3 Tips for Making Smart Sunscreen Choices
Summer is in full swing, which means lots of time outdoors. Jennifer Liechty, a family nurse practitioner and injector with SkinReMEDI by Natural Body, shares advice for selecting and using sunscreen to safely enjoy sunny days.
● Be environmentally conscious. Chemical-based sunscreen absorbs UV radiation, then converts the energy into heat and releases that heat from the skin. While this type of sunscreen absorbs well and is typically invisible on all skin colors, it contains chemicals that are toxic to coral plant life and it should be avoided if going into the ocean.
● Go natural. By contrast, sunscreens that contain active mineral ingredients (also referred to as physical sunscreens) such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide reflect and scatter UV radiation away from the skin. These are good for sensitive, postprocedure and acneic skin types and for heat-reactive skin conditions such as rosacea and melasma. Physical sunscreens can leave a white cast on darker skin tones. However, newer micronized and tinted versions, such as SkinReMEDI’s Zinc Oxide Mineral Tinted sunscreen, are much less likely to do so.
● Apply and reapply. Liberally apply a sunscreen with an SPF between 30 and 50 at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. Be sure to reapply every hour or so or directly after sweating or swimming, as moisture on the skin will render the SPF less effective.
Details: skinremedi.com