If you are like most people and care about the health of your skin, you know that the number one factor that can damage your skin is environmental exposure. Sunburns from years ago suddenly show up as hyperpigmentation, and, or growths of Actinic keratoses (solar keratoses) that are precancerous growths caused by long-term sun exposure. Maintaining youthful skin takes discipline and SFP. Although there are so many more factors involved to maintain youthful skin…I would like to keep this blog simple and start with the number one solution and begin with sunscreen.
Your sunscreen is not your moisturizer, but a barrier on top of your moisturizer. Why am I stating that?! Healthy skin needs our lipid bilayer called phospholipids. This is a healthy mixture of water and oil that the skin naturally bathes in. It is a part of the healthy ecosystem of your skin that creates a barrier that protects your skin. Your moisturizer plays an important part in keeping the integrity of your skin healthy by sealing in the phospholipids. Your sunscreen is a shield that protects your skin from sun exposure.
With my years of experience as a skincare therapist, in my opinion, it is best to separate your moisturizer out from your sunscreen. Why? Because they have two different functions. Oily skin can get away with just sunscreen, but if you have dry or sensitive skin, it is best to use both a moisturizer and sunscreen to better protect the integrity of your skin.
There are two types of sunscreens, one is a chemical base and the other is a mineral base. Sunscreens are also divided into two major classes. They’re either classified as chemical or physical, based on how they work. Chemical sunscreens act almost like a sponge, absorbing UV light, while physical sunscreens act more like a shield. Common ingredients in chemical — or conventional — sunscreens include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. Because of their makeup, chemical sunscreens tend to have an ease of application and minimizing that icky white residue.
Physical (also called mineral) sunscreens, on the other hand, contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Part of the reason mineral sunscreens have become so mainstream is that they tend to have fewer chemicals that many people worry about their bodies absorbing the ingredients in chemical sunscreens. A mineral sunscreen will sit atop your skin and deflect the sun’s rays and are easily washed off with sweat or water. If your skin tends to be sensitive and easily gets irritated, we recommend leaning towards a mineral sunscreen. All other skin types can choose between either a mineral or chemical sunscreen, the choice is yours.
At Face Fitness Skin Care, we are happy to help in your search for the perfect sunscreen. Remember some sunscreen is better than none. Sunscreen reduces your overall UV exposure and lowers your risk of skin cancer and sun damage, by far the perfect anti-aging remedy.
To consult with one of the estheticians at Face Fitness Professional Skin Care, please give us a call at (716) 631-0964 or Click Here to book your consultation.