The ABC's of UV

If you had asked me before - well, today - I would have said all sunscreens are the same.

SPF 4 for when I want to get tan, SPF 15 for longer times in the sun, SPF 30 for the beach, etc.

I had NO IDEA the sun emits 3 types of UV rays.

UVA = long wavelength rays

UVB = medium wavelength rays

UVC = short wavelength rays

UVC rays thankfully cannot penetrate the ozone layer because they would kill us instantly.

UVB rays are what cause painful sunburns and skin cancer!!

UVA rays are what cause us to AGE.

UVA rays penetrate the dermis and weaken the collagen and elastin.  These rays cause freckles in children and age spots or liver spots in adults.

Which is worse - UVA or UVB? 

BOTH!

Since this IS a Rodan + Fields blog - let me tell you about the 4 daily sunscreens we have to offer, depending on which regimen is right for you!  Make your sunscreen work double-time! 

All skin is not the same - neither is all sunscreen!

Reverse

In the Reverse regimen, SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen is step 4 (last step) of your morning routine.  R+F patented SHIELD^rf, is a unique complex of stabilized avobenzone and anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory colorless carotenoids, to provide prolonged broad spectrum protection and ensure that the REVERSE Regimen has every opportunity to reverse the signs of past damage, while preventing new discolorations from forming. Vitamin E and green tea fight free radicals and prevent future damage from occurring, while licorice extract and mulberry help to brighten dull skin. 

Anti-Age

ANTI-AGE Triple Defense Treatment SPF 30 is a moisturizing treatment containing a clinically-proven dose of corrective peptides to help strengthen skin’s structure, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles and firming skin. Exclusive SHIELDrf sunscreen technology combines stabilized avobenzone and free radical fighting colorless carotenoids for prolonged UVA protection and decelerated photoaging. Optical brighteners immediately minimize the appearance of skin flaws while barrier-protecting dimethicone and hyaluronic acid maintain moisture levels.

Unblemish

Formulated specifically for acne-prone skin, this lightweight formula controls oiliness as it protects against UV rays that intensify post-acne marks and uneven skin tone.

Soothe

Formulated without chemical sunscreens, fragrance, dyes or alcohol that can irritate sensitive skin, this lightweight formula protects without compromising skin’s delicate moisture barrier as it calms and soothes. Broad spectrum UVA/UVB formula contains only mineral-based sunscreen ingredients that deflect the sun’s rays, keeping the skin’s surface cooler to minimize the appearance of facial redness. Suitable for all skin types and conditions, including rosacea-prone skin.

Whatever sunscreen you buy, make sure the package says "broad spectrum" and you should be covered. This is a new FDA requirement of 2012 that sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB rays have this label.