Tips for using sunscreen from Dr. Heather Woolery Lloyd, Co-founder of Specific Beauty
By Carla Snuggs

We love sunny days, but not the damage the sun can do to our skin. Even in the winter, sun protection is a must; don’t go without! If you’ve ever been confused about the best way to protect your skin and the difference between sunblock and sunscreen, join the club.

To get the skinny on practical skin protection, Posh Beauty Blog tapped Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd , Co-Founder of Specific Beauty and the Director of Ethnic Skincare at University of Miami. 

PBB: What is the difference between sunblock and sunscreen? 
Dr. Woolery-Lloyd: Sunblock was a term used in the past to describe a sunscreen with a very high SPF.  The FDA has since banned the use of the word "sunblock" because no sunscreen blocks 100% of the suns rays.  For this reason, the FDA felt the term sunblock was misleading and requires that all labels say "sunscreen" instead.

PBB: What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?   
Dr. Woolery-Lloyd: UVA rays penetrate more deeply into the skin (into the dermis) and are more responsible for aging.  They can also penetrate through clouds and glass.
UVB rays penetrate less deeply and are more responsible for skin cancers and sunburns.

PBB: What level of SPF protection should we use and how often should it be reapplied?  Is this level different for face and body? 
Dr. Woolery-Lloyd: I recommend an SPF of 30 for both the face and body. An SPF of 30, when applied correctly blocks around 97% of the sun's UVB rays. When outdoors, sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours.

PBB: Tell us more about Specific Beauty and the benefits of using Ultra Clear Daily Sun Shield.
Dr. Woolery-Lloyd: Ultra Clear Daily Sun Shield has an SPF of 50+ which means it block 98% of the suns damaging UVB rays.  In addition it blocks UVA making it a broad spectrum sunscreen.  Broad spectrum sunscreens are important because they block both types of the suns damaging rays (UVA and UVB).  Ultra Clear Daily Sun Shield is also a physical sunscreen so it does not contain the chemical sunscreens that some people cannot tolerate.  It is perfect for sensitive skin.  It contains antioxidants (CoQ10, Vitamin C, Emblica, reserveratrol, and green tea) which all work together to combat free radicals and even skin tone.  Unlike many formulations with zinc oxide, this formulation does not leave the grey/white sheen on the skin and goes on with a clear transparent finish.  It is also oil, fragrance, PABA, and paraben free.

Buy: Specific Beauty's Ultra Clear Daily Sun Shield SPF 50 ($36, Specificbeauty.com)

This invisible, pure physical UVA/UVB sunscreen SPF 50 delivers a weightless, residue-free transparent finish and is the  is the ultimate antioxidant sunscreen.  Formulated with a potent blend of antioxidants, including Green Tea Polyphenols, Resveratrol, liposome encapsulated Vitamin C, Emblica and Co-Q10, and with 13.75% micronized Zinc Oxide, this light as a feather sunscreen blocks most UVA and UVB radiation from reaching the skin and minimizes the effect of UV damage.  

Image courtesy of Dailyhealthmantra.com

Do you wear sunscreen all year around? Let us know in the comments below!