Sunscreen Questions—

What you need to know about protecting your skin from the sun

BY ALEXIS PARCELLS, MD

How do sunscreens work?

Summer is officially here, bringing endless opportunities for outdoor fun. But with warm temperatures and abundant sunshine come peak exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, making sunscreen a must-have item in every home, tote and beach bag. But how much do you know about this essential skin protector? Here are answers to some of the most common sunscreen questions people ask me.

Mineral, or physical, sunscreen consists of active ingredients that form a physical barrier against the sun. This blocks dangerous UV rays from entering your skin, altering your DNA and creating permanent damage. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide were once thick and goopy, but more modern formulas are easier to apply and provide a smoother base for makeup. Chemical sunscreens use active ingredients that absorb the sun’s rays and release them as heat through the skin. Common chemical sunscreen compounds include octanoate, oxybenzone and avobenzone. These tend to be lighter and have more of a sheer effect, and are commonly used in spray sunscreens. An example is The Protector by SUNNIE, a medical-grade sunscreen that offers SPF 40 and is fragrance-free, non-greasy and not tested on animals.

Why is sunscreen—no matter what form—important?

Both chemical and mineral sunscreens work to protect the skin from sun damage and decrease your risk of skin cancer. A proper application will prevent burns. The key here is compliance. Find a formula that works for you and stick to it. Getting into the habit of applying sunscreen daily will keep your skin protected and hydrated.

How should spray sunscreen be applied? And how often?

Sunscreen needs to work correctly to protect your skin. Your skin’s tone and photosensitivity often determine how long a particular SPF, or sun protection factor, will be effective against UV rays that eventually cause skin damage.

As a general rule, SPF 35+ should be applied first thing in the morning. If you’ll be exposed to the sun for more than two hours, consider using a higher SPF and reapplying sunscreen frequently, especially after you get out of the pool or ocean.

When you buy your sunscreen, write the date of purchase on the bottle to avoid expiration. The FDA requires that manufacturers make their products stable for three years. If your sunscreen has been left out in the sun, smells off or appears chalky, throw it out.

Alexis

Is sunscreen safe to spray over makeup?

First off, SPF in makeup alone is not sufficient—think of it as a bonus to your SPF base layer. When you first wake up, cleanse your face, apply SPF moisturizer and then apply your makeup.

www.sunnieskin.com/@sunnieskin

Then, yes, spraying SPF over makeup as a final step can be effective as long as you are not frequently sweating it off.