It’s that time of year! Spring and Summer are on their way and folks are getting outside again! Although being a Med Spa in St. Pete we experience great weather for most of the year. This is a blessing in many ways, but it also means we stay on top of our guests when it comes to hammering home the importance of consistently using SPF. With sunny days fast approaching, we wanted to talk about the importance of SPF and share with you our favorite skincare products with SPF. We love them and we hope that you do too!
What is SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and it is a system of measurement by which consumers can be aware of how much protection against a sunburn they are receiving from a product. The higher the SPF on a product, the more protection it is providing from the potential of sunburn.
What kinds of sunscreens are there?
Sunscreens are generally divided into two categories, chemical, and mineral (or physical) sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens filter out the harmful rays as the sun reaches our skin while mineral sunscreens sit on the skin and physically block the sun's rays. There are many conversations about which sunscreen is superior but the truth is, most of the concerns raised by one side or the other regarding the opposing type of sunscreen pale in comparison to the repercussions of going without sunscreen. Daily sunscreen of any kind is your best and safest option, ALWAYS.
Why do I need sunscreen?
Sunscreen should be a part of everyone’s preventative skincare routine. Damage to the skin from UV rays can result in hyperpigmentation, loss of elasticity, fine lines, and other signs of aging. Not to mention, an increased risk of skin cancer. If you are concerned about keeping your skin in the best shape possible, sunscreen should be a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.
What are the best sunscreens?
At Coco Med Spa in St. Pete, we are fans of several different sunscreens. If you’re looking for a drugstore option, La Roche-Posay is an excellent mineral sunscreen. If you’re looking to invest a bit more, our go-to is SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion. Whatever you choose, be sure that it is at least an SPF of 30. SPF protection in crazy numbers like the 100’s is not necessary because you will need to reapply before ever reaching the amount of sun required to pass through an SPF that high. It is important to remember that sunscreen, unlike most skincare, is not a set it and forget it product. When you expect prolonged sun exposure it is important to reapply about every 90 minutes or so. There are many spray on sunscreen options that can be used to apply over makeup and on the go.
Remember, if you are investing in skincare services but neglecting your daily sunscreen, you are counteracting your progress and potentially even wasting your money. Start prioritizing daily protection to prevent the need to counteract new sun damage in the future. Feel free to contact us if you’d like to stop by and pick up a sunscreen. We offer a variety of incredible, high quality skincare products right here in the spa. See you soon!