This blog expands on our summer safety newsletter. Make sure you subscribe to our email list to receive the latest in healthcare and wellness with GLIM!
Heading into summer, sunscreen is definitely an essential. On both bright sunny days and cloudy days, you can be exposed to harmful UV rays. The American Dermatology Association (ADA) recommends sunscreen labeled “Broad Spectrum” because it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. They also recommend a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30-50 which blocks ~97% of UVB rays – the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer. Although there can be SPF up to 100, there are only minimal increases in sun protection above SPF 30. In fact, high SPF sunscreens often provide worse protection against UVA rays and give people a false sense of protection.
One thing to pay attention to when selecting a sunscreen is your skin type. If you have acne or oily skin try “non-comedogenic” sunscreen that will not block pores. If you have dry skin, test out moisturizing and hydrating sunscreen with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides. Lastly, if you have sensitive skin, look for “physical” or “mineral” sunscreen that won’t burn or sting with ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. For more detailed information on what sunscreen to use or stay away from and details on specific brands, explore EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens here. Schedule a call with GLIM if you’d like to learn more about your personal skincare.
