Sunscreen Facts and Must Dos
Posted June 25, 2019 by Guest Poster - 4 comments
We all know that we need to wear sunscreen.
It has been proven to reduce your skin cancer risk and help slow down aging.
But there are so many different types and really…how often SHOULD we be reapplying it?
We went to the professionals at Stirling Skin Care Clinic and asked them to give us the basic facts on sunscreen. Here is what Rachael Watson (medical aesthetician and certified cosmetic laser tech) had to say!
Did you know that sunscreens and sunblocks are not all created equal?
Some fight UV rays with chemicals and some fight the harmful rays with minerals.
Chemical Sunscreens
The ingredient list may contain: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate.
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun’s UV rays, and then through chemical reactions, they dissipate the UV rays. Before these chemicals can offer any protection, your skin has to absorb them. This can result in irritation and discomfort, especially in adults with sensitive skin and children.
Mineral Sunblocks
The ingredient list may contain: Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide (naturally derived ingredients).
Mineral sunblocks sit on top of your skin and reflect away the UV rays. They are safe to use on all skin types, even the most sensitive.
What does SPF mean?
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is how long your sunscreen/sunblock will protect you from UVB rays. UVB rays are what cause you to “burn”. They are harmful to skin’s outermost layers. This is where the most common forms of skin cancer occur.
Broad Spectrum SPF
This refers to sunscreens/sunblocks that block both UVA and UVB rays. It is recommended to always purchase a Broad Spectrum SPF because it’s the only way to be protected from both types of UV rays.
How much sunscreen should I use? A shot glass full for your entire body, and 1/4 to 1/2 tsp for your face.
Is my makeup enough? NO! Always apply a layer of mineral sunscreen under your makeup (even if it has an SPF rating). Reapply your sunscreen if you are sweating or swimming.
When should I put on sunscreen? 30 minutes before sun exposure and daily on your face (under makeup).
How often should I reapply my sunscreen? At least every two hours, but more often if you burn easily or have been in the water or are sweating excessively. You can also calculate what time to reapply by taking the SPF number and multiplying it times how long it takes you to feel like you are burning…but it’s usually best to just reapply every two hours or when you start to feel a need. You can’t overdo it!
For more summer skin tips and tricks you can watch the video below! Don’t forget you still have a few more days to take advantage of Stirling Skin Care’s monthly special 15% off sunscreen! Let them know you heard about them from Prairie Wife for a discount off your first treatment 😉
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4 thoughts on "Sunscreen Facts and Must Dos"
Categories: Beauty, Prairie Wife Style
Tags: , Beauty, chemical sunscreen, mineral sunscreen, summer, summer beauty, sun, sunblock, sunscreen, uva, uvb
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This is really interesting!!
I have to be honest… there is probably way to many times I forget to apply sunscreen & buy new every year. If I have it on hand, it always goes on the kids first. I also always remember to send it in my must bring items for all my clients during summer photo sessions. Defiantly investing in some more/better!
Changing up my ball Game Prairie Wife, love it!
Stay Blessed!!
I am the sunscreen nazi lol. My poor kids…and I have it in every car and my purse and 18 other places in the house. If you ever need any, just ask me 😉
I admit I probably don’t wear enough sunscreen when I go out but I’m not a sun worshiper. I don’t lie in the sun like some people do and bake. I do take a walk at lunchtime. I try to walk under some buildings awnings s I vary from the sun and the shade in our downtown area. I also keep a baseball cap in my work bag in case it’s super sunny I can at least shade my face. If I’m going out to a barbecue for the day or somehow get an invitation to a pool I will definitely put suntan lotion on my arms and legs but I never reapply. I know that’s bad. Thanks for the info on mineral sunscreen.
Here is me scolding you like the mom I am to wear it AND reapply when you are outside lol. They have some great brush on sunscreens that are powder and work wonderful over makeup and as a quick touch up.