My Shopmaster Guides- Exactly What to Look for in a Sunscreen

The many things we have learned about how to choose a safe sunscreen that protects us from the sun’s rays, yet without the ingredients to harm us. SPF, sun filters, nano particles, blue light, propellant chemicals.. do you know what all of these terms mean and how they factor into the choice of sunscreen?

For years we knew that some sunscreens are not as healthy as others: there are questionable ingredients in sunscreens, and many terms associated with sunscreens are confusing. But we didn’t have the time to research them, because life has been crazy: we were trying to cure my fibromyalgia, then fighting insomnia and anxiety, we spent a significant amount of time optimizing my foods and fermenting, then another year detoxing myself from the inside. At that point, my health was finally in a good place, and we felt we had the time to start detoxing my products at home. In addition, we also dig into learning about ingredient labels and the science behind them.

The nearly limitless number of sunscreen choices might be confusing if you guess wrong, you’ll actually get burned. Follow these golden rules for finding the perfect and most protective sunscreen options.

High SPF

Most dermatologists advise using the sun-protection factor (SPF) for at least 30. “Generally, the amount of protection going from SPF 30-50 is approximately 3 % more effective from 95 % to 97.5 %,” says surgical oncologist James Lewis, MD, director of the Melanoma & Soft Tissue Tumor Service at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Most people are not perfect when using sunscreen, so it is easier to start with a larger number for extra protection. “Any SPF lower than 30 really does not afford you the level of sun protection that you’ll require,” says Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD, and President & Co-Founder of Modern Dermatology. Be sure to avoid these 7 mistakes with sunscreen.

Try: Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Brush

Broad-spectrum

The sunlight emits several kinds of ultraviolet light, so you must protect against all of them. “The two most significant things to look for on the label are ‘broad spectrum,’ which indicates the sunscreen protects against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB), and also the SPF rating, which indicates how well it protects against UVB,” says Sejal Shah, MD, a dermatologist & Real Self contributor. Most sunblock products include several sunscreens, so look for the words “broad spectrum” to make sure you have got a product worth buying. “The FDA has approved 17 different sunblock filters, all with different wavelengths that they protect,” says Fayne Frey, MD, a dermatologist in West Nyack, New York. “For this reason, the vast majority of sunscreens are formulated with more than one sunscreen filter to cover a broader range of wavelengths.

Try: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant

Chemical vs. Physical

Sunscreens products are made with either chemical sun blockers or physical ones. Each works differently to do the same thing. “A chemical block is usually a sunblock with several different chemicals inside it,” says Stanley Kovak, MD, a cosmetic physician, and owner of Kovak Cosmetic Center outside Chicago. “They work by absorbing Ultraviolet rays into the tissue, and when UV rays pass through the skin, they change the rays into a longer wavelength which is considerably less harmful so that it is not very damaging.” Physical or mineral sunscreens stay on the skin to reflect light away from the skin, he adds. Only two types of physical sunscreens have been FDA-approved zinc-oxide and titanium dioxide and both might be good choices for your skin type. “If you’re more sensitive skin, a mineral sunscreen might be a better option because it is less likely to cause skin reactions compared with chemical sunscreens,” Dr. Shah says. But there is a downside: Physical sunscreens tend to leave the skin with a white sheen and are often pricier than chemical versions, Dr. Frey says. Tinted mineral sunscreen is a great option to avoid the ghost face look. Read about the new kind of chemical sunscreen that won’t seep into your skin.

Try:VIVE SANA Daily Protezione

Comfortable formula

“Sunscreens are available in a variety of formulations lotions, creams, and gels, so choose one that works for you,” Dr. Shah says. “For example, gels are perfect for oily skin or hairy areas, while creams are more effective for dry skin.” Some sunscreens feel sticky or create a film on the skin and will not be very pleasant for everyday wearing, so select one that you will actually follow through with wearing regularly even when you are not spending hours outside. “Daily SPF is important,” says Adrienne Haughton, MD, director of clinical and cosmetic dermatology at Stony Brook Medicine at Commack, New York. “UVA comes through window glass and it is present on a cloudy day. That’s why most of the people in the United States develop skin cancers on the left side of their face & left arm depending on exposure through the driver side window.” Start with these best sunscreens for each type of skin.

Try: Sun Bum Premium Sunscreen Face Stick, SPF 30

Timing

The sunlight can affect your skin even if you have not been out for a long time, so you must apply before you leave the house or car. “Apply before you go outside into the sun and reapply frequently, every one to two hours, specifically when you are going into water or sweating,” says Dr. Lewis. Parents, this rule especially applies to little ones: If you wait, they might end up getting more than half an hour of unprotected sun time. Burning and sun damage can quickly happen in those brief minutes. Choose a sunscreen that is perfect for every activity.

Try: Biossance Squalane + Mineral SPF 45

Water resistance

Even if you do not plan to splash around in the water, reach for a water-resistant sunscreen if you get sweaty, the water resistance sunscreen will keep you covered longer. “Water-resistant sunscreen is perfect,” says Dr. Frye. “Sunscreens can be tested for either 40 or 80 min of water-resistant protection, but reapplication of the sunscreen is essential every 2 hours or after swimming, heavy perspiring, or just being wiped off with a towel.” Whether it is a water-resistant or physical sunscreen, you should not get lazy about reapplying, says dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, clinical instructor at the University of Southern California. “Mineral sunscreen with zinc and titanium wipe off easily when you sweat or with friction from towels or clothing so that they must be reapplied,” she says. Check out these other sunscreen mistakes that will leave you burned.

