Protect Your Skin Year-Round: Why Sunscreen is Essential
When it comes to protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun, sunscreen is our first line of defense. It’s a product we hear about constantly, but have you ever wondered why it matters so much? Or how it actually works to shield our skin from damage? Let’s break it down.
The Dangers of UV Radiation: UVA and UVB
To understand why sunscreen is so crucial, it's important to first understand the two primary types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can damage our skin: UVA and UVB.
UVA: The Silent Skin Agers
UVA rays account for about 95% of the UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface. These rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are primarily responsible for causing long-term damage. They can: Lead to premature aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging, as they break down collagen and elastin and increase the risk of skin cancer, as they can damage the DNA in skin cells over time, contributing to mutations that may lead to skin cancer.
The scary part? UVA rays are consistent throughout the day, no matter the weather or season, and they can even penetrate through glass. This is why sunscreen isn’t just a summer essential—it’s a year-round necessity.
UVB: The Burners
UVB rays, while fewer in number, pack a punch when it comes to immediate skin damage. These rays are responsible for sunburn and can cause more visible skin damage, including: Sunburn, which can damage the outermost layer of your skin and leave you with painful redness and peeling and skin cancer risk, as UVB rays also directly damage the DNA in your skin cells.
UVB rays are strongest in the summer and between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so they’re often the main focus when applying sunscreen before heading outside. However, UVB rays do not penetrate glass, so you can be protected from them indoors.
How Sunscreen Protects You
Sunscreen works by either absorbing or reflecting UV rays to prevent them from penetrating the skin. There are two types of active ingredients in sunscreen:
Chemical (or Organic) Sunscreens. These contain ingredients like avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone. They absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, which is then released from the skin.
Physical (or Mineral) Sunscreens. These contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They create a barrier on the skin that reflects UV rays away from the surface, providing a physical shield.
Most sunscreens are broad-spectrum, meaning they protect against both UVA and UVB rays, offering a more comprehensive defense against sun damage. When choosing a sunscreen, it’s important to look for one that offers broad-spectrum protection with a high SPF to shield against both types of UV radiation.
The New Threat: Blue Light
In addition to UV radiation, there's a new threat in the world of skincare: blue light. Blue light, also known as high-energy visible (HEV) light, is emitted by the sun, as well as digital screens, such as smartphones, tablets, tv’s and computers.
While blue light isn’t as potent as UVA or UVB rays in terms of causing skin damage, research suggests it can still lead to:
- Hyperpigmentation. Blue light may exacerbate dark spots, especially in people with darker skin tones, by stimulating melanin production.
- Premature aging. Similar to UVA rays, blue light can penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin.
- Skin inflammation. Some studies suggest that blue light exposure could promote skin irritation and inflammation, leading to more pronounced signs of aging.
To protect against blue light, many modern sunscreens are now formulated with antioxidants and other ingredients that absorb or block blue light. Look for sunscreens that list "blue light protection" or "HEV protection" on their labels for added defense.
How Sunscreen Blocks UVA, UVB, and Blue Light
So how exactly do sunscreens block all of these harmful rays? Sunscreens often contain various active ingredients designed to target different types of light:
UVA Protection: Ingredients like avobenzone and zinc oxide are effective at absorbing or reflecting UVA radiation, preventing deep skin penetration.
UVB Protection: Ingredients such as octinoxate and titanium dioxide absorb UVB radiation and keep it from causing sunburns or DNA damage.
Blue Light Protection: Some sunscreens incorporate ingredients like iron oxide or certain antioxidants (e.g., vitamin C) that can absorb or neutralize blue light, helping to prevent potential skin damage from digital screens and outdoor exposure.
Many sunscreens now offer multi-layer protection, combining these ingredients to give you comprehensive defense against the full spectrum of sun damage, including UV and blue light.
Here at Elevate + Co we are a proud carrier of Elta MD and Skin Better Science. Elta MD and Skin Better Science are known for their broad-spectrum protection, skin-friendly formulations, and dermatologist recommendations, EltaMD and Skin Better Science have become a favorite for many skincare enthusiasts and many of our patients here at Elevate + Co. Here’s why these sunscreens are considered some of the best on the market:h
They are designed to provide broad-spectrum protection, meaning they shield the skin from both UVA and UVB rays as well as blue light
Both sunscreens are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores or lead to acne breakouts.
They are formulated for sensitive skin, and they are often fragrance-free, paraben-free, and dye-free. This makes them a great option for individuals with skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, or general skin sensitivity.
They’re known for their lightweight feel. They’re often praised for being non-greasy and easy to apply, making them ideal for daily wear.
Some of these sunscreens go beyond sun protection and offer additional skincare benefits. For example, the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 contains niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that helps soothe and calm the skin. Niacinamide is known to improve skin tone, reduce redness, and support the skin's barrier function, making this sunscreen especially beneficial for those with redness or pigmentation issues, such as those with acne scars or rosacea. Additionally, many of EltaMD’s sunscreens contain hyaluronic acid, which is excellent for hydration, making these sunscreens ideal for dry or dehydrated skin.
Elta MD offers several water-resistant sunscreens, which makes them great for outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, or sports.
The Bottom Line: Sunscreen is Essential for Healthy Skin
Whether you're lounging at the beach, working outdoors, or simply scrolling on your phone indoors, sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UVA, UVB, and blue light. By applying it regularly, you can prevent premature aging, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and maintain a healthy, glowing complexion.
Remember, sunscreen should be part of your daily skincare routine—apply it generously, and don’t forget to reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating. With the right protection, you can enjoy the sun safely while keeping your skin healthy for years to come.
