Sunscreen Guide - What Spf Should You Wear?
With summer right around the corner, it's time to stock up on your summer essentials for some quality fun in the sun. The first thing we all need is an effective sunscreen. While wearing sunscreen is better than not wearing any, it is best to choose one with broad-spectrum UV protection + SPF rating most effective for your skin. Our friends at COOLA Suncare helped us understand that with some simple facts + sun science.
WHAT ARE UV RAYS?
Sunlight is made of two types of harmful rays:
Long Wave Ultraviolet A (UVA)
These penetrate deep into our Dermis + contribute to the signs of aging like wrinkles, pigmentation + sagging.
Short Wave Ultraviolet B (UVB)
These burn the superficial layers of our skin + are more carcinogenic - often responsible for sunburns.
via coolasuncare.com
WHAT IS SPF?
SPF is short for sun protection factor. Sunscreens are classified by an SPF number, which refers to their ability to deflect UVB rays. It is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to burn sunscreen-protected skin vs. unprotected skin.
To calculate your recommended SPF:
Burn Time x SPF = Exposure Time
That means if it would take 10 minutes to burn without sunscreen and you use SPF30, it would take 300 minutes to burn.
Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical and Mineral sunscreens are differentiated by their active sun protection ingredients. Chemical Sunscreens use chemical active ingredients, while Mineral Sunscreens use mineral active ingredients such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Loaded with natural, skin-loving ingredients + antioxidants, they provide broad-spectrum coverage + protect skin from sun-damage, fine lines, pigmentation, wrinkles + other skincare concerns. These types of sunscreens sit on the skin instead of being absorbed into it, providing protection without irritation.
