Mina's Studio Blog

Understanding the new sunscreen rules and finding the right sunscreen

Posted Sunday, August 21, 2011

So I'm sure many of you have at least heard about the new sunscreen rules introduced in June by the FDA and start taking effect next year. Although we are coming towards the end of summer you still need be remember to be very careful, learn how the new rules affect you and educate yourself on how to prevent sunburns, deadly skin cancers and premature aging skins.

The first thing to know is the difference between UVA and UVB. Short solar rays call UVB cause the burning and skin cancer and skin cancer and the long  rays are UVA that cause skin cancer and wrinkling. The SPF ratings only refer to the protection against UVB while UVA represents more than 95 percent of solar radiation reaching the earth and can be very dangerous especially considering many of the older sunscreens didn't protect against it.

Below are some highlights of the new rules and other clarification of sunscreens:

• any sunscreen that call itself "broad spectrum" must protect against UVB and UVA.
• there is no longer a waterpoof label, closest thing now is water resistant.
• you only need SPF 30 to 50, anything above that isn't proven to be better

So with all that said you really need to be using sunscreen every day that are labeled broad spectrum and have an SPF rating of 30 to 50. Remember to apply it before you are out in the sun and reapply it every 2 hours or after water exposure. Also look for products with micronized titanium or zinc oxide that are some of the most effective blockers and don't leave white residue.

One of the products we highly recommend is SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50. It has the recommended higher SPF and offers broad-spectrum, zinc-oxide and titanium dioxide as well as being enhanced by artemia salina, a plankton extract, to increase the skin’s defenses and resistance to UV and heat stress.

And another option is Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 similar to the Sheer Physical but has a filmless tint adaptable to all skin tones and boosts radiance.

Remember when applying sunscreens to use that as the last step of your skin care regimen waiting for it to absorb into the skin and then apply makeup and any other cosmetic product.

If you have any questions please stop by and talk to a Mina's Studio esthetician or come in for a facial and consultation so you can establish a skin care program especially designed for your skin and lifestyle. And remember, stay safe this summer and fall!

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Tags

• SkinCeuticals
• FDA
• new sunscreen rules
• UVA and UVB
• broad spectrum
• water resistant sunscreen
• zinc oxide
• SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical
• Skinceuticals Physical Fusion
• how to apply sunscreen