It’s finally summer, which means we’re all spending more time outside trying to soak up as much sun as possible! Everyone loves the warm feeling of the sun on their face and the mood boost it provides, but effectively protecting your skin from the harm of UV rays is crucial.
Let’s face it, not using sunscreen isn’t worth the difficult-to-reverse “leathery” skin later in life. For those who stick to consistent use of chemical spray sunscreens from the drugstore, you may think you’re protected, but in reality, your product might not be working as hard as you think.
Here’s a rundown on why you should be using the best medical sunscreens in Rochester, from the skincare experts at Envision Aesthetics.
What’s wrong with drugstore sunscreen?
Even if you’re reapplying a 100 SPF drugstore sunscreen every hour you’re in the sun, you’re not fully protected. Chemical sunscreens you find at drugstores contain harmful preservatives and fragrances that can irritate your skin. Many chemical sunscreens also contain the following harmful ingredients, which absorb into the skin:
- Oxybenzone: Linked to hormone disruption and can be transferred through breast milk
- Homosalate: Found to cause hormone disruption and pesticide absorption
- Octinoxate: Can cause reproductive issues including low sperm count
- Nanoparticles: Effects on humans have not been researched, but production is linked to deterioration of coral reefs
In addition to these negative chemical effects, chemical sunscreens act as a filter rather than a complete shield from UV rays. Chemical sunscreens absorb the UV rays, which allows for the heat to absorb into the skin and cause permanent damage.
Spray sunscreens also pose their own risks, and can be dangerous lung irritants, even causing asthma attacks if inhaled. Some spray solutions even include titanium dioxide, which has been linked to cancer in rodent studies. These aerosol cans are also flammable, which can be dangerous in high temperatures and around children.
While the FDA has continued to put more limits and bans on certain chemical sunscreen ingredients, the risks of many are still unknown.
The benefits of medical sunscreen in Rochester
Unlike chemical sunscreens, medical sunscreen completely blocks out the sun, and is also shown to last longer! By creating a shield that reflects UV rays, your skin is never penetrated by the sun.
The best medical sunscreens also serve as preventative care, meaning that by using these products you can completely avoid future skin problems and delay the signs of aging. While Envision Aesthetics offers a range of treatments to minimize the effects of aging and skin damage from the sun, nothing compares to skin that was never harmed by the sun.
After aesthetic treatments such as chemical peels and laser resurfacing, staying out of direct sunlight before and after your session is vital. Our technicians often suggest that you reschedule your ablative facial treatment if you come in with a sunburn to avoid an unpleasant healing process.
Following your treatment session, your aesthetician will recommend steps to follow for proper aftercare, including staying out of the sun. We understand that completely avoiding the outdoors isn’t feasible, so opting for daily use of medical sunscreen can help you maximize your results and shorten the healing process.
Chemical sunscreens are known to cause and worsen a range of skin concerns, such as acne, rashes, and dry skin. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, adding the oils and chemicals of drugstore sunscreens into your daily routine is contradictory to improvement. Our mineral-based sunscreens are formulated by dermatologists, so the ingredients are much more simple and less invasive, helping you avoid those negative effects!
Maximizing the benefits of the best medical sunscreens
Once you’ve invested in your skin’s long-term health by purchasing the best medical sunscreens in Rochester, you need to understand how to use them. You should always reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when exposed to direct sunlight, and more often if you are swimming.
Remember to apply sunscreen everywhere that the sun may touch, including your ears and feet, and thoroughly rub it in before you’re exposed to the sun. Many sunscreen users aren’t sure of how much sunscreen they need to use during a single use, but studies show that you should always apply a generous .04 ounce amount to your face alone! Remember to wait about 15 minutes after application before swimming, so your hard work doesn’t immediately rinse off.
If you know anything about tanning, you’ve probably heard the term “base tan” thrown around. This refers to establishing a certain level of a tan to supposedly avoid burning later on. However, this strategy is a myth. No matter how tan you are to begin with, unprotected UV exposure will still burn your skin.
