Every day, even in winter. The sun's ultraviolet rays can cause damage on cloudy days, and can even penetrate glass. That means your skin is vulnerable while you're in your car, on a plane, or sitting in front of your favorite window. Whether your skin is fair or dark, you need to make sun protection a part of your morning routine.
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SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a measure of a product's ability to screen or block out the sun's
burning UVB rays. The SPF rating is calculated by comparing sunburn time without sunblock against sunburn time with sunblock. So, if it takes 20 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red, using an SPF 15 sunscreen prevents reddening 15 times longer--about five hours.
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An SPF 15, which blocks 92 percent of the sun's UVB rays, is the baseline protection everyone requires. Fairer to medium skins should use an SPF 30, which blocks 96 percent; an SPF 45 blocks 98 percent. The lighter your skin, the more protection you need.
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UVB rays, which are shorter ultraviolet rays, burn the outer layer of skin and cause redness. UVA rays, which have longer wavelengths, can penetrate deeper into the skin and with long-term exposure, are believed to cause pre-mature aging and skin cancer. It is important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers complete protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
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Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin. When sunlight hits the skin, it's absorbed by the chemical block. Common chemical blocks include Parsol 1789, Salicylates, Cinnamates, Padimate-O, Oxybenzone, Mexoryl and PABA (because it’s known to be a skin irritant, bluemercury doesn't carry PABA products). Not all chemical sunscreens block both UVA and UVB rays, so check first.
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Physical screens block both UVA and UVB rays. They sit on the skin's surface and can’t be absorbed into the skin. Sunlight hits the block and is reflected away from the body. They're great for sensitive skin or people allergic to chemical blocks. Common physical blocks include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Physical blocks sometimes have a heavier texture than chemical blocks.
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Apply chemical sunscreens at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. Physical blocks shield from the sun immediately. Remember to use sunscreen generously, reapplying it every three to four hours, and immediately after swimming or perspiring (even if it's waterproof).
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Today's skincare brands add antioxidants like Vitamins A, C and E to sunscreens and sunblocks to help neutralize free radical, unstable molecules that disrupt healthy skin cells and cause premature aging. To fight these free radicals, many dermatologists recommend applying antioxidants directly to the skin.
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Certain sunscreens are better suited for some activities and skin types than others--that's why we created this guide! Come in and feel the different textures of our featured sunscreens to find the one that you'll love wearing.
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