Sunscreens have always been one of the most important products in the professional skincare industry. But recently the market place has been overwhelmed with every type of sunscreen imaginable. This can leave the consumer with too many options causing them to feel overwhelmed. As a licensed Esthetician, it is my job to navigate my clients through the sea of chemical and mineral sunscreens to help protect their skin.

I recommend, to clients, a mineral based broad-spectrum sunscreen. Broad spectrum meaning it provides UVA and UVB protection. My favorite mineral of choice is Zinc Oxide. It has been proven to be the best protectant for UVA and UVB rays which can cause up to 90 percent of facial aging! Also, don’t be fooled by the marketing of high numbered SPF’s. A SPF 100 will not protect your skin more effectively than the SPF 40. The number informs how long it will last on your skin, not how well it protects. Always read the back label and look for the active ingredients such as Zinc Oxide. Remember to apply your sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside and reapply as needed according to the directions. And above all, the best advice I can give to minimize the signs of aging is to stay out of the sun.