Summer Essential: Reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours
If there’s one thing we’ve heard about skin health, it’s that sunscreen is an absolute MUST whether we’re outside or not. But this age old adage doesn’t quite drive the message hard enough. In fact, it’s important to stress that reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours is of the utmost necessity. Yes, you heard that right, every 2 hours. It’s a recommendation that should quite frankly be instituted as an official requirement.
Why Do We Need Sunscreen?
First thing’s first: what exactly do we need protection from? The sun produces Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. With prolonged exposure, this can cause skin cancer, sunburn, and premature aging. UVA and UVB are the 2 main UV rays that we need to protect our skin from, where UVA has been attributed to sunburn and skin aging, while UVB is associated with sunburn. Both can contribute to developing skin cancer as UV radiation is a proven human carcinogen. UVA rays can penetrate glass and clouds, so it’s important to note that these conditions don’t bar anyone from their harmful effects. Make sure to apply sunscreen no matter your activity for the day.
The active ingredients in sunscreen is what protects our skin by either absorbing or reflecting the sun’s UV rays. There are 2 types of sunscreen that comprise all the brands you see on the shelf, namely chemical and mineral sunscreens.
Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen
What sets chemical and mineral sunscreens apart and how do we choose between the two?
Basically, mineral sunscreens work to protect our skin by acting like a physical barrier that deflects the sun’s rays. Think of it as a shield for your skin, it simply sits on the skin’s surface - blocking the UV rays instead of allowing it to penetrate the skin. Currently, only Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are the only FDA approved mineral sunscreen ingredients.
Although Mineral sunscreens tend to be thicker, there are more options now that avoid the white-cast that these sunscreens were previously known for. Many tinted mineral sunscreens are on the market that can blend with skin tones seamlessly.
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, use chemical filters such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene or avobenzone. Instead of reflecting the suns harmful UV rays; they absorb it, convert it into heat, then release the heat back out. This time, think of it as a sponge vs a shield.
A few things to consider with Chemical vs Mineral sunscreens:
The consistency of each sunblock. Mineral sunscreens tends to be thicker; Chemical options are usually lightweight and sheer
Your skin type. Mineral sunscreens may be better for those with more sensitive skin or are more acne prone as it is not absorbed by the skin
Your activity for the day. Chemical sunscreens tend to have better water resistance compared to their mineral counterparts, but the latter offers immediate protection upon application instead of having to wait 20 to 30 minutes with chemical sunscreens
Why You Should Be Reapplying Every 2 Hours
There is no sunscreen that will give you a full day of protection. Just think of what you’re doing daily, from sweating, touching or wiping our faces, taking calls on our phones that touch our faces and can wipe off sunscreen- it’s important to be diligent about keeping every inch of our face protected at all times. If we haven’t stressed it enough, here’s another fact: UV radiation is the primary cause of skin cancer.
Because no sunscreen will offer long-term protection, it becomes less effective 2 hours after application. Especially in the summertime; the intense UV ray exposure will gradually wear off your sunscreen’s protective capabilities. Once this starts to happen, reapplying sunscreen will prevent UV radiation from harming your unprotected skin. Reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours; no matter the SPF. We really want to drive this point home because we believe in its importance so profoundly.
Applying sunscreen once is useless if you don’t reapply every 2 hours
While we don’t mean to scare you about the harmful effects of UV radiation; it’s our job to properly inform you of the best ways to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Your treatments at your favorite med spa will go to waste if you don’t follow the proper protocols for protecting your skin. Say it with us- applying sunscreen once is useless if you don’t reapply every 2 hours.
Sources:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sunscreen-and-your-morning-routine
Explore Treatments at Lumina Med Spa
