All About Sunscreen

Summer is officially here, which means people are going on vacations, to the beach, and just hanging out by the pool more than before. Which is great, except for the fact that most people don’t wear sunscreen at all. Make it a summer resolution to change that this year and wear your sunscreen every day! It’s important for your skin, for your body, and I will tell you why. Plus, I share my top 3 favorite sunscreens that I have been using in 2021.

What are the main differences between sunscreens?

Ingredients that make up sunscreens fall into two different categories: chemical absorbers and physical blockers (aka mineral-based sunscreen). Examples of chemical absorbers include oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, and octinoxate. These absorbers do just that—absorb UV rays so that our skin doesn’t absorb them. Examples of common physical absorbers are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They create a physical barrier between the skin and ultraviolet rays.

What’s the difference between UVA and UVB lights?

In general, they are both types of ultraviolet lights that reach the earth’s surface from the sun. UVB rays don’t penetrate the earth’s surface nearly as much as UVA rays do, but they are still able to cause sunburn and are one of the main causes of skin cancer. UVA rays make up 95% of the sun’s rays that reach the earth’s surface, and they are also able to cause sunburn and skin cancer. Additionally, they penetrate into the deeper portions of the skin, causing premature aging and wrinkles.

What is SPF?

SPF is the Sun Protection Factor, which tells us how much the sunscreen reflects the degree of protection against UVB rays. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 protects against 97% of the sun’s UVB rays. Most dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with SPF of at least 30. To make sure you’re using a sunscreen that offers sufficient protection against UVB and UVA rays, you should look for the term “broad-spectrum.”

Which type of sunscreen is the best?

It’s really a personal decision on which sunscreen everyone prefers. Physical sunscreens, aka mineral-based ones, are naturally broad spectrum and tend to be better for children and people with sensitive skin. Mineral sunscreens also require less frequent application because they stay on the skin for longer periods of time, as opposed to chemical ones. Because mineral based sunscreens lay on top of the skin, the downside to them is that they tend to leave a white cast on people’s skin. Chemical sunscreens typically don’t have this effect as they absorb into the skin, and are naturally thinner, making them a better option for everyday use and under makeup. Chemical sunscreens with higher SPFs tend to be more irritating on people with sensitive skin, and there is an increased chance of redness for people with rosacea-prone skin types. Another thing to consider is that chemical sunscreens don’t last as long as physical sunscreens do, so frequent application (every 2 hours) is necessary.

So basically, the best type of sunscreen is the one that feels the best on your skin and is more suitable for your needs. I typically recommend that people start using a mineral based sunscreen first, because there are less sensitivities to them, tend to be more lightweight on the skin, and they require less frequent application. Whichever you choose, remember that it’s important to wear sunscreen no matter where you live, rain or shine, 365 days per year!

My Top 3 Sunscreens of 2021

• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen

  • 100% mineral-based (zinc oxide & titanium dioxide)

  • SPF 50+

  • Water resistant (40 mins)

  • Clear & clean coverage - my favorite for everyday wear

  • Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free

  • Powerful antioxidant complex helps protect skin from free radicals

  • Available tinted as well

• cocokind daily SPF:

  • Broad-spectrum mineral-based (zinc oxide)

    • nano-free —> reef safe

  • SPF 32

  • Light-weight and non-greasy

  • Vegan and cruelty free

• Elta MD UV Elements:

  • Broad-spectrum mineral-based (zinc oxide)

  • SPF 44

  • Moisturizing

  • Water-resistant (40 mins)

  • Available tinted, as well (may be too light for fair skin tones)