WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SUNSCREEN

1. WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SUNSCREEN No need to be afraid of the sun. Using the right sunscreen will keep your skin protected from the harsh UV rays. Broad Spectrum Protection A good sunblock will offer broad spectrum protection and contain an SPF of 30 or higher. A broad spectrum sunscreen protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Without asunscreen for faceand body, UVA rays can penetrate deep into the skin causing premature aging. UVB rays are responsible for painful sunburns. Both types of rays can contribute to skin cancer. Whether it’s a weekend at the beach or an afternoon at the pool, don’t forget to bring along sunscreen. As mentioned, broad spectrum is essential for nearly full coverage from the sun. To determine if your sunscreen is providing sufficient protection, look at the sun protection factor (SPF) on the label. The SPF tells you how long you can stay in the sun without getting sunburn. For example, if you normally start getting sunburned after 15 minutes in the sun, SPF 30 sunscreen would protect you for 30 times longer or 450 minutes. How long it takes your skin to burn out in the sun depends on your individual skin type but typically ranges between five and 30 minutes. Chemical vs. Physical When in search of the best sunscreen for face and body, look at the product’s ingredients. Sunscreen is broken down into two main categories: chemical and physical. Ingredients like avobenzone and oxybenzone can be found in chemical sunscreens. These ingredients are designed to absorb sunrays. Instead of absorbing rays, physical sunscreens physically block rays from penetrating the skin.

2. Sensitive Formulas People with sensitive or troublesome skin may require a sunscreen that won’t cause further irritation. To protect sensitive skin without contributing to acne or excess oiliness, try a medical grade oil free sunscreen like the Dr. Sylvia Skin Care Oil Free Sun Protection SPF 30. This sunscreen for oily skin is ultra-light and oil-free. It also contains powerful antioxidants and rich emollients to protect against premature aging and the damaging effects of UV rays. Waterproof/Sweatproof There’s no such thing as a sunscreen that’s “waterproof” or “sweatproof”. While most sunscreens will stay put for a while after swimming or exercising, these formulas are not fully resistant to moisture. As per FDA regulations, any sunscreen SPF can only claim water-resistance for a maximum of 80 minutes before the formula needs to be reapplied. To ensure that your skin stays protected no matter what activities you do, always reapply your sunscreen for face and body after prolonged physical activities. Not all sunscreens are made the same. Some offer better ingredients, more benefits, and an overall higher quality. This summer, be sure that your skin stays well protected with a trusted oil free sunscreen like the Dr. Sylvia Skin Care Oil Free Sun Protection SPF 30. This medical grade sunscreen for oily skin can be conveniently purchased online at www.drsylviaskincare.com. Dr. Sylvia Ramirez is a Harvard-trained U.S. Board-Certified doctor and skin specialist with more than 25 years of experience in aesthetic medicine.