After being educated on sun safety, I simply cannot go back. And as someone who has studied skincare and anti-aging, I feel the need to come on here and clear some things up about sunscreen and SPF.
Why do we need sunscreen?
Obviously, there is a risk of skin cancer but for this article, we’re gonna focus purely on vanity. The truth is if you look in the mirror and you even remotely like what you see, you need to wear sunscreen. Wearing daily sunscreen is the most important thing you can do to protect and preserve your skin. Any kind of active ingredient in skincare like retinols, exfoliants, and benzoyl peroxide makes the skin more susceptible to sun damage and aging. Even blue light from our computers and fluorescent lighting can cause damage! We have to protect our skin.
Let’s talk about SPF
SPF, or sun protection factor, is probably the least understood concept on planet Earth. What happens is this: in labs, scientists will take a patch of skin that is untanned (usually on the person’s butt), and apply a liberal amount of sunscreen to it. Then they measure how long the area takes to redden when exposed to UV light. They will measure how long the unprotected skin takes to redden. The difference between these two is calculated in the SPF number. Stay with me here…
Basically, the SPF number is a measure of the amount of solar intensity required to produce a sunburn. However, this is tested in a lab under very specific conditions and doesn’t take into account being a human and living life exposed to elements like wind, sun, and sweat. So, these are the things to keep in mind: You only need an SPF of 30 to get full protection. SPF 30 blocks against 97% of rays while SPF 50 blocks 98% of rays. For a 1% difference, there is no need to pay extra for a higher number. You’re gonna want to look for “broad spectrum” because it will protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Tinted sunscreens provide an additional physical filter.
Application
Since the SPF ratings are based on a liberal amount applied, it’s key to apply quite a bit of sunscreen, probably more than you think…at least two full finger lengths.
Sunscreen tends to wear off every two hours so reapplication is also crucial for full sun protection.
Get to know the UV index
The UV index is a measure of the intensity of solar radiation at a given time in a certain area. You can easily google “UV rays in Vegas” and it will show you a time map of the sun’s rays during that day. Full sun exposure at 8 am is very different than full sun exposure at 2 pm. Generally, the worst part of the day to be outside is the mid-afternoon. By being aware of the UV index, you can plan out exactly how much sun protection you need throughout the day.
Sunscreen is not enough
Hats, sunglasses, scarves, driving gloves, and long-sleeve t-shirts are your first line of defense against the sun, with sunscreen being the second. Don’t forget about accessories!
Sunscreen and sugaring
Sugaring and other forms of waxing take off the top layer of dead skin, making it more susceptible to burning and sun damage. I always recommend people keep recently waxed body parts completely out of the sun for at least 24 hours. But if that is not possible, be sure to really protect the area with accessories and sunscreen.
Recommendations
Because sunscreen is something we use every day, I tend to favor more natural products and avoid brands and products that have been linked to cancer-causing ingredients. In my opinion, Korean sunscreens take the cake in every category. My favorite sunscreen ever is the beauty of Joseon relief sun. It’s super affordable, too.
Stay safe and beautiful out there!