July is here, bringing warm weather, sunshine and of course UV Awareness Month! July is dedicated to highlighting the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and encouraging sun-smart practices to prevent skin cancer, premature aging and blinding eye diseases caused by unprotected UV exposure. As we all know by now, one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your skin is to wear sunscreen, but not all SPF is created equal! Most standard drugstore sunscreens only protect your skin from UVB rays, preventing sunburn. Whereas, dermatologist-level sunscreen, medical-grade formulations, not only protect your skin from UVB rays, but also UVA rays, infrared light and even visible blue light, helping prevent melasma and hyperpigmentation. How is dermatology-level sunscreen able to do so much more? Here are three differences between drugstore sunscreen and dermatology-level sunscreen:

 Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreen

One of the biggest differences between a drugstore sunscreen and a dermatologist-level sunscreen is the ingredients used. Dermatologist-level sunscreens are often physical sunscreens, also called mineral sunscreen. Physical sunscreens contain high percentages of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide. They are thicker than chemical sunscreen and sit on the surface of the skin, deflecting heat and light. Rather than blocking the UV rays, chemical sunscreens use chemicals that absorb UV rays then turn them into heat, which can actually trigger melasma flare ups. Many people opt for chemical sunscreens because of their easier and lighter application, but it is important to consider the forms of light that physical sunscreen can block and chemical sunscreen cannot. 

Iron Oxides

Visible blue light, from the sun and electronics, is an example of light that many drugstore sunscreens do not block. On top of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide, many dermatologist-level sunscreens contain Iron Oxides, which are clinically proven to block visible blue light. Tinted sunscreens have especially high levels of Iron Oxide, so if you wear makeup a tinted sunscreen is the perfect base to block blue light on days spent outdoors or in the office. Visible blue light is a major, hidden culprit behind hyperpigmentation, and many drugstore sunscreens lack the Iron Oxides to block blue light, leading to stubborn dark spots.

More Than Just Protection

The best part of dermatologist-level sunscreens is that they do so much more than just preventing sunburn. Medical-grade sunscreens are essentially advanced skincare treatments. They are formulated with medical-grade antioxidants, like Vitamin C and Vitamin E, Nicacidamine to help calm redness and DNA repair enzymes that actively reverse existing sun damage, while preventing new damage. With a dermatology-level sunscreen you’re not just protecting your skin, you’re nourishing it!

 Now that you have the facts on what sets dermatologist-level sunscreens apart, you are free to go forward with your UV Awareness Month, feeling informed and prepared to make the best decisions for your skin. With all the barbeques and pool days waiting for you this July, the most important thing is to make sure you are wearing sunscreen—of any kind, whether it’s dermatologist-level or not!