Sunscreen. What you ACTUALLY need to know!

Ladies, the summer is upon us and you know what that means - it’s time to lay back, relax, and get that tan you’ve been dying to acquire since those dreaded winter months. What better way to spend the long summer days than chilling pool side and getting a tan at the same time?!

Despite the sun’s beautiful rays, we sometimes forget how harsh they can be and the counter effects they have on skin. Sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer are all side effects of letting UV rays touch your skin are just SOME of the things associated with too much exposure. While we do want a nice and glowing tan, it is important to ensure complete safety from these potential negative outcomes. What most people do not realize is how important the usage of sunscreen is. Their mentality is “how can slathering some lotion on my face prevent me from these serious skin concerns?”

Well, the science behind sunscreen is actually quite fascinating. You see, sunscreen contains certain inorganic compounds that allow our natural barrier, or our skin, to physically block the sun’s UV rays, reflecting the light off our skin. Some of these compounds also absorb the light rays as well, so that our skin doesn’t have to do all the job for us. The name of the main ingredient found in sunscreens is called Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide, which dissipates heat and while absorbing UV radiation.

Now, let’s look at how important the number you see on each sunscreen bottle is and what exactly it means… Recent research has proven that rather than focusing on the number displayed on the bottle, users should ensure that the sunscreen they are using has zinc or titanium in it. Basically, let’s say a bottle says SPF (Sunburn Protection Factor) 30 on it, it means that you could potentially stay out 30 more hours in the sun and have the same effect on your skin as if you didn’t apply the sunscreen and were out for one hour.

Many scientists vouch that the number needs to be less stressed than the actual product itself, so keep that in mind when purchasing a sunscreen! Additionally, research also proves that constantly reapplying sunscreen does not boost the protective effects that it gives you after a one-time usage. As a matter of fact, slathering on more than a single layer does nothing except make you look like you just got smothered in cake on your birthday. What we should be doing is being mindful of toweling off the previously applied sunscreen especially being mindful right after water activities.

Our Recommendation?
One that is very popular on the market, and a personal favorite of ours at Knoxville Eyebrow Microblading, is the YourGoodSkin Anti-Oxidant Day Cream SPF 30. It never fails to protect me appropriately from the sun, and I never get burnt! Also, with this affordable of a price, you really cannot go wrong. You can pick this product up at any CVS, Walmart, Target, or any cosmetic selling store. Don’t forget to lather up this summer! Pass on the new information you learned about important sunscreen facts to your friends!