Sunscreen and it's Importance! SPF-30 and higher...

  

  The one thing many Dermatologists recommend and your first line of defense and the most "anti-aging" (think lines/wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of elasticity) thing you could for your skin is wear an SPF! Preferably an SPF 30 or higher up to 50, maybe even to a 60. Any higher than that is truly a waste (of money as well!), since there's no evidence that anything higher will protect you more after that point. Sunscreen in reality should be used 365 days of the year, the UV rays penetrate through even dark clouds, rain, and even snow! Even when it snows the flakes and snow on the floor reflect off the UV rays and can be more intensified. Which is why you may hear of certain people who go on Ski trips that get sunburned, they are on high altitudes and with the sun possibly beaming and with the snow reflecting off the those harmful UV rays. Although, many people feel it's just to be used only during the summertime, which is a false perception, the choices made are still for that individual to personally make. UVB are rays that can burn the skin and UVA are the aging rays that can promote premature signs of aging, sun damage and as well as cause skin cancer! Which is highly more preventable now in this day & age. During my training in Esthetics school, we would be able to see the underlying sun damage under a "wood lamp" which allows the skin to be seen in ultraviolet vision, so you can see the damage that'll eventually reach the visual surface layer of skin, it was quite fascinating for me to see and a lot of fun as well... For ones as well, concerned with dark spots and aging, this is truly one of the best lines of defense you could for your skin. There are even published studies shown that by continuously using sunscreen daily that you can even reverse some of the damage that had been already done. That's also which is a great thing to have! I've listed the two types of sunscreens that are widely used across the board and worldwide. Here they are...

Chemical Sunscreens rely on the main ingredient Avobenzone (Widely used chemical agent in the U.S.) but it does rely on other UV filters to remain stable, it will absorb the UV rays so it doesnt penetrate below the superficial surface layer. These tend to go on clear and blends in very easily. However, those with highly sensitive skin are advised not to use it depending if their skin can become very reactive. There's been recent research of Chemical sunscreen actives affecting the health of the coral reefs in Hawaii. Which the chemical sunscreens agents are totally banned now within Hawaii. There aren't any claims that it's not safe for skin. I can address this debate further when more information is provided, not much is to go off by at the moment. 

Mineral Suscreens (also called Physical Sunscreens) are relied on Zinc Oxide and Titanium dioxide. These actives can be used with both or just one of them in an active ingredient sunscreen list. They work by deflecting and bouncing off the UV rays. However, even mineral sunscreens absorb a certain percentage of UV rays, as chemical sunscreens do also. They are also highly recommended to very sensitive skin types. The reason why so many shy away from these type of sunscreens is because of the whitening and ashy appearance effect that occurs along with it, especially with deeper skintones. However, the most well-formulated physical sunblockers are able to even go on "invisible" now. That all depends on the formulation of the product, I feel personally testers of sunscreens should be widely made for everyone to try out and see how blendable it is with different skins and tones. More so with physical sunscreens than chemical. Since chemical traditionally go on invisible and are naturally just blended in with all tones.

Now... that there is more of an idea of they do, the rest is personal preference and if you are acne-prone make sure to look for "Oil-Free" options, there are so many in the market to choose from, it's just seeing what's the best for you! They all comes in all different price points and just choose depending on what's the easiest for you to use and one you will be wanting to put on consistently and on a daily basis. Make sure to reapply every 2.5 to 3 hours when outdoors and for long periods of time. ^_^

P.S. I do wear an SPF, 365 days out of the year. Since I'm personally very skin & sun-conscious, since knowing how much damage it can actually cause instantly and over time. I try to stay out of the sun as much as I possibly can as well, sometimes it is inevitable during the Summer months or if you live in places that's Sunny practically almost all-year round. Sunscreem is a must and your personal decision to do so. Remember... Prevention is always key!


Yours truly always,

Mr. Skin Care Guru