skin care routine

Q: Is there a difference between sunscreen and sun block?

A: As summer approaches, we stock up on sun-protective gear. A walk down the “seasonal” aisle at your local store can be dizzying. Which product to choose – a sunscreen or sun block? Is there a difference, or are they interchangeable? 

There are, in fact, somewhat “technical” differences between the two. Sunscreens, also known as chemical blockers, are absorbed into the skin, so they should be applied 10–15 minutes prior to going out in the sun. Sunscreens absorb ultraviolet (UV) light in certain wavelengths. The UVA rays can cause long-term effects and contribute to photoaging and wrinkles. UVB rays are responsible for short-term effects like sunburns. UV light can easily degrade sunscreen, so it’s crucial to reapply every few hours for maximum effectiveness. Avobenzone, oxybenzone, and Mexoryl™ are common ingredients in many chemical blockers these days.

The skin on your face and neck is delicate, and age and lack of care will be noticeable in those places first. We can’t do much about age, but we can influence how we care for our faces and necks – really, don’t forget the neck!

Q: I feel like I am looking older and have never done anything about it. Do I have to use expensive products to improve the appearance of my skin? Where do I start?

A: Aging skin, or “looking old,” is the result of two distinct causes – intrinsic and extrinsic conditions. Intrinsic aging is the natural aging process that begins in our mid-20s.

How often do you think about your skin? Not what it looks like, not what it feels like, not how smooth or youthful it may or may not be. But thinking about and appreciating the incredibly important role it plays in protecting your inner body – vital organs, muscles, skeleton, nervous system – from the outside environment. 

Your skin is the biggest part of you. It’s your “coat of armor,” shielding you from pollutants in the environment, keeping out the bad things (like dust, germs, and allergens) and keeping in the good things (like moisture). It’s the body’s largest organ, yet it’s so easy to take it for granted.