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Best Sunscreen Information

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of those must have products that just isn’t terribly sexy. A new lash serum? A great face peel? What about the latest eye shadow palette? All of those are a lot of fun. But sunscreen is a basic product that you should be using every day.

Unfortunately, sunscreen isn’t super straight forward! Not all products are created equal, and you’ll need to know what the label needs when you’re shopping for a new sunscreen. Note that most products are reformulated yearly or bi-yearly.

Types of UV Radiation

Types of Sun Rays

So, what’s the deal with all the different types of UV radiation? It’s all emited by the sun, but that doesn’t mean that it affects us. UVC radiation actually never even reaches the earth’s surface, it’s all filtered out by our atmosphere. So, any UVC exposure we get is all from artificial sources. We’re going to chose to ignore the visible spectrum and the infrared (IR) spectrum since we can’t protect against it and I’m not even sure if anyone knows much about it’s affects on the skin (but, that doesn’t mean we should totally ignore it in our real life, that’s what sun exposure avoidance is for. I’m just choosing not to talk about it in this post). We’re worried about UVA and UVB exposure here.

When sunscreens were first developed they were against UVB rays, since this is what causes the redness we associate with a sun burn. So, what do each of these ranges really do to skin?
• UVB: Skin redness and burning
• UVA: Lowers skin immunity, increasing cancer risk, penetrates to the dermis, contributes to aging via increased skin thickness and increased skin inflammation, tanning of the skin
• Both: Induces DNA damage in skin, increasing cancer risk

What is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and yes, a SPF really is multiplied by how long your skin usually takes to burn. So, if you usually take 10 minutes to burn, with well applied SPF 30 that equals 300 minutes.

I recently found another way to think about it on The Skin Cancer Foundation website:
• SPF 15 blocks 93% of all incoming UVB rays
• SPF 30 blocks 97% of all incoming UVB rays
• SPF 50 blocks 99% of all incoming UVB rays

How do Sunscreens Work?

There are two main types of sunscreens, physical and chemical.

• Physical: These sunscreens really work by blocking the light from ever reaching your skin. The light is reflected or scattered away from the skin. These ingredients are less likely to irritate skin or create an allergic reaction. However, they tend to create a white cast on the skin, contribute to a product having that “sunscreen” feeling, and they can stain clothing.

• Chemical: These sunscreens absorb UV radiation rather than reflecting it away from skin. To do this, the energy of the light has to go somewhere, or do something. Depending on the ingredient, the light can be used in a chemical reaction, can slightly alter the chemical structure of the sunscreen itself, be given off as heat (I’m not sure that any sunscreens approved in the US actually do this), or be released as a longer UV wavelength. While these chemicals don’t feel as heavy as their physical sunscreen counterparts and can cover a wide range of UV wavelengths, they also have their drawbacks.

Chemical sunscreens can be unstable in certain combinations or with prolonged sun exposure (hence we docs tell you to reapply often). They are implicated more often in skin irritation and allergic reactions. And they can even be absorbed into the skin, and picked up in your urine.

UV Coverage for Sunscreen Ingredients

Note: The FDA considers Ecamsule (Mexoryl) to only be a UVAII screen, however all of the data I found stated that it does in fact screen out UVAI as well, but not super well. Hence, I have altered my own charts to reflect this.

What SPF Level Do You Need?

Ideally, this is a higher the better situation. You should use the highest SPF you feel comfortable wearing every day. Buying SPF 55 isn’t ideal if you can’t stand to put it on your skin, so you either skip using the product completely or only about half of the recommended amount.

• Most dermatologists recommend SPF 30 and should be fine for your normal “out and about” life if you are running errands, going to work, et cetera. If you are spending any significant amount of time outside, you likely need a higher SPF.

