The Truth About Sun Protection: Why Daily SPF is a Non-Negotiable
- Jordan Andrews, DNP, CRNA
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
At Aesthetically Yours, we’re passionate about helping you achieve glowing, youthful skin but that journey always starts with one non-negotiable habit: daily sun protection. Whether you’re treating acne, fine lines, pigmentation, or simply investing in long-term skin health, SPF is your skin’s best defense.
Why Sun Protection Matters
UV radiation is the primary cause of premature aging. That includes fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, rough texture, and loss of elasticity. It’s not just about aesthetics, UV exposure also increases your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
The key takeaway? Every skin type, every tone, every age group needs sun protection.
What Is SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and measures how well a product protects your skin from UVB rays-the rays that cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. For example, SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. Broad-spectrum protection is important, you also need shielding from UVA rays, the ones responsible for premature aging and deep skin damage. UVA rays can penetrate through clouds and glass!
Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreens
There are two main categories of SPF:
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released from the skin. These formulas are usually lightweight and invisible on most skin tones.
Mineral (physical) sunscreens also absorb UV rays and convert them to heat but their main claim to fame is that they reflect UV rays. These often contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and are a great choice for sensitive skin or post-procedure recovery.
At Aesthetically Yours, we believe that the best sunscreen is the ONE YOU WILL WEAR! We carry a wide variety of sunscreen options including: Colorescience®, a dermatologist-loved brand offering 100% mineral SPF with added skincare benefits like antioxidants, tint, and anti-pollution protection, we also have two non-tinted mineral sunscreens as well as another tinted hybrid. Finding the right formulation that works for your skin is essential, don’t swear off all sunscreens just because you tried one and didn’t like it!
How Much SPF Should You Use?
A common mistake is under-applying sunscreen. Here's how to get it right:
Use a nickel-sized amount or ½ a teaspoon for your face and neck and a shot-glass-sized amount (1oz) for your body.
Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors, or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Don’t forget the commonly missed spots: ears, lips, neck, chest, and hands.
Even on cloudy days or while driving, UVA rays penetrate windows and contribute to cumulative skin damage. That’s why we recommend SPF every single morning—rain or shine, indoors or out.
SPF and Aesthetic Treatments
If you’re investing in skin treatments like microneedling, RF, IPL, or chemical peels, your skin becomes more photosensitive during the healing process. Skipping SPF after treatment can lead to unwanted pigmentation or damage. In fact, consistent SPF use is the single most important thing you can do to protect and prolong your treatment results.
Fun fact: we provide you with an entire skincare kit that INCLUDES a mineral sunscreen with any invasive procedure!
Final Thoughts
Incorporating a high-quality SPF into your morning routine is one of the most powerful ways to preserve your skin’s health and appearance. Think of it as your daily insurance policy, shielding you from damage you can’t always see but will definitely feel over time.
If you’re not sure which SPF is right for you, stop by our office or book a consultation. We’re happy to guide you toward the best options based on your skin concerns, lifestyle, and treatment plan.
801 N. Lindsay Street Suite #101 High Point, NC 27262
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