Sunscreen


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Types of Sunscreen

When it comes to shielding your skin from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays, selecting the right sunscreen is essential for effective protection. There are two main categories of sunscreens: mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreens, each offering unique benefits for different skin types and concerns.

Mineral Sunscreens

Also known as physical sunscreens, these use natural minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier on the skin’s surface. This barrier reflects and scatters UV rays, providing broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Mineral sunscreen is often recommended for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and oily skin because it is oil free, less likely to cause irritation, and typically paraben free and fragrance free. Many mineral sunscreens, such as mineral sunscreen SPF 50, are formulated to be lightweight and non greasy, making them ideal for daily use on combination skin and for those who want to avoid a heavy feel.

Chemical Sunscreens

Work differently by absorbing UV rays through synthetic ingredients before they can damage the skin. While chemical sunscreens can offer effective protection, not all provide the same level of broad spectrum coverage as mineral-based options. If you have concerns about skin sensitivity or are looking for a sunscreen that won’t clog pores, mineral-based sunscreens are often the preferred choice.

Year-Round Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum Protection

While we all know that it is important to wear sunscreen in the summer to avoid sunburn, did you know that sunscreen should be worn year-round? Most of the sun’s rays can pass through clouds, so even if it is cloudy outside, you could still be damaging your skin if you are not protecting it. In the winter months, the snow can even reflect UV rays, increasing your risk for sun damage. That is why, no matter the weather or season, sunscreen is a very important part of your daily skincare routine.

Facial sunscreen is an important part of a daily skincare routine, providing broad spectrum protection and working well with other skincare products. Broad spectrum sunscreen protection shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, which can cause UV damage and other damage caused by environmental aggressors such as pollution and infrared rays.

There are many reasons why sunscreen should be applied daily, with the most important being:

  • It protects your skin from UV rays.
  • It lowers your risk for skin cancer.
  • It prevents premature skin aging.
  • It helps to maintain an even skin tone. Sunscreens formulated for all skin tones help prevent white cast, which is especially important for those with deeper skin tones.
  • Daily-use sunscreens can help improve uneven skin tone over time when formulated with beneficial ingredients.
  • You have a higher risk for skin cancer if you have red hair.

Effective protection and SPF protection are essential for all skin types and tones to shield against UV damage and other environmental aggressors.

Applying Sunscreen

Sunscreen should be applied about 15 minutes before heading outside to allow it to absorb into the skin. It should be reapplied every two hours, especially during extended periods of sun exposure or after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. For complete SPF coverage, sunscreen should be applied liberally and evenly.

Sunscreen should be the last step in your skincare routine, applied after cleansing, toning, treatments, and moisturizer. Lotions are best for even coverage on dry skin, while sprays are convenient for reapplication if rubbed in well.

Water-resistant sunscreens are crucial for Houston’s humidity and outdoor activity; they last 40 or 80 minutes in water before requiring reapplication. Always check the expiration date on your sunscreen products, as sunscreens can lose their potency over time, especially if exposed to heat or direct sunlight.

Our Sunscreen Selection

At our office, we offer a large selection of sunscreens and sun protection products that are proven to keep your skin healthy. These products include:

EltaMD

  • EltaMD UV Lotion SPF 30: This sunscreen is great for all skin types!
  • EltaMD Clear SPF 45: This sunscreen is lightweight and oil-free to protect sensitive and acne-prone skin. It contains hyaluronate to hydrate and lactic acid to clear pores and reduce shine.
  • EltaMD UV Aero Broad-spectrum SPF 45: This sunscreen is ideal for protecting any part of the body from the sun.
  • EltaMD Lip balm SPF 31: This lip sunscreen is effective, and stays on all day!

EltaMD offers both mineral based sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. Mineral-based sunscreens are often recommended for sensitive skin due to their physical blocking mechanism and fewer irritants. Many users report that mineral sunscreens do not cause breakouts and are suitable for acne-prone skin. EltaMD’s lightweight, non greasy, and light weight formulas are especially appreciated by users with oily skin, combination skin, and acne-prone skin, as they do not cause breakouts. However, some users report mixed experiences with sunscreens, while certain skincare products are gentle on sensitive skin, others may cause irritation.

