Sun Protection 101

How To Protect the Skin Year-Round?

The most important step in a daily routine is sunscreen, especially if you use AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) or Retinoids in your skincare routine. Since AHAs and Retinoids promote skin cell turnover by peeling away the outermost layer of the epidermis (the protective barrier of the skin), they allow harmful UV rays to enter the now sensitive skin, making it even more important to protect the skin every day with sunscreen. AHAs and Retinoids can also dry the skin, so you should look for an SPF moisturizer to help with hydration and protection.

Selecting the best sunscreen can be a daunting task since there are many options on the market. When choosing the right sunscreen for your skin, keep in mind the American Academy of Dermatology recommends a minimum of SPF 30. Always look for broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30+ protection.

SUN PROTECTION 101

How Does the Sun Affect Your Skin?

UVA damage causes premature photoaging, wrinkles, age spots, while UVB damage causes visibly red, irritated skin.

When harmful UV radiation from the sun hits the skin, it damages the DNA. DNA damage accumulates over the years and leads to the appearance of pre-cancerous lesions and subsequent skin cancer formation. UV radiation also enters the skin and damages collagen and elastin. Collagen gives structure to the skin, and elastin lends elasticity. Therefore, the destruction of collagen leads to wrinkle formation, and the destruction of elastin causes sagging skin.

SUN PROTECTION 101

What Are the Signs Of Sun Exposure?

  • Hyperpigmentation or sunspots (lentigos)
  • Hypopigmentation
  • Telangiectasias and redness
  • Wrinkles
  • Sagging
  • Skin cancers
  • Rough texture
  • Dryness
  • Pre-cancerous lesions (actinic keratoses)

ABCDEs of Skin Health

The ABCDEs of skin health refers to the characteristics of abnormal or suspicious skin lesions that dermatologists use to help diagnose melanoma. Melanoma is one of the deadliest and, in many cases, preventable forms of skin cancer. One person dies every hour from melanoma in the US (6).

  Benign   Malignant  
ASYMMETRY Symmetrical
Asymmetrical
Border Smooth borders
Irregular (blurry or jagged) borders
Color Single color
Multicolor
Diameter Small than a pencil eraser (1/4 inch)
Larger than a pencil eraser (1/4 inch)
Evolution No changes
Sudden changes in size, shape, or color

Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens

Two types of sunscreens provide UV protection: chemical and mineral. Both protect the skin from UV radiation emitted by the sun, but they do it differently based on their ingredients.

 

Mineral

Chemical

How Do They Work?
  • Mineral sunscreens work by creating a physical barrier over the skin to prevent the absorption of UV radiation into the skin.
  • With the application of mineral sunscreens on the skin, the UV rays simply reflect off the skin and do not get absorbed.
  • Consist of naturally occurring ingredients.
  • Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the UV radiation, converting it into heat, and releasing it from the body.
  • They must be absorbed into the skin before they can protect it.
  • Since it takes time for the chemicals to be absorbed fully into the skin, chemical sunscreens must be applied 20-30 minutes before exposure to the sun.
  • Consist of synthetic chemicals.

Efficacy
  • Better tolerated with less irritation and rashes
  • Better for sensitive skin
  • Works immediately
  • Broader spectrum coverage.
  • More sweat-proof and water-resistant

Active Ingredient Examples
  • Zinc Oxide
  • Titanium Dioxide
  • Octinoxate
  • Avobenzone

SUN PROTECTION 101

How To Apply Mineral SPF In A Skincare Routine?

  • It is essential to apply the right amount of sunscreen and reapply every 1-2 hours.
  • For best results, apply your skincare regimen in the following steps: cleanser, toner, serum + treatment, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
  • Mineral sunscreen must be the last product applied so it can act as a protective barrier for the skin.

SUN PROTECTION 101

Hydra Lipid UV Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40+

HYDRA LIPID UV MINERAL SUNSCREEN BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 40+ combines broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 40+ protection from Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide with the hydrating power of Squalene and Hyaluronic Acid. Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are safe and powerful 100% mineral sunscreen ingredients that reflect UV rays and protect the skin immediately after applying them. Hyaluronic Acid helps retain water into the skin while plumping and hydrating the skin, while Squalene helps lock in the moisture and restore the barrier function to the skin.

To protect against skin-damaging UV rays, Blue Light and pollution, it's formulated with Active Stress Defense Technology to increase the antioxidant capabilities of the product. The antioxidant-rich formula will decrease the free radical formation and protect skin against UV destruction of collagen and elastin. This formula is approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective sunscreen for daily use.

SUN PROTECTION 101

Age Defense UV Mineral Sunscreen Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

AGE DEFENSE UV MINERAL SUNSCREEN SERUM BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50+ is ideal for people with normal skin type who have visible signs of sun damage, such as hyperpigmentation or redness, or those who want the ultimate sun protection. Zinc Oxide is encapsulated with Active Stress Defense Technology to protect against skin-damaging UV rays, Blue Light and pollution.

Ellagic Acid helps prevent signs of aging, Vitamin E increases the antioxidant capabilities of the product, and Niacinamide helps diminish redness and hyperpigmentation. This zinc sunscreen physically blocks the sun's UV rays while protecting the skin against free radical damage and preventing visible signs of aging.

SUN PROTECTION 101

When To Talk To Your Dermatologist

  • If you are concerned about the safety of your sunscreen.
  • If you are breaking out in acne.
  • If you get redness, irritation, or rash from your sunscreen.
  • If you cannot decide which sunscreen to use or how to use it.
  • If you are still getting burned even though you use sunscreen.