There may not be an app for your phone that beeps when your skin is starting to burn, but Jodi Skinner says there’s a pretty smart gadget that does something similar.
It’s called the Smartsun’s UV wristband. It’s a lightweight, water-resistant bracelet that monitors your body’s exposure to the sun. You apply your sunscreen normally and also apply it to your wristband. When the band begins to change colour, it means you need to reapply your sunscreen or get out of the sun.
“They’re great for everyone, but especially kids who are always in and out of the water. It’s hard for parents to know when they should re-apply the sunscreen,” says Skinner. “This wristband takes away the guesswork.”
Skinner is a Licensed Practical Nurse with Skincare Studio Inc. in St. John’s. They educate their clients on the importance of sun protection and carry products that make it easier than ever to be sun-safe.
For starters, there’s a distinction between SPF and UPF that Skinner says many people don’t realize.
“SPF stands for ‘sun protection factor,’ and it measures the amount of time it takes for your skin to redden in the sun,” says Skinner. “An SPF 30 protects against 97 per cent of UVB rays. Most chemical sunscreens break down after two hours in the sun, so it should be reapplied then — and more often if sweating or swimming.”
But SPF doesn’t fully protect us against the sun’s harmful UVA rays.
“UPF stands for ‘ultraviolet protection factor,’ and it refers to how much of the sun’s UV radiation is absorbed,” says Skinner. “Sunscreens labelled as broad-spectrum provide UVA and UVB protection, but no sunscreen can completely block all UV radiation.”
There are hundreds of varieties of sunscreen on the market, but Skinner says her personal favourite sunscreen is actually made for babies.
“Just because a sunscreen is branded for babies, doesn’t mean it’s only for infants, of course,” says Skinner. “Anyone can use it!”
It’s called Green Cricket’s SPF 30 Baby Moisturizing Mineral Sunscreen. Skinner says she loves that it’s fragrance-free and gentle for even the most sensitive skin. It’s made from naturally-sourced ingredients, including coconut oil, beeswax and avocado oil. It should be avoided if a person has an allergy to propolis, however.
“We’re all big fans of Green Cricket. It’s a Canadian company, and it’s committed to making products that are fragrance-free, gluten-free and free of parabens,” explains Skinner. “We’re always recommending this sunscreen to our clients.”
Hats are an excellent way to protect your face from the sun, and Skinner says “the bigger, the better” because a larger hat provides far more protection. Skincare Studio sells hats by Puffin Gear that do a great job of shielding skin from the sun’s rays.
“They’re handmade and Canadian-made, and our clients love them,” says Skinner. “They have a UPF rating of +50, which means they protect you close to 100 per cent from UV rays, and they’re very stylish.”
But sometimes, you need more than a sun hat, which is why Skincare Studio also carries sun protection clothing from Nozone Clothing Company — a family owned Canadian business.
“They have clothes for men, women, children and babies, and everything includes UPF protection,” says Skinner. “They also make swim gear, which is great for little ones, so you don’t have to chase them down to reapply sticky sunscreen that’s just going to wash off or wear off 20 minutes later.”
QUICK TIPS: Sun protection
- Apply your sunscreen 15-20 minutes before sun exposure, so it has time to soak into your skin.
- Reapply sunscreen every 60-80 minutes, and more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
- How much sunscreen should you be using? About a teaspoon of sunscreen for your face, and a shot glass-sized dollop for your body.
- Your makeup may say SPF on the package, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need sunscreen ... unless you want to wear five to 10 coats of the stuff.
- Wide-brimmed hats help to keep the sun off your face, and they also prevent your scalp and hairline from burning.
- Don’t forget your eyes! Wear sunglasses with UV protection.
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants can offer additional sun protection, but don’t rely on them exclusively. A basic white T-shirt only has a UPF of about seven, while a long-sleeved, dark denim shirt has a UPF of 1,700.
- Remember that the sun is the strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Sun protection isn’t just “a summer thing.” It’s a good idea to wear sunscreen year-round.
