If we’re being honest, sunshine makes everything better. A beautiful day of sunshine gets us outside-playing sports, going on walks, yard work, fetch with the pups. Sunshine is one of life’s simplest pleasures, brightening your day in more ways than just giving light to the world. While you are out enjoying the sun, your skin is soaking up UV rays. This is where smart sun protection comes in. With the right habits and tools, you can enjoy every ray while keeping your skin safe and radiant!
Choose the right formula (Chemical vs Mineral):
Chemical sunscreens blend in easily with no white cast, most are water-resistant, and need 15-20 minutes to activate. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays, then convert them into heat.
Mineral sunscreens reflect UV rays to protect the skin, works immediately after application, and can leave a white cast even after being blended. A popular option that is dermatologist recommended is ISDIN Eryfotona which has a strong reputation, known for their lightweight formulas and a less chalky look.
Fast facts about ISDIN:
- SPF 50+
- Water resistant with UVA and UVB protection
- Mineral sunscreen
- Eryfotona Actinica (non-tinted) helps repair sun damage
- Eryfotona Ageless (tinted) repairs sun damage and reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
We love ISDIN sunscreen so much we made it available here in our office- for you to love it too!
Find what to wear:
- Clothing with UV protection built in
- Long sleeves and pants
- Wide-brimmed hats
- UV-blocking sunglasses
Your outfit is your first layer of defense.
Get the timing down:
UV peaks between 10am and 4 pm. A great indicator to tell if the UV is strong is to use your shadow. If it’s shorter than you, the UV is high. Reapply frequently during these hours while exposed to the sun.
If you wear makeup and don’t want to worry about messing it up with reapplication- you’re in luck. Powder sunscreen makes reapplying easy and will not mess up your artwork!
Frequently asked questions:
- Can people with darker skin tones still get sun damage? Darker skin tones burn less but still get skin damage.
- Can makeup with SPF replace sunscreen? No, but it’s a great extra layer of protection.
- Is tanning safe if I don’t burn? No- a tan is DNA damage. Your skin is producing pigment as a defense mechanism.
- Does expired sunscreen do more harm than no sunscreen? No, they’re just less effective.
- What SPF do I use? SPF 30 or higher
- What is the difference between UVA and UVB? UVA = aging rays (wrinkles, dark spots; deeper damage. UVB = burning rays (sunburn; major role in skin cancer)
Provider recommendations:
Here are top recommendations directly from dermatology experts.
Jasmine Chaudhary, PA-C: Staying out of the sun 10am-4pm- or wear sun protective clothing (UPF clothing and wide brimmed hats).
Stella Wong, PA-C: Be sure to use an SPF 30+ and reapply every 2 hours.
Emily So, PA-C: For sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens (which have zinc and titanium ingredients) are a great option.
No sunscreen brand is bad as long as it is SPF 30 or higher
A habit that pays off:
You’re exposed to UV rays more than you think- driving your car, sitting near a window, running errands. Sun protection isn’t about avoiding the sun, it’s about finding ways to enjoy it wisely.
The smart habits you build and the tools you use now will protect your skin for the future.
Until next time,
Enjoy the rays responsibly!
