SPF Overview
SPF is essential to protect our skin from the harmful rays of the sun and is also important to provide protection from other skin aggressors, including digital blue light and environmental stressors. Sunscreen is your best defense against all of these and finding the right one for you is vital to your skin’s health. Sun damage is responsible for 90% of the visible signs of aging. Premature aging and cosmetic issues are not only concerns for the face, but for the lips and body as well. We spoke with Candyce Scott, Spa Manager of Therapists and Education to get answers to frequent questions, and her recommendations for the best suncare products and practices.
What is “blue light”?
Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum – what our human eyes can see. While sunlight is the most powerful source of blue light, we are also exposed to it through artificial sources that include our computer screens, TVs, cell phones, and tablet screens.
Which sunscreen is best for my skin and how do I maximize protection?
In general, most SPF is good for all skin types, but people with sensitive skin should avoid sunscreen with fragrance. When choosing a sunscreen, Candyce says that it is important to select a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are what cause the skin to wrinkle and UVB rays are what cause it to burn. While the sun is strongest between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, you really need protection at all times of the day. Many of us are spending hours in front of a computer screen, so to be safe she says, “I always tell people that it is important to wear sunscreen whether they are outside or inside, rain or shine, and to reapply it throughout the day. Candyce recommends committing to adding sunscreen to your morning routine. She says, “to be sure your skin stays fully hydrated, apply “thin to thick” putting on your serum first, then moisturizer, and then sunscreen – making sure to apply evenly.”
How often do I have to reapply?
“The general rule is to take the SPF number on your sunscreen and multiply by two, so if your SPF is 50 you will have to reapply it every 100 minutes to maintain the protection from the sun.”
Recommended products and product lines
“I like Coola products because the company specializes in clean, non-toxic, suncare. Their proprietary Full Spectrum 360° complex is scientifically proven to go beyond UVA and UVB to help mitigate the effects of blue light, infrared, and pollution. It covers all the bases that anyone would be looking for in a good, quality sunscreen. The company is also deeply committed to the environment and practices responsible ingredient sourcing and sustainable packaging wherever possible.”
The Coola suncare products Candyce recommends include:
For the Face
Coola Full Spectrum Refreshing Water Cream SPF 50 – This product is what Candyce refers to as “high-tech hydration” because it is powered by the Full Spectrum 360° technology and has hyaluronic serum built into it, ensuring your skin stays completely hydrated. She says, “the sun can dehydrate our skin and so it is very important to use a serum underneath your moisturizer and sunscreen. This product lets you skip that step.”
Coola Organic Sunscreen Silk Drops SPF 30 – This sunscreen is ultra-lightweight, fragrance-free, and absorbs beautifully into the skin. The plant-derived Full Spectrum Complex keeps your skin fully protected and hydrated. It can be used alone or with your favorite moisturizer.
Coola Full Spectrum 360° Refreshing Water Mist Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 18
Good for all skin types and is great to keep your skin hydrated, fully protected, and refreshed throughout the day.
For the Body
Mineral Body Organic Sunscreen Cream or Spray with Broad Spectrum SPF 30/50. Both are fragrance-free, include the antioxidant-rich Plant Protection Complex, waterproof, lightweight and feel great on the skin. Some prefer to apply the cream first and then reapply with the spray.
Eminence Organic Skincare
Another line Candyce recommends for suncare is Eminence Organics. Eminence has recently introduced the Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40 that also helps skin that has been exposed to blue light and environmental stressors. “It is another good option to consider for blue light protection. Colorado is so dry that you have to apply something underneath your moisturizer and sunscreen to make sure your skin stays hydrated, therefore, I do recommend using a serum underneath this cream.”
Don’t forget your lips!
“You want to make sure you are protecting your lips with SPF, even under your mask. The skin on the lips is sensitive and it is difficult to repair, so you want to be careful. The Eminence Rose Hip and Lemon Grass Lip Balm and the Coola Organic Hydrating Lip Oil and Classic Lip Luxe are all excellent choices to protect your lips.”
If you have any questions or would like to purchase any of the products Candyce recommends, please give us a call or visit the spa and we will be happy to help you. For your convenience, curbside pick-up is also available.