AARP Smart Guide to Sun Protection
SPF plays a big part, but there are other tools to consider in the protection against damaging rays
Years of soaking up the sun can lead to unfortunate results: brown spots, wrinkles, broken capillaries, uneven skin texture and freckles — and even skin cancer. And although wearing sunscreen daily plays a big role in protecting your skin, there are other ways to keep your skin healthy and still enjoy the sun.
To help guide you, here’s our AARP Smart Guide to Sun Protection, including a primer on SPF, how to find products that will work best for your skin tone and type, and what to ask your dermatologist about at your next annual skin exam.
Look for ‘reef-safe’ ingredients
You’ve probably seen “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly” labels on sunscreens. Although the phrases aren’t regulated, this typically means the sunscreen doesn’t contain oxybenzone or octinoxate — both of which protect against the harmful effects of UV rays but have been found to cause damage to coral reefs, one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. When you swim or shower, this chemical can enter our waterways. Some beaches — such as those in Hawaii, Palau and the U.S. Virgin Islands — have even moved to ban oxybenzone-containing sunscreens.
Plan for sun exposure
Chemical sunscreens are lighter but take time to absorb into your skin before they offer protection. Mineral-based sunscreens offer immediate protection — no waiting needed. In the past, mineral sunscreens could leave a white cast or residue on your skin, but more recent iterations are easier to blend in. “If you’re wearing a physical sunscreen that contains actives like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, you are protected as soon as you’ve completed your application,” says Melissa Urban, a licensed aesthetician at the SkinForYou spa in Colorado. “If you’re wearing a chemical sunscreen that contains oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone or homosalate, you should wait [at least] 15 minutes before sun exposure.” Because chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun’s energy, this extra time is necessary to ensure your skin absorbs the formula before it’s exposed to the sun. No matter which one you choose, it’s always best to apply to dry skin before you get to your destination. You can use a mirror and/or get a friend to help with those hard-to-reach spots.
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