The non-negotiable SUNSCREEN!
What is SPF
The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of a sunscreen is a measure of how well it protects the skin from sunburn.
The difference between UVA rays and UVB rays
Sunlight contains ultraviolet radiation (UV) and it is made up of different types of rays. I am going to discuss two of the more well-known ones, UVA and UVB, what they are, and the difference between them.
UVA -I like to call these UV Aging because these are the rays that cause skin to age prematurely, leading to visible signs like wrinkles. They are more penetrating than UVB rays, so they can affect cells deeper in your skin. They can pass through windows and clouds! This is why we insist our Balance Beauty and Massage clients use sunscreen - in our minds it is a non-negotiable.
UVB - I call these UV Burning because they cause damage to the outermost layers of the skin. UVB rays are the cause of most skin cancers, they can also contribute to the skin aging prematurely, all sun exposure can! UVB rays cannot pass through windows and are more likely to be filtered by clouds.
Both UVA and UVB rays are present during morning, noon and at the end of the day, so if you think it is too early in the day to need sunscreen, think again! Having said that, UVB rays are at their strongest between 10am and 4pm, and especially at midday.
Difference between SPF 30 & 50
Do you ever wonder why SPF is 30+ or 50+ and not 40+ or 60+? Well, the SPF number has to do with the amount of UVB that potentially penetrates the skin.
For example, a SPF30+ sunscreen is estimated to filter out 96.7% of the UVB radiation, leaving 1/30 (3.3%) reaching the skin. SPF50 is estimated to filter 98% of UVB radiation with 1/50th (2%) reaching the skin.
Physical vs chemical Block
The key difference between these types of sunscreen lies in how they block the sun’s rays. Physical (mineral) sunscreens sit on the surface of the skin and act as a shield, while chemical sunscreen sinks into your skin and acts more like a sponge.
Physical blocks work by creating a barrier on the skin that shields it from the sun’s rays. By reflecting the UV radiation, physical block sunscreens help to ward off UVA related skin damage, like hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.
Most mineral sunscreens are formulated with zinc oxide and titanium oxide, two ingredients recognized as safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Sunscreens made from Zinc Oxide are often recommended for people with skin sensitivities, including acne, and they are gentle enough to use on children.
The downside with physical blocks is that they can be difficult to spread onto the skin.
Chemical sunscreens are made up of active ingredients that absorb UV rays before your skin can soak them up.
Chemical sunscreens are easier to apply and go on more smoothly and do not feel as sticky or greasy.
At Balance Beauty and Massage we stock physical block sunscreens, as we feel they are a more natural and healthier option to apply to the skin.
We have a variety of physical sunblock options in the salon and we would be happy to discuss the best product for your needs and skin.
Applying sunscreen
Sunscreen should be part of your morning routine even if you don’t plan to spend time outdoors. Even just going shopping and getting in and out of the car exposes your skin to harmful UV rays. Even some indoor lights can emit small amounts of UV radiation.
If you plan on being out in the sun, a liberal amount of sunscreen needs to be applied 20 mins before going outdoors. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours while in the sun and after swimming, sweating and towel drying.
Also don’t forget the SLIP SLOP SLAP ( and now SLIDE) we all grew up with! SLIP on some protective clothing where possible, SLOP on your physical block sunscreen, SLAP on a broad brimmed hat and SLIDE on some sunglasses.
