A Pharmacist’s Guide to Suncare
We asked and he answered! Lonny Barr, Owner/Pharmacist at Pharmasave Parksville, gives us the full scoop on proper suncare
Q: What’s the best thing I can do to prevent sunspots and aging?
A: The single most important thing you can do to prevent your skin from sunspots and premature aging is to wear a sun block or sunscreen every day. UV rays are present even on cloudy days, so it’s important to apply sun protection year-round and regardless of weather conditions. Wherever possible, try to complement your sun protection with clothing and accessories that enhance coverage, like a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Q: What is the difference between sunblock and sunscreen?
A: Sun blocks typically contain protective ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which cause them to be thicker and appear white when applied to the skin. Sunscreens absorb the sun’s UV rays, reducing their effects on the skin (not completely blocking them), while sun block reflects them, preventing them from harming the skin. Look for sunscreens or sun blocks labelled as “broad spectrum” to protect against UVA rays (the type that cause wrinkles and premature aging) and UVB rays (the type that cause sunburns and melanoma skin cancer).
Q: What are some best practices around application?
A: Apply sun protection to all normally exposed areas of the face, neck, and hands every morning, at least 15 minutes prior to going outside. Don’t forget to cover the nose and ears! For those who wear make-up and seek additional protection, look for foundations and primers with SPF included, like Inika’s SPF 25 Loose Mineral Foundation. To keep lips hydrated and prevent sunburn, apply an SPF lip balm—like Nivea Sun SPF 30, available in-store.
Q: What SPF should I aim for, and how often should I reapply?
A: To protect your skin from damage from the sun, it’s important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 (at minimum) to vulnerable areas before you go outside, and to reapply every two hours. When sweating or participating in water sports, opt for water-resistant products, like ThinkSport SPF 50, available in-store. Designed for athletes, this broad-spectrum sunscreen contains the highest level of water resistance that lasts up to 80 minutes. ThinkSport is dermatologist recommended, and free of harmful chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin.
Visit us in-store at Pharmasave Parksville July 1 – 31, 2020 and save 25% off on all sun protection! Our selection of specialty suncare brands for all ages and skin-types includes: Kinesys, ThinkSport, and Pharmasave Brand. We also carry the brands you know and love, including St. Tropez, Garnier Ombrelle, Coppertone, and Banana Boat. Our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to help you find the products that are right for you.
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