Not all sun rays are created equal, and summer in Alexandria doesn’t let you forget it. Between UVA aging your skin and UVB working on that burn, the sun has more than one trick up its sleeve. Dr. Desman and the team at Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery want you to stay protected without missing a minute of the season. Let’s break down how UVA and UVB rays differ, and why your SPF needs to be ready for both.
The UV Alphabet: What’s the Real Difference?
Since July is National UV Safety Month, it’s the perfect moment to get familiar with what’s really coming from above. Sunlight might seem like one steady stream, but it actually sends out a few different types of ultraviolet rays. Some sneak in quietly, while others show up loud and uninvited. Think of UVA and UVB like the troublemakers at a family barbecue: one lingers way too long, and the other shows up fast and leaves you burned.
Here’s how they differ:
- UVA rays are the long-game troublemakers. They dive deep beneath the surface, breaking down collagen and showing up later as fine lines, spots, and early aging.
- UVB rays bring the heat. They’re the ones behind sunburns and are a bigger player in skin cancer risk. You’ll feel them faster, but that doesn’t make them worse.
The catch? Both are always around, even on overcast days or during a quick coffee run. Up next, let’s talk about why your SPF needs to pull double duty to keep them in check.
Why Your SPF Needs To Pull Double Duty
UVA and UVB rays may share a source, but they play very different games with your skin, and neither one plays fair. Dr. Desman and the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery team often remind patients that a good sunscreen isn’t strictly a beach-day add-on. It’s your skin’s everyday defense system, and it needs to multitask.
Here’s what a well-rounded SPF should do:
- Block UVA rays to help minimize aging signs like fine lines, uneven tone, and loss of firmness
- Shield against UVB rays to help reduce sunburns and surface damage
- Hold up during real-life conditions, including sweat, swimming, and surprise sun exposure
The magic words to look for? “Broad-spectrum.” That label means your sunscreen is built to cover both UVA and UVB, not just one or the other.
Of course, not all sunscreens are created equal, either. Coming up next, we’ll explore why tinted mineral formulas are a standout choice, especially if you want your skincare to work smarter, not harder.
Why Mineral Sunscreen Makes the Cut
SPF comes in all kinds of formulas, and some play nice with your skin, some don’t. Dr. Desman and the team at Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery recommend mineral-based formulas for patients who want dependable, skin-friendly protection, especially after cosmetic treatments or when sensitivities are in play.
What Makes Mineral SPF Different?
Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb UV rays, mineral sunscreens (also called “physical sunscreens”) sit on top of the skin and reflect rays away like tiny mirrors. They’re typically made with:
- Zinc oxide, and
- Titanium dioxide
These ingredients are gentle, effective, and less likely to trigger irritation, making them ideal for daily wear.
Why Tinted Is a Smart Move
A tinted mineral sunscreen doesn’t just provide a little extra glow. The added iron oxides help block visible light (yep, the kind from screens and indoor bulbs), which plays a bigger role in uneven tone and pigmentation than most people realize.
Tinted formulas also:
- Help even out your complexion without makeup
- Offer better protection for melasma-prone skin
- Blend easily into different skin tones without a chalky finish
They’re practical, lightweight, and perfect for throwing in your bag on hot Alexandria afternoons.
Next, we’ll break down the myth of the “healthy tan” and explain why skipping the sunbed is always the better option.
That “Golden Glow”? Your Skin’s Not Celebrating
Let’s clear something up: tans aren’t trophies. That bronze you’re chasing? It’s your skin throwing up a distress signal. Every time you tan—on the beach, in the backyard, or under a salon bulb—you’re stacking up damage that sticks around long after the summer fades.
Dr. Desman often sees the aftermath at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery. Too much UV and your skin starts collecting souvenirs like patchy texture, blotchy spots, and a dullness that sticks around long after vacation ends. And tanning beds? They hit your skin with concentrated rays that crank the risk even higher.
Skip the UV spin cycle and try:
- Self-tanning drops or mousse for a glow without the guilt
- Bronzing powders and highlighters that fake the sunshine, not the damage
- Tinted SPF that blends protection and a hint of color, no sun required
So, if you’ve been flirting with the idea of “just a little color,” consider this your sign to swipe on something safer. Coming up, let’s make SPF the easiest part of your morning lineup.
How to Make Sunscreen Part of Your Daily Flow
Sunscreen doesn’t have to be a sticky mess or a forgotten step at the bottom of your tote bag. With the right formula, SPF can slide into your daily routine without slowing you down. Dr. Desman recommends mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they start protecting right away.
Here’s how to keep it working for you:
- Keep it visible: Leave a bottle near your toothbrush, in your bag, and in your car so you’re never caught off guard.
- Choose the right texture: Tinted mineral options like VCPS Néos Blend and Protect give lightweight coverage and sun defense in one easy swipe.
- Make reapplying easy: Stick formulas, powders, or sprays are quick to reapply between errands, meetings, or poolside hangs.
Sun protection should feel like brushing your teeth: simple, quick, and something you wouldn’t skip. Dr. Desman and the team at Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery are always here with expert care and regenerative treatments if too much sun leaves your skin needing a reset.
Keep Your Glow and Stay Bright Without the Burn
Your skin handles a lot each summer: pool days, road trips, and plenty of sunshine. But with the right SPF and a little help from Dr. Desman at Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, you won’t have to worry about your glow going sideways. Whether you need daily product picks or treatment options to undo the sun’s sneak attacks, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to schedule your consultation in Alexandria and let your skin soak up the smart stuff instead!