When it comes to your skin, the best way to care for it is by using the right skincare products to protect it from sustaining damage. And the best way to protect your skin? Using sunscreen?
At BeachGlo Aesthetics, all our providers will tell you that one important aspect of maintaining healthy skin is regular application of skincare—especially sunscreen. Sunscreen protects your skin from damaging UV rays, which are the #1 cause of premature signs of aging.
In this blog, we’ll talk about how sunscreen protects your skin and what factors to look at when searching for the best sunscreen in Nags Head.
What are UV rays?
UV stands for “ultraviolet,” a type of light that has shorter wavelengths than visible light. The sun produces 2 different types of UV rays that affect our skin: UVA and UVB rays. Both types of UV rays help our bodies produce vitamin D, which is an essential vitamin. However, too much UV can damage the skin, causing issues like wrinkles, sun spots, and unfortunately, even cancer.
How UV Rays Damage Skin
Our skin produces 2 essential proteins called collagen and elastin. They allow our skin and muscles to stay flexible, and when we have a cut or tear, they aid in the healing process. With too much exposure to UV rays, these proteins break down, damaging your skin on a cellular level. This results in concerns like wrinkles, sagging skin, sun spots (age spots), and hyperpigmentation.
Too much exposure to UV radiation can also cause major issues, like skin cancer. Because UV rays can damage the cells, they can also cause mutations in the cells that result in cancer.
Finding the Balance
So we’ve established you need some sunlight, but not too much…so how do you find the right balance? The answer is simple: sunscreen.
If you went outside without any sunscreen in Nags Head, you would get the vitamin D you need very quickly, but also risk damaging your skin. The sun impacts various skin types a bit differently, but no matter what types of skin you have, sunscreen will protect you from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Skin Type
In medical aesthetics, we use the Fitzpatrick scale to talk about skin tone, since this scale helps providers understand how certain types of skin will react to light treatments like the IPL Photofacial.
Those with a lighter skin type tend to burn more quickly than those with a darker skin type, but direct sunlight will cause damage to any and all skin. That is why sunscreen is vital towards maintaining healthy, undamaged skin.
But we know from experience that you can’t always control how long you spend in direct sunlight. That is why in 1935, the founder of L’Oreal, Eugene Schueller, invented the first-ever products that reflected the sun’s harmful UV rays away from the skin.
Types of Sunscreen
There are actually 2 different types of sunscreen—chemical-based and mineral-based sunscreen. There are also sunscreens that combine both chemicals and minerals. While both are safe and easy to use, they protect your skin differently.
Chemical-based sunscreens usually contain ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. These compounds absorb the UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released by your skin. Many people prefer this type of sunscreen for its transparent appearance and easy application, even though it does need time to absorb before taking effect. Some people do have reactions to chemical-based sunscreens, so we prefer the mineral-based ones.
Mineral-based sunscreens typically use zinc dioxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients cause the formula to be thicker and not transparent, and the minerals reflect the UV light from the sun rather than absorbing it. However, mineral-based sunscreens begin working immediately after application. Remember, mineral-based sunscreens do not always leave a white cast on your skin. Some certainly can, but most mineral-based sunscreens absorb into the skin without any white discoloration. Our brands are lightweight and easily blendable.
Sunscreen Tips
To properly apply sunscreen in Nags Head, you need to understand the rules for how, when, and why to use sunscreen to better protect your skin and prevent the premature signs of aging.
Apply Sunscreen First Thing
Making sunscreen a part of your morning skincare routine will help you get into the habit of wearing it regularly. We always recommend cleansing, moisturizing, and then protecting your skin in the morning with sunscreen. In the evening it’s also crucial to cleanse, moisturize and correct with serums or retinol.
Make Sure to Re-apply Regularly
Like other skincare or makeup products, sunscreen can wear off throughout the day, especially if you sweat a lot or spend time in the water. We recommend you reapply your sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours for regular daily activities and every 1 to 2 hours during heavy sweating or swimming.
Use Sunscreen Even On Cloudy Days
Just because the sun hides behind some clouds doesn’t mean that UV rays stop affecting your skin. When you use sunscreen in Nags Head, you need to wear it every day—even when it’s cloudy, rainy, or foggy. You should also wear your sunscreen even if you are going to be indoors for most of the day!
Use a Sunscreen With a Minimum SPF of 30
Research has shown that sunscreen with an SPF over 30 does not provide much additional protection for your skin. However, getting a sunscreen with an SPF lower than 30 allows a higher percentage of UV rays to impact your skin.
