When it comes to taking charge of your skin’s health and maintaining its youthful glow, one skincare essential should never be overlooked—sunscreen! Did you know that over 90% of visible aging is caused by UV damage? That means wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots are largely preventable by simply incorporating a high-quality, physician-grade sunscreen into your daily routine – like the ones we carry at Skin Artisans! To better understand what type of sun protection may be best suited to your skin and lifestyle, let’s take a look at the benefits of different sunscreen formulations and how they work and discover what products make the top favorites list of our Advanced Practice Estheticians.
How Sunscreen Works
Sunscreen is basically a protective barrier that either absorbs or reflects the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays when they come in contact with your skin. This is important because UV damage causes both internal and external damage to the skin, including brown spots, loss of elasticity, redness, and even skin cancer.
There are two types of UV rays that contribute to skin damage:
- UVA rays – penetrate deeply into the skin, damage DNA, and cause premature aging.
- UVB rays – primarily cause sunburn and can significantly contribute to skin cancer, especially if an individual has had several bad burns in their youth.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen is designed to shield you from BOTH UVA and UVB rays, ensuring complete protection against sun-induced skin damage.
Types of Sunscreen: Which One is Right for You?
Understanding the differences between chemical, physical, and mineral-based sunscreens can help you make the best choice for your skin type and concerns. Each has different features and benefits that may make it more appropriate for your skin type and personal preferences. The variety of options ensures that there’s a perfect sunscreen for everyone.
Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone that absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, which is then released from the skin. These formulations are lightweight and ideal for daily wear under makeup. However, they may not be suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin, as some chemical filters can cause irritation.
Physical Sunscreens
Also known as mineral sunscreens, physical sunscreens contain natural UV blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients create a physical barrier that reflects UV rays away from the skin. Mineral sunscreens are often preferred by those with sensitive skin, rosacea, or post-procedure skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation. Some formulations can give a white cast to the skin upon application, and formulations tend to be slightly thicker than other types of SPF. Physical sunscreens are ideal to use after procedures like chemical peels and laser because they prevent heat from building up in the skin, but they may feel too rich for oilier skin types.
Mineral-Based Sunscreens
Mineral-based sunscreens are a hybrid between chemical and physical sunscreens. They primarily rely on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide but may also include other protective ingredients for a lightweight feel. These sunscreens offer the benefits of both physical and chemical formulas, making them a great choice for those seeking broad-spectrum protection with a smoother application.
Finding the Perfect Sunscreen for Your Skin
Choosing the right sunscreen depends on your skin type, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Oily or acne-prone skin: Opt for an oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen like SkinMedica Essential Defense Everyday Clear™ Broad Spectrum SPF 47 Sunscreen.
- Dry skin: A hydrating sunscreen like Revision Skincare Intellishade® Original provides moisture while offering broad-spectrum protection and a beautiful tint!
- Sensitive skin: Look for a mineral-based formula with zinc oxide, such as SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield™ SPF 35 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen.
- Post-procedure skin: A gentle, protective formula like Revision Skincare Intellishade® TruPhysical SPF 45 is ideal for healing and sensitive skin.
Some of the Favorite Sunscreens of Skin Artisans Advanced Practice Estheticians
Revision Skincare® Sunscreens
- Intellishade® Original Broad Spectrum SPF 45: A tinted moisturizer with anti-aging benefits that hydrates, protects, and corrects skin tone.
- Intellishade® Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 45: Provides the same benefits as the original but with an oil-free, matte finish for those with combination or oily skin.
- Intellishade® TruPhysical Broad Spectrum SPF 45: A 100% mineral-based moisturizing sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection and anti-aging ingredients to support collagen production.
SkinMedica® Sunscreens
- Total Defense + Repair SPF 34: Beyond UV protection, this advanced formula protects against infrared rays while helping to restore skin health.
- Essential Defense Everyday Clear™ SPF 47: A lightweight, sheer sunscreen ideal for oily or acne-prone skin types.
- Essential Defense Mineral Shield™ SPF 32: A 100% mineral sunscreen available in tinted and untinted formulas, perfect for sensitive skin.
Key Tips for Optimal Sun Protection
- Apply generously: Use at least a nickel-sized amount for your face and a shot-glass amount for your body.
- Reapply often: Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
- Use daily: Even on cloudy days and during the winter months, UV rays can still cause damage, so make sunscreen a non-negotiable step in your skincare routine!
Your skin deserves the best protection, and at Skin Artisans, we’re here to help you find the ideal sunscreen for your needs and lifestyle. Visit us to explore our premium sun protection, chat with our team about your options, and find the perfect SPF BFF to enjoy radiant, healthy, youthful skin for years to come!
