“If
I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be IT.” –Mary
Schmich
It
has been over ten years since Baz Luhrmann put Mary Schmich’s Chicago Tribune
article to music in 1999. Appropriately
titled, “Wear Sunscreen”, the hit record dispensed numerous life lessons over a
nearly eight minute track. However, it
emphasized that this particular tip was the only one to be scientifically proven
as beneficial.
{Pictured Above: OYE Spring/Summer 2013 Collection, Photo Courtesy of nounaryustyle.com}
Today,
the importance of sunscreen is common knowledge. The endless benefits to sun protection have
been proven time and again by countless studies and continued research since
the implementation of the SPF system 35 years ago. We are not only aware of the immediate skin burning
effects caused by UVB rays, but are also privy to the long term effects of UVA
rays - which breakdown collagen and contribute to skin’s aging.
While
the wealth of information available regarding sun damage is no doubt helpful,
the multitude of products on the market today claiming to combat, repair and
prevent such damage is rather daunting. How do you know which product is right
for you?
When
choosing a sunscreen, the first thing you should look for is a label that reads
“broad spectrum”. Thanks to new rules
adapted by the FDA just this year, any sunscreen including this description
MUST protect equally against UVA and UVB rays.
Next,
make note of the SPF. The American
Academy of Dermatology recommends daily use of SPF 30 (SPF 50 is recommended to
those who spend a majority of their day outdoors). Try Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch in SPF 70 for the best all around
protection or Hampton Sun Continuous Mist
Spray in SPF 35 for easy application.
Finally,
think carefully about the specific needs of your skin. If you do not use the same lotion on your
face as you do your body, it is likely that you will not want to use the same
sunscreen on both areas as well. When
selecting a sunscreen for the face, look for a product that can provide dual
care.
If
your skin is oily or prone to
breakouts, avoid labels that include pore-clogging elements such as mineral
oil, paraffin and petroleum – opting instead for ones that read “non-comedogenic”
and “oil-free” such as Peter Thomas Roth
Uber Dry Sunscreen in SPF 30.
Those
with dry or sensitive skin should
consider hydrating ingredients such as oat protein, sodium hyaluronate, and
omega 3’s, as well as products containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide (which
reflect rays rather than absorbing them) like that of La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid in SPF 50.
Lastly, if your main
concern is aging skin (lines,
wrinkles, etc.), make antioxidants your new best friend! Formulas containing
vitamin E, vitamin C, caffeine and niacin will be your best bet. Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Ageless
Sunscreen in SPF 70 is a great option.
Whichever
product you choose, remember that in order to provide adequate protection, it
must be applied generously and then reapplied throughout the course of the day
-especially if you are sweating, swimming or simply spending more time in the
sun than usual.*
*This article was featured in the June 2013 issue of Bello Mag and can also be viewed here: http://issuu.com/outnext/docs/bellomag47/121?e=1159494/3210811
Sources:
Becker,
Katie. Generation SPF. WMagazine. May 2013. Conde Nast. Web. 12 May 2013.
Benoist,
Claire. Your Sunscreen Protection Guide. Self. Conde Nast. Web. 12 May 2013.
Siddons,
Sarah. Should I Use a Different Sunscreen on My Face. Discovery Health. Discovery
Communications. Web. 12 May 2013.
Wadyka,
Sally. What to Look for in a Sunscreen. Real Simple. Time Inc. Lifestyle Group.
Web. 12 May 2013.
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