Now that the Stay-At-Home Order has been lifted, we are all so happy to be enjoying the beaches, the Strand, and the beautiful outdoors! That cool breeze and warm sun feel so good on our faces. But, it’s important to make sure we’re not “playing now” only to “pay later”. We need to revisit the best sunscreen options available to protect our skin from the sun’s damaging effects which include premature lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation.
So, which sunscreen provides the best protection for your skin? One that you will use! Sunscreens that sit on your shelf or in your glove compartment are of NO value. You need to find one that you like and that you and your family will use.
There are two types of sunscreen, each with its own unique features. Sunscreens are either chemical-based or mineral-based.
Chemical-based sunscreens absorb into the skin and then absorb UV rays which are converted to heat and released from the body. The active ingredients in chemical sunscreens include avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone. Most drug store sunscreens fall into this category.
Mineral-based sunscreens are physical sunblocks that sit on top of the skin and reflect the sun’s rays. Because they are not absorbed, they are less irritating and better for sensitive skin and are more moisturizing than chemical-based sunscreens. They provide superior protection from damaging UVA and UVB rays, but the downside in the past was always their chalky white color. Remember when you were a kid and the lifeguard had a thick mat of white sunscreen on his/her nose? That was a mineral-based sunscreen, zinc oxide.
Thankfully, Colorescience, ZO Skin Health, and other advanced skincare lines have created broad-spectrum, mineral-based sunscreens without the white tint that provide superior protection from UV rays, Blue Light (phone and computer screens) and Infrared radiation. They use a combination of minerals including iron, zinc, and titanium to formulate sunscreens with a natural finish. Originally created to minimize downtime after aesthetic procedures, Colorescience now offers an entire line of mineral-based, broad-spectrum products that combine skin protection and SPFs of 35-50. By combining mineral-based sun-protection with other skincare and aesthetic properties, Colorescience has created a unique skincare line that doubles as a cosmetic line.
Their most popular and award-winning product is the Sungorgettable Brush-on sunscreen which is a 50 SPF self-contained powder and brush that is both easy to use and easy to carry. This makes reapplication hassle-free, as sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours. Additionally, the Sunforgettable Brush-on Sunscreen and its companion, a liquid Sunforgettable SPF 50 Face and Body Shield, are both kid-friendly!
Protecting your skin from the damaging effects of the sun has never been easier or more convenient, with so many aesthetic and application options. Find the one that works best for you and your lifestyle. Remember, most sun exposure is inadvertent. Even if you avoid direct sunlight, you still need to protect your face, neck, and hands!
Your skin will thank you!
Have a great day and I hope you continue to “Look Fresh and Feel Confident”
-Dr. Tara Wegryn
