There are a dizzying array of sunscreens to choose from, with a variety of ingredients and formulas from lotions to sprays. And you might have noticed, sunscreen prices can range from reasonable to outrageous. One of the first things you should look for is “broad spectrum.” This means it blocks both UVB and UVA radiation.
Next, you need to decide which type of ingredients will ensure that broad spectrum protection: physical or chemical. If you have very sensitive skin, you can opt for the physical blocks which use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as active ingredients. Think of the lifeguards from days gone by with their noses painted with this stuff that looked like white or pink frosting—that was zinc oxide.
There are options among today’s physical sun blocks that won’t leave a big chalky mess on your skin (and everything you touch thereafter), but few are as transparent as they promise. We carry several physical sun block sunscreens in the office that are non-whitening and dry clear. There are also some widely available physical sunscreens that are tinted for use on the face so the active ingredients don’t make you look white and ghostly. Others for the face promise a matte finish as opposed to the shiny look some sunscreens have. Ask us for recommendations that fit your specific preference.
Chemical sunscreens usually have a nicer feel on the skin and are transparent. They have active ingredients with names like Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone or Octinoxate. Two of these chemicals are believed to cause harm to marine life and coral reefs: Oxybenzone and Octinoxate. They were recently banned in Hawaii. Oxybenzone is also thought to be an endocrine disruptor.
Some sunscreens combine chemicals and mineral-based physical block ingredients. So if you think your skin reacts to the chemicals, chose those which only have zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Your most important purchase decision is to select at least SPF 30.
There are many other considerations to selecting and using sunscreen properly. For example, some sunscreens come with insect repellent. While this might seem convenient, the fact is that you need to reapply sunscreen far more frequently than bug repellent. Buy separate products and be sure to reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours. For your first application, and whenever possible, put sunscreen on first, before you put on your clothes so you don’t miss areas when clothing stops and skin begins.
Other added ingredients to some sunscreens on the market are antioxidants, which are believed to protect healthy skin cells, although some experts believe it is better to apply an antioxidant serum first, under your sunscreen. The most popular antioxidant serum contains vitamin C stabilized with vitamin E. At the office we offer SkinBetter’s Alto Defense Serum for the face and ISDIN’s Flavo-C Ultraglican ampoules.
Be on the lookout in the future for more options in the sunscreen aisle! Soon, sunscreen ingredients that have been in use in Europe and Asia for many years will be introduced in the U.S. But, if there’s only one thing you remember about sunscreen, it should be that it doesn’t make you bullet proof. It is just one part of protecting yourself from the damaging rays of the sun. Seek out shade especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and wear protective clothing and hats.
