Stop Making This Daily Mistake! Your Questions Answered & Myths Busted

Norma Your Skin Specialist
Jun 29, 2015
5 min read

Hello my dears!

I hope this latest newsletter finds you comfortably enjoying the summer in good weather looking absolutely fabulous! As it's my job to help you stay stunning I've been busy researching ways to keep you that way. And in the summer heat that means minimizing sun damage and acne flare ups as much as possible. And not coincidentally the simplest ways to do all this is wearing your sunscreen daily, and regular facials.

"Is your sunscreen really working! Find out tonight at eleven!"

I'm sure you saw the frenzied teaser headlines, with news reports all over the evening news, about a few weeks back. All the news reports citing a recent survey by The Environmental Working Group (EWG). Despite the fact that the all natural and organic sunscreen I carry in my practice came out a top choice, these inflammatory news reports seem to have caused some confusion, and worse solidified some really bad myths for some. I hope to do a breakdown of their study soon. In the meantime I've gotten a lot of questions about sunscreens and have been busting these myths left and right. I feel the need to set the record straight with some actual facts so I'm going to start with this newsletter. Which is why I've compiled a short simple list of the biggest mistakes many make when it comes to sun protection. I hoping this info will keep you safe and gorgeous long past the summer.

In the meantime enjoy the warmth, do keep in touch.

Happy July 4th, and I hope to see you soon.

Best Regards,

Norma Your Skin Specialist LE

The 7 Most Common Sunscreen Mistakes

One of the healthiest things you do can for your skin is to wear sunscreen everyday. A sunscreen with good broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection can prevent or minimize development of wrinkles, enlarged pores, excess oiliness, dark spots, sun burns, and greatly reduces your risk of skin cancer. But most people are still making common mistakes about sunscreen use.

Here are the most common mistakes we may make about sunscreen:

Mistake #1: All sunscreens are pretty much the same thing

No, some sunscreens are actually better than others for plenty of reasons. Yes, they all regulated by the FDA, but effectiveness is contingent on proper use and formula. And if formula bothers or irritates you then you probably won't use it regularly, much less properly.

Sunscreens are generally put into two broad categories: Physical or chemical.

Physical sunscreens are considered to be superior by some dermatologists in a few ways. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which absorb the sun's rays and can create free radicals, physical sunscreen protects your skin by deflecting that radiation. Classic physical blocker sunscreens include ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and are a better choice for people with sensitive skin, as they tend to be less irritating than their chemical sunscreen counterparts. Some product are a blend of the two options. While the name 'chemical' implies artificially created substances, some of these chemical are now sometimes derived from natural sources such as plants. With so many options available it's important to be careful and select the right product for yourself and loved ones.

Mistake #2: SPF still works if you use a little bit

To get the highest protection your sunscreen advertises, and achieve that SPF number on the label, you need to apply a good even layer. Most people apply too little sunscreen, leaving skin unprotected, and achieving a sun-protection-factor far below the number written on the bottle. SPF should be applied at approximately 2 milligrams of lotion per square centimeter of skin, or about one ounce for your entire body. That's roughly the amount in a shot glass. Be generous with your sunscreen and slather it on, otherwise you've got nothing but false sense of security.

Mistake #3: Deeper Skin tones are fine without daily sunscreen.

This is a myth that simply won't die. Yes, the more melanin your skin produces the more natural protection you have from the sun's deadlier side effects, but that's doesn't mean complete protection from the sun or it harmful effects. Our natural defenses to the sun evolved a long time before the Earth's ozone was compromised. Today's sunshine is a lot stronger then what our ancestors felt on their faces. People with deeper skintones do get skin cancer whether you hear about it or not. We are also prone excess oiliness, dark spots, moles, enlarged pores, sagging skin, and yes even wrinkles.

There may be a legimate concern for getting enough Vitamin D from the sun for some people with a naturally deeper hue. Melanin can interfere with the skin's synthesis of the necessary nutrient. However, I have seen no research that says you must get this needed sun only on you face, neck, chest, or hands. Protect these areas and get the exposure to everywhere else if you must.

Mistake #4: SPF lasts, so I'll just slap it on and run

This is a very common misconception-and a rather dangerous one. The correct way to approach sunscreen is to: Apply early before sun leaving the house, re-apply when appropriate, and re-apply often. Many sunscreens require 15 to 30 minutes before they are fully absorbed into the skin. Apply your sunscreen early in your day so that by the time you're ready to, your sun protection is already at work! And you must reapply sunscreen often to keep the benefits going. At most, sunscreen remains effective for two hours, but if you're sweating, swimming, or rubbing, you'll need to reapply even sooner.

Mistake #5: As long as the bottle stayed closed it's still good

Sunscreens have a shelf-life and expiration date like any other product. Many people only reach for that old bottle, from the last vacation in the closet or car trunk, without realizing that using long expired sunscreen is a common reason for sunburn. Most sunscreens have a shelf-life between two and three years, however due to their unstable nature, bottles open for longer than one year should be thrown out. Additionally, if the expiration date has been reached, or if the sunscreen was left outside room temperature or has separated, it's less likely to adequately protect you.

Mistake #6: I can mix SPF with anything

Sunscreens are generally delicate, sensitive, and unstable emulsions. Mixing your sunscreen with other skincare products dilute the active ingredients and reduce the SPF below the stated labeling. And no mixing or layering SPF20 and a SPF15 does not equal SPF35, in fact it could end up just SPF15. Whether you should apply the product before or after anything else depends on each individual formula. Some formulas need to sink into your skin to work some don't. It's best for most people to simply follow label's instructions and avoid mixing it with another product unless instructed by your doctor or esthetician otherwise. Makeup can always be applied afterwards.

Mistake #7: I put on something with SPF, so I'm covered!

This is the greatest mistake made in the list. Sunscreen is most effective when used as an independent product, a separate part of your sun-safety, along with other protective habits . Many people wrongly assume sunscreen affords them the ability to lay out in the sun endlessly. Sunscreen is not impenetrable, and like any shield it will eventually wear down. Seeking shade and avoiding sun during peak hours may be best, but not a realistic option. Most people won't wear photoprotective clothing either. No sunscreen is an opportunity to tan or sunbathe. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A BASE OR SAFE TAN. A tan is a sign of sun damage to your skin. If you're still getting tanned while wearing sunscreen you're simply not as protected you think.