Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your health, beauty, and wellness. But with so many misconceptions about sunscreen out there, it’s easy to get confused. Read on to better understand SPF and keep your skin safe all year round.

How much sunscreen should I be wearing?

For optimal protection, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to all exposed areas of your body – face, neck, arms, legs, etc. – at least 15 minutes prior to going outdoors. If you’re spending extended time in direct sunlight or engaging in activities that cause you to sweat a lot or get wet (swimming/water sports), re-apply every two hours for maximum protection and reapply after swimming/toweling off. And don’t forget about other parts of your body like the tops of your feet and ears!  

What kind of sunscreen should I be using?

When choosing a sunscreen for yourself and your family, look for ones that have been tested for UVA and UVB protection; this will ensure that they offer adequate protection against both types of rays. Physical sunscreens that contain mineral actives such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide provide broad spectrum coverage without irritating sensitive skin types, while chemical sunscreens are often lighter on the skin but can cause irritation if not chosen carefully. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what feels best on your skin! The key is finding one that fits into your lifestyle while still providing broad spectrum coverage.  

Is it true that wearing sunscreen all the time can prevent me from getting enough Vitamin D?

No - this is a common misconception! Vitamin D is essential for our overall health and well-being; however, it doesn't take long for our bodies to absorb it – usually only 10 minutes each day – so don't worry about depriving yourself when applying SPF liberally throughout the day as advised! Plus, no SPF number protects you from 100% of UV rays; so even if you've applied generous amounts of SPF 50, 98% of UV rays are still getting through which means you're still exposed to enough vitamin D.

Do I need extra protection when flying or visiting higher elevations?

Absolutely! Due to its elevation above sea level, being on an airplane exposes us to more UV radiation than we would otherwise experience on land - meaning we need an extra layer of protection. The same goes when hiking in higher elevations like mountains; due to thinner air at higher altitudes UV radiation becomes stronger by approximately 10-12% for every 3 thousand feet increase in elevation making sunscreen essential during these times too.

What's the difference between chemical & mineral sunscreens?

Chemical sunscreens use organic actives such as avobenzone and homosalate while mineral sunscreens use inorganic actives like zinc oxide & titanium dioxide which block & absorb UV radiation differently depending on how they interact with light waves hitting our skin's surface providing different benefits based on what works best for each individual person & situation. Chemical SPFs offer innovation such as light textures & clear formulas for darker skin tones plus breathable formulas perfect active lifestyles whereas mineral SPFs typically work better with those who have sensitive or acne-prone skin & who spend extended periods indoors during peak daylight hours since minerals act almost immediately upon contact providing quicker defense against damage from UVA/UVB rays.