Is There a “Best” Sunscreen?

by Elizabeth Janowski, VP

 We think so! For the first time, we’ve found a sunscreen that protects from infrared radiation as well as UVA and UVB radiation.

We don’t want to bog you down in science, but a little technical explaining could really help explain why….

UVA and UVB are acronyms for longwave (UVA) and shortwave (UVB) ultraviolet radiation.  Ultraviolet radiation comes from the light we cannot see (the extreme of this spectrum is X-rays and Gamma rays). It has been known for some time that both longwave and shortwave UV radiation damages our skin’s cellular DNA. The US government and the World Health Organization have identified UV radiation as a proven carcinogen. UV radiation also plays a key role in premature skin aging and eye damage. Medical-grade sunscreens (such as what we carry at Sonata), protect against UVA and UVB radiation.

On the other hand, infrared radiation which has a longer wavelength frequency than UV or visible light (closer to radio waves on the electromagnetic spectrum), accounts for half of the solar energy reaching the earth’s surface. (For comparison, UVA and UVB rays account for just under 7% of such solar energy.)

Common simple heat is the basic form of energy that is transmitted by infrared radiation. When human skin is exposed to sunlight – that is when we feel our skin warming – it is de facto subject to infrared radiation. According to the Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings as well as other major studies, infrared radiation is known to induce severe premature skin aging and DNA damage. It is also implicated in some forms of hyperpigmentation, skin discoloration and fine and major wrinkles. However, until now, the only way we could truly protect from everyday infrared radiation was to stay out of the sun altogether. Not a practical solution for most of us…

Now, SkinMedica’s has introduced what we believe is the first sunscreen to specifically address UVA, UVB and infrared radiation. SkinMedica’s Total Defense Repair SUPERSHILED represents a revolutionary approach to protecting your skin from the sun. Moreover, the Supershield contains a proprietary blend of antioxidants that nourish and protect your skin – like Green Tea, Niacinamide (an anti-inflammatory), and Vitamin E. We always love to bring things to our patients that do “double-duty”, and are therefore a great value. As a bonus, the Supershield is also tinted to help you save time in your daily routine. Get the best protection available and a tint that makes you skin glow! This makes it a great three-in-one product: your best sun protection + antioxidants + tint.

It is hard to underestimate what a huge breakthrough the Superscreen is in preventive skin care. We are thrilled to be sharing this new technology with you! The prevention of skin aging means you start everyday more youthful in the first place! And it means you can focus your resources on treatments and other products that beautify and not just turn back the clock.

Schedule a consultation with Sonata Aesthetics today. Serving Broomfield, Denver, Westminster, Boulder, Arvada, and surrounding areas.

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