Introducing Sun Protection Factor, Your Skin’s Best Defense From Sun Damage

Sun-damaged skin is like a bad ex: it's hard to get rid of, and it can leave you with some pretty nasty scars. But while picking a partner can easily go awry, sun-damaged skin is fortunately easy to prevent. By taking a little extra care to integrate Sun Protection Factors (SPF) into your daily moisturizing routine, the long-term health of your skin will only benefit in the years to come.

Despite the massively important role SPF plays in stopping sun damage, most consumers seem to shy away from protecting their skin from the sun on the regular; according to recent studies, only 11 percent of American adults wear sunscreen on a daily basis, while between 80 percent and 90 percent of all visible facial aging signs of all skin types come directly from continued sun exposure.

Beyond surface-level sun damage issues like fine lines and wrinkles, the negative effects of repeated sun exposure often lurk deep within the skin and only begin to show later on in life – including the worst-case scenario, skin cancer.

Adding sunscreen application as an extra step to your skin care regimen might feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Many moisturizers on the market today include high concentrations of SPF, killing two birds with one stone and maximizing both the efficiency of your routine and the health of your skin – especially when using moisturizers custom formulated for your specific needs by 2250’s artificial intelligence skin analysis.

Without further ado, here’s a little extra insight into the science behind how sun damage affects your skin and how to select the best moisturizer with SPF for your specific needs.

SPF’s Sun-Blocking Superpowers

To understand why sunscreen is a vital addition to your skincare routine, it’s important to note just how all-important SPF works to block the sun’s harsh ultraviolet rays.

Graphic showing how UV rays penetrate the skin. There's 4 layers in the skin, listed in order from top to inner most layers are: Stratum corneum, Epidermis, Dermis, Subcutaneous Fat. UV rays penetrate into the Dermis, almost getting to the subcutaneous fat.

More than 95 percent of the ultraviolet radiation that makes it through the earth’s atmosphere is classified as UVA rays, a type of radiation so potent these rays can even penetrate through the surfaces of clouds, coverings, and glass windows. Just like it cuts through clouds, UVA rays are capable of deeply penetrating human skin, causing sun damage, photoaging, and carcinogenesis that could eventually develop into cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer claims that 95 percent of malignant melanomas are directly caused by sun damage borne from UVA and UVB rays, only amplifying the importance of applying sunscreen to your skin on a daily basis.

SPF can work in two different ways to stop UVA ray penetration in its tracks: as a physical blocker, or as a chemical absorber. Physical blockers work like a mirror, reflecting the UVA rays off the surface of the skin and shielding your face from deeper penetration. On the other side of the same coin, chemical absorbers create a light film on the surface of the skin that absorbs ultraviolet radiation without letting it slip beyond this protective barrier into the epidermis.

UVA rays are so powerful that staying in the shadows or keeping indoors isn’t enough to stop sun damage in its tracks – integrating SPF into your routine now is key to making sure your skin stays healthy and happy for the rest of your life.

Rejuvenating Your Routine with SPF

Fortunately, the growing popularity of SPF-infused creams makes it easier than ever to add sunscreen to your everyday skincare regimen with just one layer of moisturizer. Selecting the right SPF moisturizer can help you cut down on the number of products in your daily routine while still providing you with the oh-so-vital protection your skin needs, no matter whether you suffer from dry skin, sensitive skin, or acne-prone skin.

Ready to take the plunge? Keep an eye out for moisturizers with a minimum SPF level of 30 or higher, the doctor-recommended dose of SPF to prevent sun damage. However, it should be noted that the efficacy of SPF in moisturizers isn’t quite as powerful as a standalone sunscreen, so the higher concentration of SPF, the better!

The best SPF moisturizers also offer broad-spectrum protection, meaning they don’t just offer protection against UVA rays, but the equally damaging – though less common – UVB rays.

If you’re looking for a chemical-free formula, search for a mineral-based zinc oxide or titanium dioxide SPF moisturizer, just make sure to rub the product in thoroughly to avoid that dreaded white cast.

If you’ve already got sun-damaged skin, chances are you’re applying hydroxy acids or retinol after moisturizing to stimulate skin cell turnover and diminish the visible signs of aging. But retinol serums and hydroxy acids can make your skin even more vulnerable to sun damage, so make sure to only apply these products during the nighttime after you wash your face and before you apply moisturizer, and slap on a healthy dose of sunscreen in the morning to minimize damage during the day.

retinol serums and hydroxy acids can make your skin even more vulnerable to sun damage, so make sure to only apply these products during the nighttime after you wash your face and before you apply moisturizer, and slap on a healthy dose of sunscreen in the morning to minimize damage during the day.

From preventing premature aging, stopping sun damage, and warding off unwanted skin cancer, think of SPF as one of the holy grail ingredients for your daily skincare routine. Don’t hesitate to begin your SPF journey as quickly as possible – the sooner you start, the more your skin and health will thank you for it in the long run.

See Ya, Sun Damage: How the Right SPF Moisturizer Can Improve Your Skin Long-Term