What’s the number one thing dermatologist wish you would do for your skin? Wear sunscreen every day! Not only does wearing sunscreen every day protect from harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause skin cancer. But it also has tons of other long term anti-aging benefits for your skin!
Ultraviolet rays come in two forms: UVA and UVB. UVA rays can cause all kinds of aging: fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots. Sunscreen is one of the few clinically proven ingredients for anti-aging. I’ve spent so much money of skincare products that make all kinds of promises to prevent aging, but to no avail. The fact of the matter is the number one thing you can do to prevent aging is wear sunscreen EVERY SINGLE DAY!
UVB rays are what cause sunburn. Both UVB and UVA rays are carcinogens (cancer causing), so it is important to get a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVB and UVA rays.
Okay so I need to wear sunscreen every day and I need a broad spectrum sunscreen, but what’s the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens? I personally prefer mineral sunscreens. The main difference between the two are that chemical sunscreens absorb ultraviolet rays, where as a mineral sunscreen blocks the rays out. I find mineral sunscreens tend to be less irritating to my sensitive skin!
So now that your convinced you need SPF everyday, here are some of my favorites:
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen
This is what I use on my face every single day. Even if you’re not going outside, UVA rays can come in through glass and the blue light coming off your laptop and other devices can be damaging to the skin. This specific sunscreen is great if you have sensitive or acne prone skin like me! You can purchase from the Dermstore or on Amazon (its the same price.) If you are new to the Dermstore, I believe they do still offer a coupon code if you sign up for their newsletter. Anytime you’re purchasing skincare products on Amazon always make sure you are buying from the official brand store or an authorized seller to avoid getting knock off products! I’ve linked to the official EltaMD Amazon store here.
SUPERGOOP! Defense Refresh (Re)setting Mist SPF 40
Now if you wear makeup it can be a pain to reapply your sunscreen every two hours (as you should!) I love this resetting spray by SuperGoop with SPF for days when I am wearing makeup. I keep the mini bottle in my purse and every couple hours give a few very generous sprays all over my face, neck, and ears!
CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
This is my favorite body sunscreen and a permanent fixture in my beach bag. I honestly hate spray on sunscreens. Yes in the moment they are fast and easy but I always end up missing a random spot on the back of my leg or one tiny sliver of my stomach and end up with a weird sunburn! Using a lotion forces me to really focus on application. This sunscreen is also super moisturizing so you won’t feel dried out after a long day in the sun. Purchase from the official CeraVe store on Amazon, or you can also pick this up at most Targets, CVS, or local drug stores.
Beauty Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
This is another one of my favorite body sunscreens! I prefer SPF 50 when I’m going to be sitting out at the beach, but this sunscreen is great for every day use! Beautycounter is female owned and strives to make more sustainable, safer products that are free of harmful chemicals!
In conclusion, wearing sunscreen every day is the best thing you can do for your skin! Not just to protect it from cancer causing ultraviolet rays. But also for all the incredible anti-aging benefits. Think about it, if your skin is constantly working to repair skin damaging its never going to have time to rest and reset. I hope this post encouraged each and every one of you wear more sunscreen. And make an appointment to see a dermatologist if you can. Skin cancer can be deadly if not caught early. So, while you’re going to the beach this summer, or taking one of these road trips around New England, be sure to apply your sunscreen every morning.