SUNSCREENS 101 With integrative nutrition + health coach, The Detox Market brand ambassador, and green beauty blogger Lilly Wallace of Genuine Glow
If I could go back in time and do only one thing differently for my skin, it would be diligence with sun protection. I was raised in a sun-worshiping culture, and knew very little about photodamage— this occurs with
The two most important things to look for in a sunscreen are
exposure to sunlight and manifests itself in advanced aging,
the broad-spectrum label and SPF (sun protection factor)
wrinkling, and uneven skin. Thankfully, it’s never too late to
rating. Broad-spectrum means the product has passed an
start a new healthy habit.
FDA-regulated test that proves the product is effective
The sun emits different types of ultraviolet rays, and UVA and
against both UVA and UVB rays. When a sunscreen is
UVB rays cause the most damage to the skin.
not labeled broad-spectrum, it may offer protection only
UVAs reach our skin all year long—regardless of the weather—because they can penetrate clouds. These rays damage the deepest layers of our skin (the dermis) and cause
against UVBs. The best, most effective broad-spectrum active ingredient in sunscreens is zinc oxide, followed by titanium dioxide.
photoaging. They destroy collagen and elastin, leading to
SPF measures the sunscreen’s ability to prevent sun damage
wrinkling and sagging.
from UVB rays. Here is the simplest way to explain the most
UVBs damage the most superficial layer of our skin. They
up-to-date SPF ratings:
cause the skin to darken and turn red (i.e., suntans and
• SPF 15 filters about 93% of UVB rays
sunburns). A quick way to remember the difference between
• SPF 30 filters 97%
the two types of rays is to remember A=aging and B=burning. Aside from limiting sun exposure by covering up with appropriate items, like a large-brimmed hat and protective clothing, the best way to prevent sun damage is to wear a sunscreen product. This is especially important between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. However, keep in mind that the type of sunscreen, the
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• SPF 50 filters 98% • Sunscreens with SPF above 50 do not offer significantly more protection than SPF 50 (about 98.5%) If it takes 10 minutes for your skin to burn in the sun, with an SPF 15 sunscreen it will take 15 times longer for your skin to burn (so 10 x 15 = 150 minutes) and with an SPF 30 sunscreen it will take 30 times longer, etc. That being said, no matter what the SPF rating is, you should reapply sunscreen throughout the day—as often as indicated on the
amount applied, and proper
product label, which is typically every two hours.
reapplication can make a
The Detox Market only carries mineral, non-nano, broad-
significant difference in its
spectrum sunscreens to keep your skin protected from the
effectiveness.
sun’s rays.
