How to Keep the delicate scalp protected

How to keep the delicate scalp protected this spring and summer was just supposed to be a simple easy topic. It turned into much more. There will likely be more posts in the future regarding scalp health and hair growth as I talk to a Trichologist and a derm on this subject. For now, we are going to protect it from the sun and some reasons why you probably aren’t as much protected as you think.

FDA doesn’t have uniform testing for sunscreen products

Yes, you heard that right. They don’t have uniform testing for sunscreens and they haven’t updated filters in sunscreens for something like 50+ years. It is also up to the companies to test their products to ensure that the number of SPF protection on the label is what is in the bottle or spray. Or they that last the amount of time indicated on the product.

Not a surprise that when consumer reports and some other independent testing places did testing on sunscreens they all didn’t quite add up to the claims. There were various degrees of efficiency but most were in range. Which makes choosing one from the vast array of products out there an even bigger task.

FDA – check to make sure it is approved

You can check to make sure a product is FDA-cleared at https://verification.fda.gov.ph, as there are so many that may not be and have added chemicals not allowed in US products and we are pretty lenient in the US in some areas in my opinion.

Testing the sunscreen product yourself

“To find out how effective your sunscreen is, you will apply sunscreen to a clear plastic sheet and hold it in front of the UV sensor. If the sunscreen blocks the UV light, the UV meter readings should decrease. The more the UV readings decrease, the more effective the sunscreen is in blocking the UV light according to Sciencebuddies.org,”

and this seemed like one of the more simple ways. Some of the other home testing methods were so complicated. I thought who is going to do this at home, nobody.

Delicate Scalp skin

The skin on the scalp is thin so how do you protect that skin that is closest to the sun’s rays? I have no “cushion” between the skin on my scalp and my skull. My kids told me that I have to wear a helmet when on a scooter or bike. Even if you have more hypodermis than I do, there isn’t much more. The image below is for normal skin on the body, layers are so much smaller on the scalp. Easier to damage those small layers with sun exposure.

Self-correcting or repairing nutrients

Here is where one point of the discussion with the experts was interesting, it was on nutrients. The body can use nutrients to repair some sun damage. However, hair is a non-essential tissue. If there is a problem in the body that needs repair the body will redirect nutrients away from the cells that form hair to repair other parts of the body. That is why when your body is going through a medical issue, hair will fall out or have damage. That is why it is important to keep an eye on your scalp health and try to ensure you are getting adequate nutrients. In other words, the scalp may not be able to repair itself as easily as other parts of the body.

Solutions for protecting the delicate scalp

Hats and bandanas or scarves are the simplest solutions. Some are not protecting you like you think. You have to make sure they are sun protectant wear. Sporting goods stores have all kinds now and even Costco at times has sun protectant headwear. We all live in the real world and sometimes these options are not possible or you look terrible in hats. As my daughter puts it, “You look like a kindergarten on their way to an outdoor field trip.” Because I have a small head and generally don’t look great in hats.

I do have a sun protectant hat, but most people can’t wear a hat or scarf 18 hours a day, every day. So, there are other options.

Sunscreen spray for the delicate scalp

If you have any type of hair damage or have experienced any hair loss protection is necessary. They are necessary anyway. If you don’t have any hair on your head, you may just choose to wear a typical sunscreen (there will be another blog all about that coming up). That may be more cost-effective option and give you the protection you need for your delicate scalp.

Coola
COOLA Organic Scalp Spray & Hair Sunscreen Mist With SPF 30

I love this brand’s sunscreens, but they are not the most budget-friendly. It is $23 to $28 for 2 fl oz. I like it though so I will continue to purchase it. It doesn’t weigh down my normal to thin hair (in places). There isn’t any stickiness or slight scent. The spray nozzle goes right where you put it and doesn’t overspray. These are all important factors to me.

This spray also has 4.5 stars on Amazon and 4.2 stars on Ulta.

I have also used this brand of sunscreen for years and it does protect my skin. Therefore, I trust them.

Sun Bum

Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Scalp and Hair Mist

This is a more budget-friendly option of $16.00 to $18.00 for 2 fl oz. I haven’t used this scalp spray but I have used Sun Bum sunscreens in the past and they have worked as well. This one has a scent. The company states it smells like summer. That might intrigue you and it may not. The brand also states it is fast-drying, lightweight and non-greasy. It has 4.6 stars on Amazon and 3.5 on Ulta.

The 3.5 rating on Ulta seems to be because it does build up with reapplication and starts to feel a bit greasy. But for days at the beach or outdoor activities people would repurchase. It did protect their scalp. Now, to be fair, we don’t know how much was being used to get that greasy feel. If someone has used it leave a comment on your thoughts.

This is another human factor with sunscreen sprays, it is reported that people don’t spray enough sunscreen on their bodies but for some reason, women in particular spray things in their hair like they can’t get enough. We use a lot of products on our scalp and cleaning the scalp is also important to protecting it.

Protecting our delicate scalp from too much sun drawing scent

It is unknown why the sun’s rays seem to be drawn to the chest. There have been many studies on this and still, there isn’t a decisive culprit. I think it is because there are just too many different factors involved to narrow it down to just one thing. Women also seem to be more prone to this type of sun damage. Although it is unknown, one factor that has been tested quite often is the use of perfumes on the chest area. Somehow breaking down the sunscreen protective factors quickly.

For me, I will be using the scalp sunscreen spray all spring and summer long. Skipping the wonderful hair-scented mists even though I like them. I will not be risking it when it comes to my scalp and my hair.

When you have sunburned your scalp

If you didn’t use a scalp spray and you have damaged your delicate scalp area. Hydrating toner and aloe is the way to go. The hydrating toner will not take moisture away from the scalp. It will help remove dead skin cells. The aloe dries fairly quickly and usually doesn’t add a greasy feel to the hair after it has dried down. Don’t overdo it or you will be shedding aloe flakes all day long.

I hope this helps you in protecting your delicate scalp area.