What Type of Sunscreen Should You Use

There are two forms of sun protection, physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen. The biggest difference between the two is that physical sunscreen blocks ultraviolet radiation from penetrating the skin while chemical sunscreen absorbs and deactivates ultraviolet radiation that has penetrated the skin.

Physical sunscreen, sometimes called mineral or natural sunscreen, is comprised of either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Physical sunscreens work by deflecting the sun’s rays - effectively blocking them from penetrating the skin. The major benefits of physical sunscreen are that it does not decompose through sun exposure and is effective upon application. Zinc Oxide covers the entire spectrum of UVA and UVB spectrum and it is suitable for the most sensitive of skin. The downside of physical sunscreens is that they can feel heavy or greasy on the skin and may leave a white cast- mineral makeup is an alternative, as long as it’s reapplied throughout the day. Physical sunscreen is not absorbed into the skin and due to its thick formula it can be rubbed off easily.

Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin to absorb or scatter the ultraviolet radiation that reaches your skin. Chemical sunscreens can offer more coverage, but they can take up to 20 minutes after application to become effective. The most common ingredients in chemical sunscreens are oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. Chemical sunscreens are typically color-less, odorless and more viscous compared to a physical sunscreen. Some of the chemical filters used in this type of sunscreen can cause free radicals that can age the skin and cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people.

Ultimately, the best sunscreen is one that you will use. Most sunscreens on the market offer a combination of both physical and chemical properties - so be sure to check the ingredients! Be sure to wear enough sunscreen to be effective and reapply often. A sunscreen with SPF 30 applied to every 2-3 hours provides enough coverage for the average person. A general rule of thumb when applying sunscreen is that 1 oz, or a shot glass, worth of product is needed to cover your body and a nickel to quarter size amount for your face and neck.

What is hyperpigmentation or Dark Spots?

Hyperpigmentation is a condition where small patches of skin become darker in tone than the rest of the body. Hyper pigmentation is caused by excess production of melanin - the natural pigment that gives our skin, hair and eyes pigmentation.

Melanin is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes and is stimulated by UV light. When skin is exposed to sunlight, melanin is able to disperse over 99.9% of the absorbed UV radiation causing the skin to tan and protecting the skin cells from damage. In some areas of the skin, the concentration of cells may vary - dense amounts of cells can create melanin “deposits,” causing dark spots. As we age, our cells become less diffuse and our skin becomes more susceptible to dark spots.

The biggest defense against hyper pigmentation is sunscreen. Because dark spots are generally caused by a reaction to the sun, sunscreen is going to help minimize that stimulation of melanocytes - preventing new spots and inhibiting existing dark spots from getting darker.