May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so there’s no better time for a sunscreen refresher.
At Revive, we recommend wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every single day, not just on beach days or vacations. Daily UV exposure adds up over time and plays a major role in premature aging, pigmentation, and of course, skin cancer risk.
The SPF Numbers: What Do They Actually Mean?
One thing that surprises a lot of people is that the difference between SPF numbers isn’t quite as dramatic as it sounds.
SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks about 97%. That jump from 15 to 30 actually makes a pretty noticeable difference in protection. Once you get above SPF 30, the increase becomes much smaller. For example, SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays.
That’s why SPF 30 is generally considered the minimum recommended daily protection.
Application is Everything
What’s even more important than choosing a high SPF is applying enough and reapplying consistently.
For proper coverage, most adults should be using approximately:
- 1 teaspoon for the face, neck and ears
- 1 shot glass amount for the body
And yes, reapplication matters! Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours when outdoors, especially if you’re swimming, sweating, golfing, or spending long periods in the sun.
Mineral vs. Chemical: Which is Right for You?
We also get lots of questions about mineral versus chemical sunscreens, so here’s the simple breakdown:
- Mineral sunscreens (sometimes called physical sunscreens) contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They sit on the skin and help reflect UV rays away from the skin. These are often great for sensitive skin and are typically what I recommend for children because they tend to be less irritating.
- Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat. These formulas are often lighter weight and can feel more invisible on the skin.
Neither option is necessarily “better.” The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear consistently!
Save 20% on All Sunscreens This May!
We carry several sunscreen options in clinic, including the AlumierMD sunscreen line, and Coola Suncare line with some great body options. We’re also excited to now be carrying EltaMD sunscreens, which are incredibly popular for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
To help encourage good sun protection habits, we are offering all sunscreens at 20% off for the entire month of May ☀️
If you’ve been struggling to find a sunscreen you actually enjoy wearing daily, we’d be happy to help you find the right fit for your skin. You can call or text us at (236) 420-3277 or stop by the clinic during our business hours.
Healthy skin is beautiful skin!
– Nurse Montana
