Sunscreen 101
Before you head to Miami for XBIZ, besides lube, there’s another tube you should be packing. Sunscreen! While your TikTok and Instagram explore pages have endless recommendations for Korean sunscreen or misinformation about sunscreen causing skin cancer, here are the most common questions and misconceptions.
Where should I apply sunscreen?
You should typically apply two fingers worth of sunscreen to your face and neck, and reapply every two hours. In addition to your body, your hairline and eyelids can also get sunburned.¹ It’s important to remember any part of your body can get a sunburn. Especially areas that don’t typically see the sun, particularly the popular tiktok trend of “perineum sunning.” ²
Types of Sunscreen:
Mineral: The ingredients label will typically include “titanium dioxide” or “zinc oxide.” Although many dermatologists recommend this for people with sensitive skin, it can often leave a white cast. Mineral sunscreens work as a “shield,” creating a physical barrier between UV rays and your skin.³
Chemical: The ingredients label will not include titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Specific “filters” can vary between American, European, and Asian sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays.
What Does SPF even mean?
SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor” which refers to how much solar energy (UV Rays) is required to produce a sunburn on protected skin . According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “An SPF 30 allows about 3 percent of UVB rays to hit your skin. An SPF of 50 allows about 2 percent of those rays through”.
Everybody should be using sunscreen, but there are some circumstances where it is especially important to remember to reapply sunscreen:
Tattoos/ Tattoo Removal: Sun exposure can cause tattoos to fade.
Laser Hair Removal: Like tattoo removal, any darkening of the skin can cause lasers to lose effectiveness.
Herpes/ Cold Sores:⁴ Heat and sun exposure can cause breakouts. It’s important to remember to keep your medications close by in case of an outbreak.