• A lot of moisturizers and foundations contain SPF 15. I feel very strongly that you need to think about what that product is and how much of it you apply before you decide if that is “enough” SPF for you. If it is foundation and you only apply it in your t-zone, it is not going to protect your cheeks. If it is in your moisturizer which you smear all over your face, neck and chest (hint: you should be doing this already), then you probably are ok.

• If you are prone to sunburns or have a personal/family history of skin cancer, you really should use a higher SPF. A lot of people say “oh, there isn’t a big difference between SPF 30 and 50” but that difference in 97% vs 99% UVB blockage can make a big difference if you have a family history.

You can check out my post on The Secret to Picking The Right Sunscreen!

Application Tips

• The quoted SPF is based on ideal application. That means at least an ounce of sunscreen for your body, a rule followed pretty much only by me and dermatologists.

• Even if you have followed all of the rules, you need to reapply after 2 hours. Why? Regardless of all the “time” you have for it to work, no sunscreen is meant to work for more than 2 hours. In fact, there is research that shows sunscreen that has been on for too long is counterproductive and (if I’m remembering correctly, I can’t find the study right now) actually contributes to skin damage.

• I don’t care if you are wearing a water resistant formula, no matter what you need to reapply that sunscreen as soon as you climb out of the pool.

• Don’t forget that ideal sunscreen application takes place 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, allowing it to bind with your skin. That means not at the pool side and not while your kids are running around the backyard already. Reapplication there is ok, but the best initial application is inside. I usually do this even before I put on my bathing suit, which helps to prevent missed areas next to the edge, and I can much more easily contort myself in the hotel bathroom than next to the pool.

Moral of the story? Wear a high SPF, apply a lot and reapply often!

Full Spectrum Sunscreen

Why Full Spectrum Sunscreen is Better Than Broad Spectrum
Full Spectrum Body Sunscreens
8 Full Spectrum Facial Sunscreens
Pregnancy Safe Full Spectrum Sunscreens
Pregnancy Safe Full Spectrum Facial Sunscreens, BB & CC Creams

Suggested posts on sunscreen

Dermatologist Sunscreen Tips from Dr. Elizabeth Hale
Not Just Sunscreen: Dermatologist Tips For Out In the Sun
Mistakes you’re making with your sunscreen
The Secret to Picking The Right Sunscreen!
How to Reapply Sunscreen (While Wearing Makeup)
How to Correctly Apply Sunscreen
How to Treat a Sunburn

Sunscreen Reviews

Seriously Fab Zinc It Over

Best Sunscreen Information
Find more information about how sunscreens work, application tips and product reviews in my sunscreen guide