The best medical sunscreens in Rochester
Now that we’ve covered why you need to use medical sunscreen in Rochester, here’s a breakdown of some of the best medical sunscreens:
Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral Sunscreen
We love this lightweight physical sunscreen for daily use! The broad-spectrum SPF 36 formula protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, and is mixed with rejuvenating antioxidants that also shield your skin from external pollution.
Plus, it provides a beautiful tint that evens out your complexion and hydrates your skin at the same time. Avoid the white residue of typical sunscreens and stay protected and glowing!
PCA Sheer Tint Eye
This 3-in-1 formula combines under eye cream, SPF 30, and concealer all in one swipe. This product is ideal to incorporate into your morning routine, whether you opt to use it as a base for your makeup or decide to wear it on its own for an instant “awake” look.
PCA Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum
PCA’s broad spectrum version of Sheer Tint is perfect for evening out and protecting your entire face. With a tint that seamlessly melts into most skin tones, this SPF 40 option also includes ubiquinone for added antioxidant protection. It’s perfect alone or under makeup, and is waterproof so you never have to stress during an impromptu dip!
Skinbetter Science
Envision Aesthetics loves Skinbetter Science products, especially their medical sunscreen in Rochester! Their solutions come in sheer and tinted options, perfect for any skin type and lifestyle. All of their products are free of parabens, fragrances, and dyes.
Sheer products
For complete protection, Skinbetter’s sheer mineral sunscreens offer a range of solutions. Their Sheer SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion acts as an oil-free, creamy primer. Alternatively, you can opt for the ease of their Sheer SPF 56 Sunscreen Stick for quick and smooth use on-the-go! Their Sheer SPF 56 Sunscreen Compact provides sheer, water-proof protection with a mattifying and elegant finish.
Tinted products
If you’re looking to simplify your daily routine by adding coverage to your SPF, these are the products for you! The Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact offers total UV protection with a natural, blendable hint of mattifying color. To even out your body’s skin tone, we also offer Tone Smart SPF 75 Sunscreen Lotion.
Get a free skin consultation in Rochester
Have questions about which medical sunscreen in Rochester is best for your needs? We highly recommend that you schedule a free 1-hour consultation with our medical professionals. During this visit, we can discuss your skin concerns, goals, budget, and timeline and create an aesthetic plan just for you.
Our office is a judgment-free zone and we want to hear what you have to say! Our team always aims to keep you informed on your skin and our treatments, so you can make the most informed decisions to meet your goals.
Achieving your dream summer skin
Envision Aesthetics also offers a range of innovative summer skin treatments in Rochester to maximize your confidence all year long! If you want to simplify your daily routine, learn more about our long-lasting lash lifts and brow laminations that will leave you ready to take on the day from the moment you wake up.
Don’t forget to stop by our results gallery to browse real patients’ before and after images, but keep in mind that every patient’s aesthetic goals and starting points are unique. Also, check out our Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for more helpful tips and news on the latest specials and events!
Maintain your youthful complexion with Envision Aesthetics’ medical sunscreen in Rochester!
Ready to experience smooth, healthy, youthful skin like never before? The Envision Aesthetics team is dedicated to providing personalized, cutting-edge care that offers unmatched results. Our compassionate professionals can help you create your unique skincare plan, whether you’re looking for clinical facials, aesthetics treatments, or medical skincare products.
Our wide selection of the best medical sunscreens can help you maintain your complexion, without the downsides of harmful ingredients. We only offer products that are effective and safe, and we’ll work with you to decide what that means for you.
Have questions? Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you become the most confident version of yourself! For treatment and product recommendations based on your skin concerns, schedule a free in-person consultation with our skin experts or try our virtual consultation tool for instant feedback. We can’t wait to help you appreciate and protect your natural beauty!