Sunscreen Basics Refresh Sesh!

As we’re entering spring, leaving winter behind, and getting ready for the summer, it is worth reviewing a few of the fundamentals of sunscreen. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: A good sunscreen is the most important anti-aging product, across the board, for every person. Here are a few key points to remember.

What is the difference between sunscreen and sunblock?
Sunscreen, the most commonly used type of sun protectant, does just that. It protects the skin from the sun’s harmful rays with a chemical barrier. But the sun’s rays can still get through to the skin with sunscreen. Sunblock actually blocks and deflects the sun’s rays from penetrating the skin. It is a physical barrier between the sun and your skin. Both have their pros and cons, but sunblock is often recommended for people who have sensitive skin or other skin conditions, or recent skin treatments that might make them more sensitive to sun damage or the chemicals in sunscreen.

What SPF is best for the face?
Dr. Broadway recommends using an SPF of at least 30 for the face (as well as the body) and reapplying at least every two hours and more frequently if you’re in or around water. At Broadway Plastic Surgery, we’re huge advocates of sun protection and we have a few favorites that have worked beautifully for our patients.

1. EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF40 comes in tinted and non-tinted, and we love it for the face and body. It doesn’t clog pores and has an easy application and provides excellent coverage.
2. SkinBetter Science Sheer stick is a wonderful mineral based product with an SPF of 56. It is sheer and easy to apply to the face and body.
3. SkinBetter Science Tone Smart is a compact tinted sunscreen that we love for the face in the summer and on darker toned skin. With an SPF of 68, it provides wonderful protection with a little bit of blendable tinted cosmetic coverage.

It is worth noting that you can call our office at 303-647-1435 to purchase any of these wonderful sunscreen options and we’ll have it waiting at the front desk for you or we’d be happy to run it out to our curbside for you, for a touchless delivery.

Do you need SPF when it’s cloudy outside?
Heck yes! You do! Sun rays can penetrate clouds. This is especially the case in Colorado, where we live, where the sun is quite intense and you might be fooled by a cold cloudy day, as to the sun’s potential effect on your skin. Sunscreen is needed every day, in every season, in all types of weather, and for every skin color! Period.

Where should you apply sunscreen or sunblock?
Wherever your skin is exposed, and not under your clothing, you should apply sunscreen or sunblock.

Do you need sunscreen when you’re inside?
If you’re anywhere near a window that doesn’t have a window treatment blocking it, then you do need sunscreen. Harmful sun rays can penetrate glass, and this includes a car window for drivers or passengers.

It is worth repeating that we are huge advocates of sunscreen at Broadway Plastic Surgery! A great sunscreen can protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun which can cause sun damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer. It is one of the most important (if not the most important) anti-aging products that a person can have in their at-home skin care regimen. So go ahead and cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, and never ever forget to apply that sunscreen!

Any questions? Call us at 303-647-1435.