SkinCeuticals

  • SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense: This water-resistant sunscreen is a must-have for every day. This is Dr. Erwin’s personal favorite!
  • SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50: This sunscreen is great for all skin types, and is water-resistant.
  • SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50: This sunscreen is great for oily or acne-prone skin.
  • SkinCeuticals Sport SPF 50: Great for all skin types, this sunscreen is water, sweat, and heat resistant.
  • SkinCeuticals Light Moisture: This sunscreen is great for daily use on the face and body.

In Houston, dermatologists recommend lightweight and non-greasy sunscreen formulas to prevent running into the eyes when sweating, making these matte options ideal for the local climate.

Colorescience

  • Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On SPF 50: As a brush-on sunscreen, it is great for avoiding greasy messes! Available in tinted and non-tinted.
  • Colorescience Even Up Pigment Perfector SPF 50: This product evens out skin tone while protecting your skin from UV rays.
  • Colorescience All Calm: This product naturalizes redness, and provides sun protection. It is great for sensitive skin.
  • Colorescience Total Eye 3 in 1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35: Is great for improving dark circles, wrinkles, and puffiness around the eyes. The tinted formula also brightens while protecting the skin.
  • Colorescience Lip Shine SPF 50: This water-resistant lip balm protects your delicate lips from UV rays.

The protection brush on shield and brush on shield SPF formats, including SPF 30 sunscreen brush, offer convenient, mess-free reapplication and shield SPF 50 for high-level protection. Sport stick SPF 50 is also available for water- and sweat-resistant, on-the-go use, especially during sports or outdoor activities.

Tinted sunscreens with iron oxides provide extra defense against visible light, which can worsen hyperpigmentation, and these products are formulated to blend seamlessly into all skin tones without leaving a white residue.

Other Sunscreen

  • ISDIN SPF 50: Is used to protect and repair the skin to prevent precancerous lesions.

Sunscreen Application and Removal

Applying sunscreen correctly is essential for achieving the full benefits of broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Mineral sunscreens use active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier on the skin, reflecting and scattering harmful rays before they can cause damage. For effective coverage, it is generally recommended to apply a nickel-sized amount of facial sunscreen to ensure you are getting the full SPF protection. The best sunscreen is lightweight, non-greasy, and provides effective protection without leaving a white cast, making it suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin. To maximize your skin protection and ensure effective coverage, follow these tips for application and removal:

Sunscreen FAQs

Do I need to wear sunscreen every day?

If youre going outside for almost any amount of time, it is always recommended to wear sunscreen. This is because there are harmful UV rays present nearly constantly, especially on sunny days when the sun is up. But even use it in the rain and on cloudy days. Protecting your skin at all times helps prevent premature aging and the risk of skin cancer.

Whats the best kind of sunscreen?

The best sunscreen is the one that works best for you and your skincare routine. We recommend broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen, but there are many effective and lightweight sunscreens out there for all skin types.

How does sunscreen work?

Sunscreen either reflects UV rays away from the skin or absorbs them, converting the harmful energy into heat. commercial sunscreens tend to be the absorbent type whereas mineral and tinted sunscreens tend to be the reflective type.

Can I wear makeup with sunscreen?

Yes! Some sunscreens, like Coloresciences line of sunscreen products and Skinceuticals physical fusion, are partially designed to blend in with your natural skin tone for a seamless look and all-day protection.

How often do I need to apply sunscreen?

If youre out in direct sunlight, you probably need to reapply your sunscreen at least once every two hours. If youre going in and out of sunlight, you should think about reapplying each time you re-expose yourself.

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Contact Us Today

If you are interested in learning more about the importance of daily sun protection or would like to learn more about our sunscreen products, contact our office today by calling 979-543-9933! We will be happy to assist you in any way that we can.