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Three Letters You Should Be Using Everyday: SPF. And Here’s Why

Three Letters You Should Be Using Everyday: SPF. And Here’s Why

More recently, I’m sure you’ve been hearing more and more about the significance of SPF and why you really must be wearing it every day.

Most of us are pretty good about making sure we apply it when it’s a hot summer day, or we feel the warmth of the sun beaming down on our skin. Unfortunately, we should be using it WAY more than we feel it’s needed. 

Even when the seasons change, and the weather becomes cooler, and more clouds seem to consume the sky every day; the sun still emanates very powerful Ultraviolet Rays down upon the earth. 

There are two different types of rays of sunlight that are dangerous to our skin.

UVB Rays affect the epidermis, or the outer most layer of your skin, and give you that red, sunburn, warm to the touch feeling. They directly damage the DNA in our skin, ultimately increasing the risk for skin cancer and leading to dark spots and skin pigmentation over time.

UVA Rays are the sneaky ones. They indirectly damage our DNA through a chemical reaction and penetrate deep into the dermal layer of our skin. This results in the loss of elasticity in the skin and creating premature aging and wrinkling.

It is very valuable to educate yourself on the early signs of skin cancer development. If you or someone you love comes across a questionable mark, it is always best to consult your physician or dermatologist for an examination.

When you are searching for an SPF, looking for a label that says ‘Broad-Spectrum’ protections means that it will protect you from BOTH UV rays. Yes, there is some sunscreens out there that will only protect you from UVB, which means silent aging is occurring.

Moles - Fort Wayne Dermatology

Ok wear SPF…. got it. But what’s the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens? 

 


 

Chemical sunscreens include main ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. These are absorbed by your skin and protect by turning the rays into heat, which the skin releases.

 

Mineral sunscreens contain top ingredients such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide. These sit on top of your skin and essentially create a barrier where the UV Rays bounce off it. SPF products that use minerals to protect you also are reef safe and will not cause any potential harm to coral reefs.

 

Both chemical and mineral SPF is effective at shielding your skin from the sun's UV rays. One may work better for you depending on your personal preference, or you may just like both!

With that said, everyone should be wearing at least 30 SPF on their face and any exposed parts of their body every, single, day.

 

Yes, even when it’s cloudy or overcast! In addition, SPF should be reapplied every 90 minutes and potentially even sooner if you are sweating or in water.

Luckily, in these times, the SPF range of products has expanded tremendously! There are formulations specifically to be applied to your face, lips, and scalp! I have very acne-prone sensitive skin; finding an SPF that can simultaneously protect and complement my skin type was a huge win.

 

Shop Live Love Spa carries a variety of SPF products which allows you to discover which fits you and your priorities best!

 

LOVE SHOP LIVE LOVE SPA xx

Written By: Briana Ferrari

SHOP LIVE LOVE SPA provides a carefully curated selection of skin care, body care, spa gifts and wellness products directly from prestige spa brands. Discover more products here!

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