My favorite topic to educate about is sunscreen. And when I say educate I really mean nag! I am often asked to recommend a great anti-aging product and I always answer by telling the person to wear a daily sunscreen. It is truly the best way to slow down the aging process and prevent skin damage and skin cancer. I get asked the same questions over and over, so I wanted to address them here for you.
Q: I’m in my office or home most of the day. Why do I need to wear sunscreen?
A: Sunscreen is not just for the beach or when you’re outdoors. Ultraviolet rays are what we want to protect from, and they are very crafty. UV reflects everywhere, including but not limited to your windows and skylights at home, car windows, and office windows, not to mention some light fixtures. Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, your casual daily exposure to UV is very high and the easiest thing to do is just wear sunscreen every day. I am a big fan of 28-30 as I truly believe 15 is just not enough anymore.
Q: My makeup foundation has SPF in it. Is that enough?
A: Unfortunately it isn’t. Makeup is formulated to sit on the skin and sunscreen is needed in the deeper layers in order to prevent and screen ultraviolet rays. Therefore, an SPF in your makeup cannot be counted on as your only sun protection. I recommend using a moisturizer with SPF and then you can layer your SPF makeup on over it for added protection.
Q: If I layer an SPF 15 moisturizer and an SPF 15 makeup, does that equal an SPF 30 protection?
A: Not exactly, no. However, doubling up your protection that way helps to ensure that you are covering your bases. I still recommend a moisturizer or mineral SPF 30 and then you can put makeup on over that if you like.
Q: What happens if I mix my SPF moisturizer with an SPF makeup?
A: Blending those products together actually cuts the SPF protection in half. Layering is a better idea, but still be sure your liquid moisturizer or minerals have at least an SPF of 28-30 for broad spectrum protection.
Q: What are the easiest ways to get sun protection every day?
A: The two easiest ways are to either wear a daytime moisturizer that contains SPF or use a mineral sunscreen on top of your regular moisturizer. Liquid and minerals penetrate the skin’s upper layers and get down into the deeper layers where the sun protection is needed.
Q: I hate the smell and texture of sunscreen and that’s why I don’t wear it. Has this changed yet?
A: I agree that most liquid sunscreens on the market have an awful smell and a chalky, tacky texture. However, there are some good ones out there. The active ingredient in most liquid sunscreens and moisturizers is Titanium Dioxide, and that is what gives that unpleasant smell and texture. I myself prefer to avoid that ingredient and look for micronized zinc oxide which blends easily into the skin and keeps the texture of the product light and greaseless. Avoid products containing synthetic/artificial fragrance.
Q: What are your favorite sunscreen products for the face?
A: My two favorites are Skin Haven Solar Defender and Eminence Organic Sun Defense Minerals. I started offering the Solar Defender several years ago after hearing so many clients say they could not find a non-greasy moisturizer with SPF. Our Solar Defender is a lightweight moisturizer with SPF 28 that also contains anti-oxidant vitamins C & E, Green Tea and aloe. It disappears quickly into the skin and even my most oily skinned or acne type clients love how it feels. Dryer skin types can use a serum underneath or just apply more of the product for added hydration.
The Eminence Organic Sun Defense Minerals are really lovely. They come in a translucent shade as well as 5 tints for all skin tones. Minerals are amazing because they melt right into the skin without matting it down. I use a tinted mineral because it provides me with sun protection and substitutes for a sheer or tinted foundation product but feels like it’s not even there. Minerals have become so popular because they are lightweight and they give your skin a polished, even finish but are invisible. These are used over a moisturizer, so a lot of my clients love this option because they can use their power-packed anti-aging or treatment moisturizer twice a day for better results, and then sweep the minerals on over that for daytime. Minerals are also water-resistant so they last all day, can be re-applied without any caking, are great for active/athletic lifestyles, and are perfect for men and kids too. No more stinging eyes!
Q: What should I look for if I’m buying a sunscreen product at the drugstore or beauty supply?
A: Your best bet would be getting professional advice from your esthetician or dermatologist, since they know your skin best and are trained skin care experts. It can be overwhelming to try to self-diagnose your skin, but an esthetician or dermatologist can make educated recommendations for you, rather than asking the sales person at a drugstore or beauty supply. That being said, if you can’t get to a skin care specialist, I would recommend avoiding liquid sunscreens with titanium dioxide, avoid any products that are not cruelty-free (no animal testing AND no animal by-products), and avoid any products containing synthetic fragrance or dyes. Look for Zinc Oxide and/or Octinoxate as the active ingredients as those penetrate into the skin more readily without a chalky or greasy texture. Look for natural and organic lines (these words mean different things to different people–topic for another blog) and be sure to choose a product that is appropriate for your skin type.
Q: I’ve heard tanning beds are safer than laying out in the sun. Is that true?
A: Absolutely not! Both are harmful, but as it turns out tanning beds are usually worse than sun worshipping because people don’t apply sunscreen and are being exposed to pure UV rays with no filtration. I don’t recommend sun worshipping naturally either, but at least you can apply (and re-apply) sunscreen, sit in the shade, and cover up when you want to. My nickname for tanning beds are cancer beds… don’t even get me started. I think spray tanning is one of the greatest inventions of our time because you can get a natural looking tan without any exposure to carcinogens. I prefer Liquid Sun to Mystic Tan because the formula of the spray is higher quality, contains vitamins, and lasts longer; however both are great options. Just exfoliate thoroughly first, and be sure to apply the barrier cream to hands, nails, and feet. Then use moisturizer all over to help maintain and extend the results.
I hope you have found this information helpful! Just remember: sunscreen is the best anti-aging product available and it is both a preventative and treatment product.
Sharōn Ronen is a licensed esthetician and founder/CEO of Skin Haven Spa Studio and WellSpa in Los Angeles, CA. For more information log onto www.skinhaven.com or call 323.658.skin.
