To ensure your scalp and hair's survival in the scorching Florida sun, the first step is to be aware of the potential risks involved with excessive sun exposure and to be mindful of a few key sun-safe principles. To make sure you're fully informed of the wide range of options available for protecting your scalp and hair, we've put together this comprehensive guide to evaluating sunscreens and determining the best product for your needs.
The Basics of Hair & Sun Protection
When exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, your scalp and hair can become damaged, leading to a number of different hair problems. For those with thinning hair or balding, the risk is especially high. Sun exposure to a balding scalp can lead to redness, burning, and long-term skin damage. It can also cause the hair itself to become dry, brittle, and discolored, eventually leading to hair breakage.
To protect your scalp and hair from the sun's rays, the American Skin Association recommends people wear a wide-brimmed hat and limit exposure to direct sunlight by staying in the shade as much as possible. But if you'll be spending extended periods in the sun, it's important to use a quality sunscreen specifically designed for the scalp and hair.
Evaluating Sunscreens for Hair & Scalp Protection
When it comes to selecting the right sunscreen for your scalp and hair, there's a few factors you should consider.
SPF Rating
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating is used to measure the level of UV protection offered by sunscreen. Sunscreens with SPF 15 protect against 94% of UVB radiation, while sunscreens with SPF 30 and above offer the highest levels of protection, blocking out 97% of UVB radiation. For maximum scalp and hair protection, look for a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher.
UV Filters
The active ingredients in sunscreen, or UV filters, are what actually block the sun's rays and are usually listed first in the product's ingredients list. The type of UV filter used is important, as different filters may provide different levels of protection from the sun's UVB and UVA radiation, so it's important to look for a sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection. s of UV filters are Avobenzone, Octocrylene, and Homosalate.
Ingredients
Look for a sunscreen formulated with ingredients that nourish the scalp and hair. Niacinamide, green tea extract, coffee extract, Licorice root extract, microalgae extract, safflower seed oil, and green tea oil are a few examples of ingredients that provide antioxidant and nourishment benefits for the scalp and hair.
Finding the Right Sunscreen
When it comes to keeping your hair and scalp healthy and protected this summer, the best sunscreen is one that's tailored to your individual needs. With a wide range of products on the market, it can be challenging to find the right one. We suggest looking for a sunscreen specifically formulated for the scalp and hair, such as Zenon Life's Scalp & Hair Sunscreen SPF 40 Protect, Style & Volumize. This sunscreen's combination of effective UV filters, nourishing antioxidants, and lift-and-style technology offers the perfect balance of protection and beauty, giving you the confidence to live your life without worry.
Topics: