Be Choosy about your Sunscreen!

When Choosing a Sunscreen, Be Smart, Think Physical

There is a huge difference between physical and chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens absorb UVA UVB, which causes more of a heat reaction, which increases tissue inflammation and makes your skin more susceptible to damage. You will often see more dark spots, sun freckles, wrinkles, and fine lines because inflammation stresses your skin and reduces immunity activity.

Physical Sunscreens are reflective; Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide are reflectors so light may bounce off the skin. This is the best protection for skin, to maintain a cooler skin reaction. Physical sunscreens reduce skin stress and potentially minimizes the long term effects of sun damage.

Look on the shelf, you will notice the higher the SPF sunscreen the more chemicals you will see. Check out some of the chemical sunscreen ingredients below. Don’t forget to look at your active ingredients with the drug facts. Chemical sunscreens may not be the solution for your summer fun.

• Octyl Methoxycinnamates
• Benzophenones
• Octylcrylene

Be Choosy when selecting your sunscreen - and remember, to keep your skin younger looking, it should be used year round, not only in the heat of the Summer!

Summertime Skincare

Ahh Summertime!  Nothing brings out the smiles like the sun!  Let's focus on a few tips to keep your skin healthy during your Summer fun.

New Sunscreen labeling - Are you a bit confused about the new labeling in sunscreen?  It's actually going to make you safer in the sun.   In the past, a product (sunscreen or moisturizer with sunscreen included) could be labeled broad spectrum and in fact only give you UVB protection which left you in doubt of the level of UVA protection.  UVA rays can contribute to skin cancer and aging of the skin.  Yes, those UVA (aging) rays can make us look older before our time!  Under new FDA guidelines a product can only be labeled "broad spectrum" if the UVA protection is equal to UVB.  This makes it easier for you to know the level of protection that you really have.

How much protection do I need?  As an esthetician, my recommendation is a SPF of 30.  It is also important to seek your esthetician's advise of which form of sunscreen is best for your skin type and conditions.  For example someone with acne or rosaccea will benefit most from using a mineral (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) natural formulation.  This is also very easy to apply.  My favorite is Eminence Organics sun defense.  This also has the benefit of lasting longer than organic types of sunscreen.  At the very least, use a light weight product that will not clog your pores.  Note - just because a label reads "non-comedongenic" doesn't necessarily mean that there are not pore clogging ingredients in the formulation.  If you have dry skin, you will benefit from a more emollient sun protection product.  Remember the sun is most intense from 10am-4pm.  Some sun rays DO penetrate through glass, so you need protection always during the day. I see many clients with hyperpigmentation spots on the "drivers side of their face."   Re-apply sunscreen throughout the day as no sunscreen is completely waterproof, only water resistant.  New labeling will tell you how often you need to re-apply.  Find a formulation that is easy to carry with you and re-apply easily.

Sun protection and pigmentation issues: If you are prone to pigmentation (sunspots)  The addition of a tyrosinase inhibitor (the enzyme that causes excess melanin production) is also a great way to help keep your skin tone even.  This in addition to or included in your sunscreen is the best line of defense for keeping your skin young looking!   Regular monthly  lactic acid peels can slough off excess skin and keep your skin hydrated, even toned and even helps regulate pigmentation.  Save the intense skin resurfacing for fall/winter months if you are a sun lover!   Retin A users need to be especially diligent about sun protection as their skin will be more sensitive.  Feeding your skin with antioxidants inside and out also helps regulate melanin and fight free radicals that cause aging!

Permanent cosmetic lip and brow enhancements should also be protected with spf  of 30 to prevent premature fading of color.


Now ready, set, go have some SUMMERTIME FUN!


Healthy Skin to you,
Brenda Berndt
licensed Esthetics Instructor
Permanent makeup technician
glo facial spa & skin center
glofacialspa.com
309-846-4045