We get it – the desire to go outside and enjoy the sunshine is never going to go away. And we aren’t suggesting that you don’t get outside and enjoy the beautiful rays. However, knowing what we know about UV radiation, we should all be wearing sunscreen every day.
In this post, we’ll go a step further and recommend that you choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen for daily use, as it will protect you more fully than a UVA-only or UVB-only sunscreen. We’ll answer the questions: is broad-spectrum SPF better, and what does broad-spectrum mean? We’ll also take a look at some differences: UVA vs UVB rays.
What Does “Broad-Spectrum” Mean?
When referring to sunscreen and sun protectant products, the term broad-spectrum means that a product protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. These are produced by the sun and can severely damage skin – beyond the typical sunburn you might be trying to avoid.
UVA vs. UVB Rays
As you may already be aware of, UVA and UVB are two of the three types of ultraviolet radiation that our bodies experience outside. UVC rays are completely absorbed by the ozone layer (in the majority of places on earth), so we don’t have to worry about them.
The main difference between UVA and UVB rays is that UVA rays rarely cause skin cancer, while UVB rays are the main culprit of skin cancer. Both types of UV radiation can cause skin damage and aging.
So, Is Broad-Spectrum SPF Better?
Absolutely.
It’s important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen because of the presence of both UVA and UVB rays in our atmosphere. These rays are not blocked by the atmosphere and cloud cover enough to protect our skin. So, naturally, a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both of these ray types from reaching our sensitive skin is far better.
What Should I Look For In A Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen?
In general, you should choose a sunscreen that works well with your skin type. Physical (mineral) sunscreens are usually preferable by dermatologists because they sit on top of the skin, blocking any UV radiation from reaching your skin cells. (There are a few occasions you might want a chemical sunscreen however一 for example, they’re generally more waterproof, making them great for a day in the ocean or the pool!)
Dry skin types will also want to look for a moisturizing agent in their sunscreens, while, on the other hand, oily skin types will want to make sure their selected sunscreen doesn’t contain unnecessary oils.
Another important aspect of your sunscreen is SPF. Generally, the higher the SPF, the more effective it is at protecting your skin against UV radiation. We typically recommend an SPF of 30 or higher, as this will protect you from 96.7% of the sun’s UVB rays (and higher SPFs don’t really do that much better, so 30 is enough).
Is Rejuvaskin’s Mineral Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum?
Yes! Our mineral sunscreen also does not leave behind a white cast, ashy appearance thanks to our unique formula of ingredients. Furthermore, we’ve included moisturizing ingredients and anti-inflammatory components to help keep pesky itching and flaking at bay. All of these factors make our NEW Mineral Facial Sunscreen a great choice for your daily sunscreen!