To make sure everyone stays safe from harmful UV rays, we recommend using nothing less than an SPF 50. However, if you speak with one of our providers or a dermatologist about what level of SPF would work specifically for your skin, you should always prioritize the personalized advice of a professional.
Your Sunscreen Options at BeachGlo
Our team understands what you need from your skincare—because we’ve experienced those same needs ourselves. We’ve handpicked our products, including our sunscreens, only after doing research and using them on our own skin. We personally understand the pros and cons of each product, and we know exactly how they can help you improve your skin.
Epicuren
Epicuren has a variety of sunscreen options to choose from, and they even have products that help to reverse past sun damage. We love this brand because they have spent over 30 years focusing on creating clean and effective skincare products.
Many of their products use eco-friendly and certified organic ingredients in their formulas, and their dedication to sustainability has led them to ship and package their products in recycled materials that are FSC-certified. Plus, they are also reef-safe!
When it comes to your options for sunscreen, Epicuren has different SPF levels available for different skin types, ensuring you can choose the right product for your needs. And their variety of sunscreen options also contain other ingredients to help with other concerns. Like their tinted sunscreen helps give you a smooth finish that makeup provides without needing to add other makeup products to your routine.
EltaMD
We also provide EltaMD skincare products. Their skincare can address specific skin concerns and be tailored to your individual needs. EltaMD products are available in various shades as well.
Their mineral-based sunscreen is ideal for both body and face protection, and this product allows you to decide if a sheer look is your preference or if you prefer a tinted sunscreen. EltaMD UV AOX Elements is available in both options, and it helps with moisture, evening skin tone, and is packed with antioxidants.
EltaMD UV Skin Recovery is for individuals with rosacea, those with a red tint to their skin, or those who have undergone certain laser treatments to help calm the skin. Because green neutralizes red, this green-tinted sunscreen helps balance the skin tone and is also great for sensitive skin. The UV Stick SPF 50 is ideal for kids’ outdoor activities and conveniently tucks away in your purse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding your skin is the first step you need to take to develop a complexion that you feel proud of. Here are some commonly asked questions we receive about using sunscreen in Nags Head, along with the answers you need to care for your skin.
Does sunscreen prevent tanning?
All sunscreens allow a certain amount of UV rays to reach your skin. So while wearing sunscreen does slow down the tanning process, it does not completely stop it.
Do sunscreens protect against UVA and UVB rays?
Most sunscreen in Nags Head protects against both UVA and UVB rays, but not all of them do. When looking for sunscreen, keep an eye out for the words “broad-spectrum protection.” Almost all of our sunscreen products are broad-spectrum.
This signifies that the formula protects against both types of UV rays. Otherwise, your sunscreen may protect only against UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn.
Do babies need to wear sunscreen?
Babies that are 6 months and older need to wear sunscreen. Any babies younger than 6 months should be covered up using blankets and clothes.
Can sunscreen expire?
Yes, sunscreen can expire. The FDA requires all producers to print an expiration date on their sunscreen, so you should be able to easily tell if your sunscreen has expired or not. If you try to use sunscreen that has expired, it will not be effective at protecting your skin.
How much sunscreen do I need to apply?
When protecting the exposed skin on your face and body, you should use about 2 tablespoons of sunscreen in Nags Head. For your face, you should only use a dollop about the size of a nickel. If you choose a spray-on sunscreen, you should spray in multiple coats until you have an even sheen on your skin. It’s also crucial to remember to reapply if you are in water, sweating, or are outside for longer than 2 hours.
Can sunscreen cause acne?
The base ingredients in sunscreen should not cause acne, but the thick consistency of certain sunscreens can clog your pores. It also causes acne more easily when it mixes with sweat and other debris on your skin.
We recommend using a cleanser in the morning and in the evening as part of your skincare routine to prevent sunscreen buildup and keep your pores clearer. We also recommend undergoing treatments like the Hydrafacial, which is a great way to keep your pores clean during the summer.
Love & Protect Your Skin
Now you know what to look for in your sunscreen—but what about the rest of your skincare routine? If you’re ready to begin showing your skin some TLC, then we encourage you to work with our team to learn about the best skincare products for you—including sunscreen in Nags Head.
You can either book an appointment with one of our skin experts at BeachGlo Aesthetics or use our virtual consultation tool to begin learning the best products and treatments for your skin.
