It’s no secret that the UV index in Knoxville, TN has been extremely high recently. Sunscreen plays a necessary role in protecting your skin against harmful UV rays. At Skin and Sculpt, our mission is to enhance and protect the health of our clients. Let’s take a deeper look into sunscreen, what it is, why you need it, and our recommendations for the best sunscreen for Knoxville TN.
There are many benefits to living in Knoxville, TN, including the year-round sunshine. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks associated with unprotected sun exposure. A very high UV index means extra precaution is required because unprotected skin will be damaged and burn quickly. So far this summer, the UV index in Knoxville has been consistently between 8-10, which is considered to be very high.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “Regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent, and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent.”
If you’ve done any research on sunscreen, you may have heard of chemical and mineral (physical) sunscreens. But what’s the difference between the two? Is one better than the other? The main difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens is how they handle the sun’s rays.
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays by changing their chemical structure to reduce sun damage. Most chemical sunscreens contain at least one of the following active ingredients: oxybenzone, octinoxate, cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, meradimate, octisalate, octocrylene, padimate O, sulisobenzone, and avobenzone.
Chemical sunscreens have been proven to provide more complete UV protection than physical sunscreens. People also tend to prefer chemical sunscreens because of their texture; they’re usually a lighter consistency, so they’re more comfortable to wear. They also tend to be more effective at resisting water and sweat, which makes chemical sunscreen a good option for a beach or pool day.
While chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays, mineral sunscreens reflect them. The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which create a barrier on your skin that reflects UV light. Mineral sunscreens quite literally sit on top of your skin, creating a physical barrier between your skin and the sun.
A common complaint about mineral sunscreens is that they tend to leave a white cast where you apply, because the skin does not absorb it. That being said, more and more physical sunscreens are being made with a tint to help resolve this issue.
At Skin and Sculpt Med Spa, we are proud to offer skincare from Alastin and SkinMedica. Let’s take a look at the sunscreen’s offered by these brands:
SkinMedica offers a range of excellent sun protection! Their product offerings provide superior defense against harmful UVA and UVB rays. SkinMedica sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection while also supporting your overall skin health.
One of our favorites is Total Defense + Repair Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 34 (Tinted), as it goes beyond UV protection to defend against harmful infrared rays while supporting the skin’s ability to restore itself. Don’t forget, Allē Members earn 70 points per unit purchased!
If you’re looking for the perfect “your skin but better” sunscreen, we recommend the Alastin tinted sunscreen. As mentioned earlier, mineral sunscreens tend to leave a white-cast on the skin. That’s why we love the Alastin tinted sunscreen, as it protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, while giving you a flawless, even complexion.
At Skin and Sculpt Med Spa, we are passionate about ensuring you protect your skin from sun damage and skin cancer. We offer only the best products, like SkinMedica and Alastin skincare. We can help you create a comprehensive skin care routine, prioritizing sun protection. Remember, sunscreen is not just for a boat or pool day! It should be a staple in your daily skincare routine. Please feel free to call us if you have any questions, or would like to schedule a free consultation.
Site Credit // SouthMade