15minbeauty

Christine
So recently @redken sent me lab samples of a new c So recently @redken sent me lab samples of a new collection, Acidic Bonding Concentrate. They don't have a release date, it's sometime early 2021. I will be stalking their site until that happens. So, this 3 part system (shampoo, conditioner and leave-in treatment) prevents breakage, protects color, intensely conditioners, smooths... the list goes on. And the benefits start from your first use, and then they get better. I am not even joking. This is my hair looking like I've spent a ton of time smoothing as I dry and then maybe even touching up with a flat iron... except that's a rough blow dry with just my fingers. The time savings (and pretty hair) are just unreal, especially if you've neglected your hair like me in the pandemic. I am missing @hairby_tiffanyrose !! Also, I've tried it out, and it appears this is a collection you are best off using all 3 products together. The leave-in alone is good, but the results are best with all 3 used in combination. #hairgoals #redken #beautyblogger
#ad It's finally the day! All members of the @Se #ad It's finally the day! All members of the @Sephora Beauty Insider Program can shop the #Sephora Holiday Savings Event! You can get 10-20% off most items with the code HOLIDAYFUN untill 11/9/2020. This event gives a great discount on most of their items, and it is my favorite perk of Beauty Insider Program Membership. You can also get great things like access to products before they are released, earn points to use towards free products and Beauty Insider Cash…. The list of perks is pretty long, and membership is free. Today on the blog I'm sharing my picks for this year's event. I have some of my favorite hair products, an upgrade for my Dyson Airwrap, and a set of amazing (and non-sticky) lip glosses! Download the LIKEtoKNOW.it shopping app to shop this pic via screenshot http://liketk.it/30qQN #sephorahaul #ltkbeauty #ltkunder50 #bblogger #makeup #beauty #liketkit @liketoknow.it
#ad I recently bought a few things to update my be #ad I recently bought a few things to update my beauty look for fall, and these purchases have had a BIG impact! I found a new favorite daily face wash, the perfect berry lippie for fall (it even feels hydrating) and a mascara that really delivers the best of both worlds, both volume and length! All of my new purchases are from @Nordstrom, which means I fully admit to buying a few new tops when I placed my order… Shop your screenshot of this pic with the LIKEtoKNOW.it shopping app http://liketk.it/2ZjcR #nordstrom #ltkbeauty #ltkunder50 #beauty #skincare #fallbeauty #liketkit @liketoknow.it
#ad Today on the blog I'm sharing a much requeste #ad Today on the blog I'm sharing a much requested post, and update on my typical DIY at home manicure routine. I've tried so many different products over the years, but I keep coming back to the same salon quality brands over and over. And the good news is that you don't need to spend a ton to get them, they're available on @Walmart! My at home routine takes me under 10 minutes (plus some added drying time) and can last for a full week, despite all of the alcohol based hand sanitizer that I use in the hospital. I'm really in love with a dark manicure this fall. I want all the deep purples, reds and berry tones. What are your favorite shades this fall? Shop your screenshot of this pic with the LIKEtoKNOW.it shopping app http://liketk.it/2Z4bY #beauty #fallmani #ltkunder50 #ltkbeauty #liketkit @liketoknow.it #LTKunder50
#ad The perfect under eye concealer can be *reall #ad The perfect under eye concealer can be *really* hard to find. Especially if you're like me and over a certain age. More pigmented concealers tend to cake and settle into fine lines, but lightweight products don't hide imperfections as I would like. Have you seen the @Clinique Even Better All Over Concealer + Eraser yet? It comes in 42 shades, all are very easy to blend. It takes me under a minute to apply (with a fingertip!), and my under eye circles are instantly gone. Imperfections are corrected. It lasts over 12 hours without caking or creasing. You can see my before and after pictures here, it takes under a minute to apply, blend and look so much more awake! You can find Even Better All Over Concealer + Eraser at @Sephora. I recommend also picking up the Clinique Pep Start Eye Cream, which has caffeine to tighten under eye bags and is full of peptides to fight aging. Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder is perfect to apply in a light layer over the concealer. I paired it all with one of my favorite mascaras, Clinique High Impact. Download the LIKEtoKNOW.it shopping app to shop this pic via screenshot http://liketk.it/2YMek #clinique #makeup #beauty #sephora #ltkbeauty #ltkunder50 #CliniqueEvenBetter #HappySkin @liketoknow.it #liketkit
@lorealparis sent me their new Air Volume Mega Mas @lorealparis sent me their new Air Volume Mega Mascara this week, and I tried it for the first time today. So far this is a major win, natural and high volume lashes without clumps! Perhaps I should have added a bit more color corrector under my eyes. But it’s a Sunday during the pandemic, and this is still pretty good for 43 and a not so great night of sleep last night! Also, my brows are a bit overdue for a shaping. Please ignooore them! Edit to add: now that I think about it, I didn’t put any concealer on at all today. Just my BB cream. Hence, looking tired. I guess I could photoshop, but I’m honestly too lazy to do more than just stand near the window for good light for this picture! 😂 We are enjoying a great fall day outside, resting before the next week of virtual school. You can instantly shop my looks by following me on the LIKEtoKNOW.it shopping app http://liketk.it/2WXas #liketkit @liketoknow.it #LTKunder50 #LTKstyletip #LTKbeauty
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