Sun Protection for YOUR Skin

With summer approaching, it is important to review some important facts about how to keep our skin healthy and safe throughout this season while enjoying the beautiful outdoors that God has blessed us with.

Since aging of the skin and skin cancer is directly related to exposure to ultraviolet light, we must all do everything we can to protect our skin from the harmful UVL rays.  Sunscreens are the most effective way to be outdoors and keep our risk of skin damage at a minimum.  I want to review the pros and cons of physical and chemical sunscreens to help you find the best sunscreen for your skin type.

  Physical Sunscreens:

These sunscreens contain minerals as the active ingredient. The most common are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.  They work by deflecting the ultraviolet rays from the surface of the skin.

Pros of Physical Sunscreens: 

• Broad spectrum coverage of UVA and UVB rays
• Effective immediately after applying
• Rarely causes any skin irritation
• Best for people with Rosacea or Red, Sensitive Skin since heat is not increased at the surface of the skin

Cons of Physical Sunscreens: 

• Thicker formula, making coverage application a little more difficult
• Sometimes will leave a noticeable white tint on the skin
• Sweats, rubs or wears off more quickly

  Chemical Sunscreens:

These are organic compounds that work by causing a chemical reaction at the surface of the skin changing the ultraviolet light into heat and absorbing the heat.
These are typically oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octinoxate.

Pros of Chemical Sunscreens: 

• Thin and easy to spread
• Does not wear off as quickly

Cons of Chemical Sunscreens: 

• Can increase redness or brown discoloration at the skin surface especially with Rosacea, Red or Sensitive Skin and Brown Spots
• Must be applied 20 minutes before going outside before fully effective
• More commonly causes burning and stinging

  Other Important Ways to Protect the Skin From Sun Exposure:

• UPF clothing
• Avoid the most intense, middle of the day, hours in the sun.
• Seek shade.
• Wear UV protectant sunglasses.
• Wear a hat.
• Include Heliocare in your daily routine.

Heliocare is a plant-based supplement with antioxidant properties that support your skin’s own ability to protect itself from the free radical damage that occurs from UVL exposure.  It is a capsule that you take once every morning. The capsule itself is vegan, gluten-free and has no artificial dyes.  Heliocare is beneficial for all but is especially helpful for anyone in the sun daily or who has a personal or family history of skin cancer.  It’s also great for children going to outdoor summer camps.

Please see us at The SkinCare Corner at WellSprings Dermatology or on our eCommerce site to get your Heliocare and sunscreens.