Sunscreen – something we’re always told we need to use over and over again. But why? What’s the hype really about? First and foremost, it prevents skin cancer!! Melanoma is the most common form of cancer in the United States with the statistic of 1 in every 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Chronic sun damage can also give rise to what are called ‘actinic keratoses’ or pre skin cancers that must be frozen, chemically treated, or taken off by a medical provider so that they do not develop into early stages of skin cancer. That knowledge alone I hope provokes you to wear SPF, but if not the sun also negatively affects the skin and can cause premature aging. So the leathery tan skin you try to achieve on vaca – no bueno. I’m looking at you sun worshipers and tanning bed fanatics!!!

Let’s first break down the various sunscreens that are found on the market – typically split into chemical and mineral based sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens typically contain ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. This sunscreen works by absorbing the UV rays as they come in contact with the skin and require some time to activate – usually about 20 minutes. The chemical sunscreen actually absorbs into the deeper layers of the skin and converts the UV ray energy into heat which is then emitted from the skin. Chemical sunscreen may not protect against all UVA rays and must be reapplied more frequently throughout the day. There are also ethical implications by using chemical sunscreen as it increases coral reef susceptibility to bleaching and damages coral DNA – do with this what you will.

Supergoop Glow Screen SPF 40

First Aid Beauty Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30

Physical, or mineral, based sunscreens sit on top of the skin to deflect the UV rays from penetrating into the deeper layers of the skin and protecting against UVA and UVB rays. The common ingredients found in mineral sunscreens are titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide.  Another positive aspect to physical sunscreens is that they don’t require an activation time period – once they are applied, they take effect instantly. This type of sunscreen is typically better for sensitive skin types because it sits on top of the skin instead of penetrating deeper and releasing heat like the chemical sunscreen does. 

Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46

Biossance Squalene + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

JECT Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50

Besides the health risk associated with not wearing sunscreen, the sun is really unforgiving on the skin for years to come. Unfortunately, the mistakes you make as a young adult come back to haunt you when it comes to cell turnover and sun damage. Photoaging, premature aging of the skin due to sun exposure, damages the collagen in the deeper layers of the skin which cause wrinkles and fine lines. This is why the gold standard for anti-aging remains to be SPF. It is very hard to fully reverse all of the sun damage caused once it has already been done. The popularly known ‘age spots’, medically known as solar lentigines, are also formed due to chronic UV exposure which can easily be prevented by just investing in a great sunscreen!

While there are various treatments that can be utilized such as IPL, chemical peels, retinol, filler, and botox, it is important to do all that you can for prevention purposes so that you save yourself the extra time and money reversing all your younger mistakes.

You hear it over and over again at the dermatologist at the end of your visit ‘just make sure you wear SPF everyday’ and let it pass over you. But take this as a warning sign – if you don’t wear SPF every day start now! I promise your skin will thank you when you’re older.

Prevention is powerful people!