CONSISTENT SUN EXPOSURE CAN GREATLY IMPACT THE SURFACE LEVEL OF OUR SKIN, IMPACTING OUR COLOR, TEXTURE, AND BALANCE LEVELS. IT IS EXTREMELY PREVALENT DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS, BUT NO MATTER THE TIME OF YEAR, YOUR SKIN HEALTH SHOULD BE FRONT OF MIND.
Long gone are the days of sunbathing with mineral oil and creating leather-textured skin. Dermatologists agree that there is no safe way to achieve a tan, that it simply is not healthy for your body. Did you know that 5 sunburns throughout someone’s life will double the chances of developing melanoma? Sun damage can happen to all skin types and tones, even without a sunburn and on cloudy days as well.
Sun exposure causes most of the skin changes we normally associate with the natural process of aging. But as normal chronological aging is determined by age and genetics, photoaging (aging that occurs due to sun damage) happens when ultraviolet rays permanently damage the skin’s structure. Changes in the skin related to sun exposure include:
The best way to treat aging or damaged skin, is to take preventative measures and protect it from harmful environmental factors such as UVA (aging) UVB (burning) rays. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US, and worldwide, and with May being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we compiled a list of our favorite SPF brands and products to add to your skincare routine to protect your skin and maintain a healthy, youthful glow.
To learn more about skin cancer, read our blog, Skin Cancer Awareness & What You Should Know
1. SKINBETTER SCIENCE
SUNBETTER TONE SMART SPF 75
Tinted moisturizer is the new foundation, and we are so impressed at how sunbetter Tone Smart provides the highest level of protection in a tone-adapting creamy lotion that adjusts to your specific skin tone. All skinbetter products are paraben free, fragrance free, dye free and cruelty free. Awarded Best Innovation by Pop Sugar, we love how this product acts like a light foundation and primer and gives you an incredible 75 SPF at the same time!
Tip: This is the perfect SPF product to use post-microneedling, to give coverage when your skin is red and sensitive but needs a lot of protection!
SUNBETTER SHEER SPF 70 SUNSCREEN LOTION
A very high level of protection at 70 SPF, without the added color. We love this sunbetter sheer SPF because it is light, clean and provides incredible defense from sun damage. It is perfect for men and babies, or anyone who is not looking to add a tint to their complexion. All skinbetter products are dermatologist tested, paraben free, fragrance free, dye free, and cruelty free.
Another reason we love skinbetter: Not only do their products protect you from UVA/UVB rays, they are formulated to additionally protect against blue light, pollution and infrared radiation. They are also water resistant, so keep that in mind if you are looking for a good sunscreen while working out or swimming!
SUNBETTER TONE SMART SPF 68 SUNSCREEN COMPACT
Convenience is key with this compact sunbetter Tone Smart product. It is small enough to fit in a bag or purse, and effortlessly glides over makeup to easily give you protection throughout the day. This one hits the top of our list because the incredibly high protection and tone-adapting benefits may shift you away from needing foundation in general! A sheer version is also available in a compact form, for those who don’t wear any foundation. All skinbetter products are dermatologist tested, paraben free, fragrance free, dye free, and cruelty free.
This product can also be used after microneedling and/or laser treatments.
2. ULTRACEUTICALS
ULTRA UV PROTECTIVE MINERAL DEFENCE SPF 50+
This Ultra UV Protective Mineral Defence SPF 50+ sunscreen is ideal for daily protection from the sun to help maintain good skin health and reduce the risk of early skin aging. Ultraceuticals is an Australian leading cosmeceutical skincare line. Australia is known to have the harshest UV rays in the world, so their sunscreen is designed to withstand Australias climate.
The formulation contains the mineral UV filter Zinc Oxide and no other UV filters. It provides broad-spectrum, high protection of SPF 50+ in a light-weight formula that does not contain nanoparticles.
Ultraceuticals products do not contain harsh chemicals, propylene glycol, parabens, synthetic dyes, or synthetic fragrances.
3. SKIN MEDICA
ESSENTIAL DEFENSE MINERAL SHIELD BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 35 SUNSCREEN
The Essential Defense Mineral Shield Sunscreen is perfect for dry, highly sensitive and/or reactive skin. Additionally, this is our go-to for post-procedure patients, because of its soothing properties. This sheer, lightweight mineral sunscreen layers well with makeup and doesn’t leave the skin feeling too oily or matte while providing protection without clogging pores or irritating the skin. It is paraben free, hypoallergenic, oil free and fragrance free but is not water resistant, so keep this in mind if you are sweating or swimming.
4. ZO SKIN HEALTH
ZO Sunscreen + Powder Broad-Spectrum SPF 45
Yes, SPF in a powder form! Talk about convenience. The ZO Sunscreen + Powder Broad Spectrum SPF45 is a lightweight mineral powder formula available in three different shades: light, medium and deep. Named one of the 15 Best Powder Sunscreens by Cosmopolitan for its skin smoothing benefits, we love this sunscreen because it is small and convenient and helps to keep oily skin at bay. It comes with a brush applicator and is great for those on-the-go, and want a little additional coverage and protection mid-day. It also contains vitamins A, C and E to help protect skin from free radical damage as well!
5. COLORESCIENCE
Colorescience SUNFORGETTABLE TOTAL PROTECTION FACE SHIELD FLEX SPF50
Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF50 has an amazing feature where the product immediately blends to your perfect skins shade right before your eyes and adds light coverage. We aren’t just obsessed with that though, the formula is a lightweight mineral sunscreen with tinted color. This hydrating, antioxidant-rich all-mineral formula defends against UVA/UVB, Blue Light, Pollution, and Infrared radiation.
This SPF is available in four uniquely flexible shades and great for all skin types.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A FACE SUNSCREEN
When it comes to SPF, it is best to look for a formula that offers 30 or higher. SPF is the amount of protection a product offers against UVB (burning) rays. An SPF that is 30 filters out approximately 97% of UVB rays, but it is important to reapply your sunscreen every 60-80 minutes to ensure full protection. To protect your skin against both UVA (aging) and UVB rays, look for a product that offers broad-spectrum protection. Ingredients to note that offer broad-spectrum protection include titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and avobenzone. It is important to note that both UVA and UVB radiation can cause skin cancer. Lastly, you want to find a product that works for your specific skin type. If you have oily skin, try products that are oil-free and non comedogenic ensuring that they will not add oil to your skin or clog your pores. Dry skin types should look for hydrating, light weight products, and those with sensitive skin should avoid anything with fragrance or dyes.
Are you ready to start your rejuvenation journey at SKN BAR Rx?
Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our highly trained and experienced aesthetic team to guide you to your best skin journey.
