Summer Sunscreen With the Cosmetic Center

Regular sunscreen use is essential for healthy skin maintenance. Sunscreen acts as a first line of defense against sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. It protects skin cells from DNA damage caused by UV rays. Regular use of sunscreen is essential for maintaining healthy skin.

Regardless of skin tone, everyone is at risk for skin cancer, skin aging and sunburn from sun exposure, and should be using sunscreen. Spending time in the sun increases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging, regardless of your skin type. Choosing the right sunscreen for your skin and activities is important, and the variety of sunscreens now available offer a range of benefits. Our Cosmetic Center offers information and guidance:

Types of Sunscreen

Broad Spectrum

All sunscreen products protect against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Broad spectrum products offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays, which are the two main types of UV radiation. When using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher, you can reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging when combined with other protective measures.  

Water Resistant

While some sunscreens claim to be water resistant, no sunscreen is truly waterproof. Even water-resistant sunscreens will eventually wear off in water and from sweating. The water resistance duration (40 to 80 minutes) on the product label indicates how long you can expect to maintain the labeled SPF-level protection while in and out of water.

Chemical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin and then absorbs UV rays, converts the rays into heat and releases them from the body. Active ingredients include avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone. These products are easy to apply, absorb quickly, don’t leave a white cast on the skin and are more water- and sweat-resistant. Chemical sunscreens are not recommended for sensitive skin or use post-procedure.

Physical Sunscreens

Physical sunscreen, also known as sunblock, sits on top of the skin and reflects the sun’s rays. The minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the main active ingredients in physical blocks. These products are good for children and people with sensitive skin, and they need to be applied more frequently. Best for post-procedure skin.

Sunscreen Products at the Cosmetic Center

SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35

Paraben-free, hypoallergenic, oil-free and fragrance-free, SkinMedica sunscreens use a micronized zinc oxide and tend to be more sheer. The zinc oxide and titanium dioxide contained in SkinMedica sunscreens are embedded in a silicone matrix, which allows these minerals to spread evenly and smoothly on the skin without leaving the white residue typically seen with other sunscreens. Available in both tinted and clear formulations.

Revision Intellishade

A 5-in-1 daily anti-aging moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF 45 that is formulated to correct, protect, conceal, brighten and hydrate skin. Prevents visible signs of aging and enhances skin’s natural moisture barrier, improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and brightens and evens skin tone while reducing the appearance of redness. Revision Intellishade also protects skin from UVA/UVB radiation. The sheer mineral tint conceals and restores skin’s youthful appearance. Available in tinted and non-tinted formulations.

ZO Broad-Spectrum SPF 50

For sensitive and post-procedure skin, this lightweight, non-irritating mineral sunscreen, with ZOX12® complex, protects against damaging effects from UVA/UVB and IR-A rays, and from HEV light.  

ZO Daily Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50

Water and perspiration resistant, this non-greasy sunscreen, with ZOX12® complex dries quickly with a sheer finish to shield against UVA/UVB and infrared rays as well as HEV (high-energy visible) light. Protects while also hydrating.  

ZO Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30

This dual-action sunscreen, with ZOX12 complex, protects against the damaging effects from UVA/UVB rays, infrared rays and HEV light. Hydrates and doubles as a makeup primer for a smooth matte finish, diminishing the appearance of skin imperfections. 

Sarah Kinsley, NP, Joins the Cosmetic Center

Sarah Kinsley, NP, has joined our team of experts at the Cosmetic Center after practicing with our Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery department since 2017. Certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Sarah joins us in Roanoke and Salem to provide:

• Removal of benign skin lesions
• Injections (Botox, dermal fillers)
• Laser skin renewal
• Laser hair reduction 

"I value being able to meet patients, collaborate with them to identify areas to improve their confidence and help them to achieve those goals through aesthetic services," she said.   

Visit CarilionCosmetic.com to learn more about sunscreen and the wide range of aesthetic products and services aviailable.

To schedule laser and injectable services, call our Roanoke practice at 540-853-0510.

To schedule Botox, call our Salem practice at 540-283-6000.