In our last blog post, we talked about caring for our skin in different seasons. But what kinds of products or routines should stay consistent all year-round?
Here’s an easy, unlikely answer for you: sunscreen.
We know it seems counterintuitive, but even in the dead of winter, you should be using sunscreen.
In fact, each and every time that you’re outside, you should be wearing sunscreen. The sun emits UV rays all year long, and even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin.
As an added bonus, the application of sunscreen even aids in preventing wrinkles, and keeps your skin looking youthful and healthy.
But what sunscreen should you be using?
In general, when you’re looking to buy sunscreen, you’ll find two different types: physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen.
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Physical Sunscreen
Physical sunscreen is commonly known as sun block. It sits on top of the skin and uses mineral-based ingredients to block, deflect, and scatter UV rays away from the skin.
Pros:
- Physical sunscreen works immediately. You don’t have to wait 20 minutes before it begins to be effective.
- It can be used safely on kids or while pregnant.
- It’s less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
- It protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Cons:
- Physical sunscreen needs to be reapplied frequently, as it can wear off easily due to factors like sweat and water.
- It can sometimes feel greasy or heavy on the skin.
- It can appear white or chalky on the skin.
- It needs to be generously applied in order to be effective.
Physical sunscreens available for purchase at Renew:
- ColoreScience Sunforgettable Brush SPF 50
- Elta MD UV Replenish Broad Spectrum SPF 44
- Elta MD UV Elements Broad Spectrum SPF 44
- Elta MD UV Physical Broad Spectrum SPF 41
Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreen is commonly referred to as organic sunscreen, meaning that it contains carbon-based elements.
Chemical sunscreen contains chemical compounds that absorb UV rays and change them into heat, which is then released from the skin and scattered. Unlike physical sunscreen, chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin.
Pros:
- Chemical sunscreen is typically thinner than physical sunscreen and spreads onto the skin more like a lotion.
- Less product needs to be applied in order for chemical sunscreen to be effective.
- It is often easier to use with other products than physical sunscreen.
Cons:
- Chemical sunscreen comes with the increased risk of skin and eye irritation when it is applied.
- It is only effective 20 minutes after application, so it needs to be reapplied frequently.
- It increases chances of redness and irritation for those with rosacea-prone skin types, as it changes UV rays into heat.
- It can clog pores, thereby increasing the likelihood of breakouts for acne-prone skin.
- Tip: If you’re prone to breakouts, look for chemical sunscreens that are non-comedogenic, as these products are specially formulated to not clog pores.
Chemical sunscreens available for purchase at Renew:
- Elta MD UV Aero Broad Spectrum SPF 45
- Elta MD UV Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30+
- Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46
- ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- ZO Skin Health Oclipse Sun Spray SPF 50 for face + body
- ZO Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50
- Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 Sunscreen
Whether you choose a physical sunscreen or a chemical sunscreen, the key things to keep in mind are your skin’s specific sensitivity, and the coverage and SPF level of the sunscreen in question.
The brands of sunscreen offered at Renew Medical Spa are specially selected to prevent sun damage, and work with your specific skin type to help you feel rejuvenated and renewed. We also offer special sunscreens to protect sensitive skin types prone to discoloration, breakouts, and rosacea, as well as tinted and untinted sunscreens that can be worn alone, under makeup, or over makeup.
As always, we recommend consulting with your licensed skin care provider when deciding what products to use on your skin.
If you’d like to schedule a free consultation with one of our skin care experts to figure out what type of sunscreen is right for you, click here!