As summer approaches, it is important to protect the skin with a daily sun protection routine. Many people do not fully understand how to use sunscreens to ensure effectiveness. By not using sunscreen as instructed, they could end up with an unexpected sunburn or skin damage. Skin care professionals should keep clients aware of the importance of sun care while discussing the most effective products, the appropriate usage of sunscreens, and several other factors of sun protection including SPF, skin type, and expiration dates.

Fully understanding the importance of sun care

Apart from wearing sun protective clothing, using umbrellas, and wearing wide-brimmed hats, the most important tool people have to protect their skin from damage is sunscreen. Not only has sunscreen been proven to help decrease the risks and incidences of skin cancer, it is also an essential tool for creating and maintaining overall healthy skin, with added bonuses such as prevention of brown spots and signs of aging. It is recommended that skin practitioners encourage use of a sunscreen or SPF product that their clients can fit into their daily skin care regimen.

Reapplication is important

One of the biggest issues with using sun care products is that they have the propensity to give the user a false sense of security. Many people think that once they apply the product they will be protected throughout the day. It is extremely important that clients read and follow the directions of each individual sun care product. In general, always recommend that if clients are planning to spend time directly in the sun, such as lounging by a pool, going to the beach, or taking part in an outdoor activity, it is necessary to reapply the product on an hourly basis. It is also important to recommend reapplying sunscreen after swimming or perspiring, regardless of how much time has elapsed since the most recent reapplication.

Help to spread awareness

Although people who live in sunny locations and climates are more likely to experience sunburns and sun damage, professionals should still recommend a daily sun care routine for those in less sunny destinations. It is important to remember that even though the weather may be dreary and overcast, ultraviolet rays can still pass through any cloud cover.

Skin care professionals should have a wide variety of quality sun care products available to fit the different preferences and needs for each client. It is also important to consult with clients to inform them about the vital importance of sun care products, including the application process and how impactful a healthy skin care regimen is on the overall health of their skin.

Essential SPF

The efficacy level of SPF has been a much researched and widely discussed topic, and the truth is, anything with an SPF 30 or more is going to provide a great level of protection. Although no sunscreen is able to provide 100 percent protection, items with an SPF 30 will block 97 percent of UVB rays; SPF 50 will block 98 percent of UVB; and SPF 100 will block 99 percent of UVB. Clients should use a product with at least a SPF 30 on a daily basis.

Choosing the right product

With the ever-growing importance and popularity of sun care products, great options have come to the market, from basic sunscreens and mineral-based products to tinted sunscreens and BB creams. Several makeup lines also feature SPF protection in their foundations and makeup, making it easy to find an item that will best fit into the client’s skin care regimen. Whether the client is looking for an everyday moisturizer, a simple sunscreen, or an SPF that can also have a photo-worthy finish, there are sun-protective products available for every situation.

Skin type plays a key role

When clients are choosing a sun care product, it is important for them to know what skin type they have and if they may be prone to any sensitivity to the chemicals that are used in some sunscreen products. Professionals can recommend a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. By using minerals instead of chemicals, these ingredients provide a great level of protection without the potentially hormone-disrupting chemicals that can be found in other products. On the other hand, sunscreens that contain avobenzone and octinoxate outperform their mineral-based counterparts by providing a superior level of sun protection. These products have been known to cause irritation for people with more sensitive skin, so it is important to be aware of what will work best with each individual skin type.

Be aware of expiration dates

Sun care products expire, so it is very important to check the expiration date before using and purchasing the item. The efficacy of an expired sunscreen drops dramatically, and not noticing the expiration date can lead to unexpected and dangerous sun burns. Expired sunscreens can even cause skin irritation for more sensitive skins. Once a sun care product passes its expiration date, it should be thrown away and replaced.

Using sun care year round

Although sun care is extremely important during the warmer, sunny months, clients should use skin care products year-round. It is easy for people to not realize how much time they actually spend in the sun just by completing everyday activities. Sun damage can occur anytime clients are outside without applying a sunscreen, including walking from the car into work, running errands, and taking the dog for a walk.

By educating clients on the purpose of sun care and proper integration of these products into a regimen, skin care professionals can influence the appearance and health of clients’ skin.