At our dermatology office, we can’t stress enough the importance of sunscreen. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or staying indoors, applying sunscreen daily is one of the most important things you can do for your skin. Let’s break down what SPF is, why it matters, and how to choose the best sunscreen for your skin — because healthy, protected skin starts with prevention.

What is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it’s a measure of how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays — the primary cause of sunburn. The higher the SPF number, the greater the protection. For example:

• SPF 30 means it would take 30 times longer for your skin to burn with the sunscreen applied compared to unprotected skin.
• SPF 50 provides 50 times more protection.

However, SPF only measures protection against UVB rays. For full protection, you’ll want to choose a sunscreen that also offers broad-spectrum protection, which shields you from both UVB and UVA rays — the rays responsible for skin aging and deeper skin damage.

Why SPF Matters Every Day

Even if you’re not planning to spend a long time outdoors, sunscreen is still essential. UV rays can cause damage even on cloudy days or through windows, so it’s crucial to wear sunscreen every single day. Here’s why:

• Sunburn: While it might seem like a temporary issue, frequent sunburn can increase the risk of long-term skin damage.
• Premature Aging: UVA rays break down collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
• Skin Cancer: Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays reduces your risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

By applying sunscreen every day, you’re helping to prevent both visible aging and more serious skin health concerns in the future.

How to Choose the Right Protection for Your Skin

When it comes to choosing the right sunscreen, it’s important to pick one that fits your lifestyle and skin needs. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand SPF ratings and how to choose the best one for you:

Low Protection: SPF 15-30

Moderate Protection: SPF 30-50

High Protection: SPF 50+

While SPF 100 sunscreen exists, the extra protection it offers compared to SPF 50 is minimal. More importantly, broad-spectrum protection should always be your primary concern.

What to Look for in Sunscreen: Ingredients Matter

When choosing a sunscreen, look for one that provides broad-spectrum protection. This means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. You’ll also want to check the ingredients.

Some key ingredients to look for include:

• Zinc Oxide: A physical blocker that reflects UV rays from the skin.
• Titanium Dioxide: Another physical blocker that provides broad-spectrum protection.
• Avobenzone, Mexoryl, or Helioplex: These are chemical filters that absorb UV radiation.

If you have sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide may be less likely to cause irritation.

Daily Sunscreen is Essential for Healthy Skin

Here at Alamo Heights Dermatology, we recommend using sunscreen every single day, regardless of sun exposure. Sunscreen is a simple but powerful tool to protect your skin from premature aging, sunburn, and even skin cancer. Start making sunscreen a part of your daily routine, and your skin will thank you for it. Get 10% off all sunscreens this month when you shop in-store.

Not sure which sunscreen is best for your skin type? Schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists today, and we’ll help you find the right protection for your skin’s needs!