contain one or more active ingredients in the US: oxybenzone (or avobenzone), octisalate (or octocrylene), homosalate (or homosalate), and octinoxate. These formulations are easier to rub in without leaving behind a white residue. Our Setting Spray at Kate Somerville is a chemical sunblock with SPF 50 in a fine spray. It works well after makeup and instantly mattifies the skin. The spray is easy to carry and can be reapplied throughout the day.
What is a physical sunscreen
Physical sunscreens are like a shield that sits on your skin. They work by blocking the harmful UV rays of the sun. These sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients. Kate Somerville Daily deflector(tm), a mineral sunblock with non-nano 17% zinc oxide and a complex of ceramides that restores and repairs the skin. It is also suitable for sensitive skin and helps to shield against blue light. The Daily Deflector ™ is a great product to use under makeup and as the last step in your morning skincare regimen.