3 Dermatologist Tips To Finding The Right Sunscreen | Southlake, TX

3-Dermatologist-Tips-To-Finding-The-Right-Sunscreen
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According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the best way to protect your skin is to apply sunscreen. With the ozone getting more and more depleted year after year, we need more and more protection, and that often comes in the form of sunscreen. You should apply sunscreen when you’re about to go out and even if you are staying at home. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can travel through your windows’ glass panes and come in contact with your skin.

Even if it looks gloomy outside, most dermatologists recommend that you slather on some sunscreen. The weather doesn’t dictate whether you are exposed to ultraviolet radiation or not. One of the biggest mistakes that most people make is that they only apply sunscreen when it’s hot outside, which means that they neglect a good portion of the year (depending on where they live).

Finding the right sunscreen, however, can be difficult. Many people tend to just pick up whatever they have lying around at home, which can be tricky because it might not be the most effective and might not be the best for your skin. Due to this reason, you should always speak with a dermatologist if you have the chance. Ask a dermatology expert in Southlake, TX what type of sunscreen you should use and whether they have any products or brands that they recommend. They’ll be able to recommend a higher quality product that works more effectively.

#1. Look at the SPF Rating

This should be a given and should be one of the first things that you do when you buy a new sunscreen. You really need to consider looking at the amount of SPF that the sunscreen has to offer. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that you use a minimum of SPF 30; however, your dermatologist might recommend that you use something a bit higher. That’s especially true if they’ve discovered that your skin is much more susceptible to the effects of UVA and UVB rays. For example, you might have more hyperpigmentation.

SP5 30 provides about 95% protection for your skin. SPF 25, on the other hand, is only able to offer about 93% protection. Although this is better than nothing, it’s not ideal. If you want to max out your SPF, our doctors highly recommend that you go with something that’s SPF 50 and higher, as that will be able to offer you at least 97% protection.

It’s important to note that there is no sunscreen that can block out 100% of the sun’s rays. That’s actually impossible. In addition, there have been some studies that showed that an SPF that’s higher than 50 doesn’t actually offer more protection.

#2. Consider Your Skin Type vs the Ingredients

Another thing that you should consider is your skin type. This is also one of the reasons why we recommend that you speak with a dermatologist. You’ll get a better idea of what your skin type might be and what you need to deal with it properly.

There are many sunscreens that are made to suit specific skin types: dry, oily, or sensitive. For example, sunscreen that’s designed for those with dry skin typically contains silicones and aloe or lanolin, and oils. These oils will help moisturize the skin instead of drying it out. You should notice a difference when you apply it.

On the other hand, those who have sensitive skin will want to look for hypoallergenic options. These sunscreens tend to be fragrance-free and will not contain any preservatives or alcohol.

Another thing to note is that you should avoid alcohol in the ingredient list if you are prone to acne or have rosacea. The alcohol will make your condition much worse. This is also why you should always have a dermatologist look over the ingredient list if you struggle with specific skin conditions or disorders. You don’t want to choose a product that will only make your situation worse.

#3. Find Sunscreen that Fit in With Your Routine

Last but not least, to ensure that you will use the sunscreen as much as possible, most dermatologists will recommend that you find a sunscreen that fits with your routine. This last tip is mostly for those who like to apply makeup. Don’t forego sunscreen with makeup that has some SPF in it. Instead, you should look for a sunscreen that will evenly blend in with your makeup when you use it as a base.

This can be difficult, so you might need to try out different brands. Some cosmetic brands have also created their own sunscreen, and if you already use their makeup, you might want to give their sunscreen a try as well since it will be more likely to flawlessly blend in with your makeup.

Contact Us for More Information

Protecting your skin from the sun doesn’t stop at just applying the right type of sunscreen. There is so much more than you can do to protect your skin from the free radicals and ultraviolet radiation that’s in the environment. For example, you can always get a HydraFacial in Southlake, TX with the right type of serum ingredients. Vitamin C, for example, can help fight off the effects of photoaging and will protect your skin from ultraviolet light and free radicals in the environment. If you’re not sure what serums you need, don’t worry. Our dermatologists can help and will personalize treatment for you.

There are so many different types of skincare treatments and products that it can be difficult to figure out what you need. Instead of attempting to figure out this information on your own, consider speaking with one of our dermatologists in Southlake, TX. They’ll be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. For more information, give us at Compassion Dermatology a call at 817-380-5911 or reach out to us through our online contact form. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.