Try: La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60 Activewear Lotion Sunscreen

Antioxidants

The sun depletes your skin’s antioxidants, so if you can replace those healthy molecules while you protect against the sun’s rays, much better. “One of my personal favorite sunscreens, ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica, protects with an SPF of 50 from the physical sunscreen zinc-oxide. It also contains the potent antioxidant Vite, which will help protect against environmental damage in addition to photolyase enzymes, which have been scientifically proven to repair UV-induced DNA damage,” Dr. Robinson says. “In essence, it’s repairing and protecting simultaneously. “It is a win-win.” Sunscreens with antioxidants are more stable, too, says Patricia Wexler, MD, a dermatological surgeon, and owner of Wexler Dermatology in New York”. “But keep an eye out for one you need to avoid: “Some SPFs have antioxidants added, like it a, which could actually increase the risk of sun sensitivity & even skin cancer.”

Try:Hynt Beauty Sun Prep Spectrum SPF 25 Sunscreen

Not skin tone

If you believe your darker skin type protects you from the sunlight, you are right, but it doesn’t mean that you should not lather on the sunscreen. “People with darker skin types have more melanin that provides a natural protection from the sun,” Dr. Haughton says. “African American skin, on average, has an SPF of 13.4, compared to 3.4 in Caucasian skin.” But that’ is not an excuse to skimp on SPF. “Total SPF isn’t cumulative. If someone with fair skin & dark skin both placed on a product with an SPF of 30, their highest protection from UVB remains 30,” Dr. Haughton says. “This also goes for layering products that contain sunscreen; if your moisturizer has an SPF of 15 and your foundation has an SPF of 15, your overall SPF remains 15.” It doesn’t matter what is your skin tone, you are at risk of skin damage and quicker aging in the sun, says Frank Wang, MD, an associate professor of clinical dermatology at Michigan Medicine. “Those with darker skin may have less risk for sunburns, but Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and African Americans still burn,” he says.

Try: Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

Lotions and creams

Some sunblock formulas work better than others for maximum sun protection. “When you rub in cream sunscreens, it is easy to tell if you’ve protected your whole body,” says Hari Nadiminti, MD, Mohs micrographic surgeon at Summit Medical Group. “Spray sunscreens are convenient, but you often end up missing spots. You may also run the risk of inhaling chemicals. If you do use spray sunscreens, don’t use in face or mouth.”

Try: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 100+

Sticks for lips

“Lips, nose, and ears are very important to protect and frequently forget,” says Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, medical director of Mudgil Dermatology. You can use the same sunscreen lotion for your face, nose, and ears. Just make sure you re-apply more often to your face if you are wiping or rubbing with a towel or cloth. Find a sunscreen stick designed for the lips to protect your kisser, says Dr. Mudgil. Do not miss these other critical spots most people forget when applying sunscreen.

Try: Vanicream Lip Protectant/Sunscreen Tube, SPF 30

Missing Something?

It’s all about your skin and you probably need a little more to protect it. Here some Additional things you might consider.

Protective hats and glasses

It’s not necessary to depart sun-protection to sunblock alone, states. Dr. Lewis. “I recommend SPF clothing, specifically for individuals with sensitive skin, out on another forget to put on a hat and Ultraviolet protection glasses,” he states. Search for sun-protective clothing, hats, glasses, and much more to provide your body better protection against apparent sun damage signs. Plus, you shouldn’t press your luck with sun time, states Dr. Nadiminti. “Sunscreen shouldn’t be your main type of defense. Even though you apply sunblock perfectly, you need to still limit your time and effort outdoors,” he states. “Seek the color tone, particularly throughout the hrs of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., once the sun is most powerful. Hide with lengthy-sleeve shirts and light-weight pants, and put on a large-brimmed hat to safeguard the face. Never intentionally tan.”

Try: Eforstore Girls Beach Straw Hats UV Protective Cap

Try: VT BigHome Cycling Eyewear UV400

Sun Protection Gloves

Bloxsun Sun Mitts are constructed with a UPF 50 stretch nylon blend recognized for their comfort and soft hands, are available in a nude, flesh tone color for discretion, and therefore are elegant in fashion. The mitts are finger-less and reach the nail for optimum skin coverage on every finger. Fabric accustomed to make Bloxsun products continues to be tested and rated UPF 50, the greatest degree of sun-protection available. Well-liked by dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, and anti-aging clinicians, the mitts have become essential for individuals who’re sun careful.

Try: Fingerless Sun Protection Gloves UPF 50+

Sun Protection Arm Sleeves

Feature of this Product:

UPF 50 Ultraviolet Protection: The premium soft fabrics( 90% Acrylic and 10% Spandex) can stop up to 97% of dangerous ultraviolet to prevent sunburn, even sun place. Forget about Sunblock. You’re maximally Ultraviolet protected all day long lengthy.

Recommended Size: NEWBYINN arm sleeve is unisex. For that adult, in case your bicep dimensions are 8 inches – 13 inches, you might feel quite comfortable when putting on them. For those who have a bigger bicep, they might feel a little tighter.

Worry About Put on Experience and Protection: With a unique seamless weaving technique, our stretch fit sleeves surely could be remained in your bicep and don’t cause you to itchy or leave imprints over your arms. Promotes faster muscle recovery and bloodstream circulation. They’re quick-dry and absorb sweat, protecting your arms from feeling fresh and awesome within the summertime. It may also prevent bug bites and it is very useful to children.

Ideal for All Outdoors: Great skin protection when you’re golfing, driving, cycling, fishing, jogging, gardening, football, basketball, tennis, and so forth. Cooler than bare skin. They’re very soft, skin-friendly, highly breathable, elasticity, moisture-wicking, sweat releasing. Keep the arms fresh and awesome constantly.

Easy and multi-color designs fit easily under clothing, and also the pure color ensures function as the joker pattern that may match almost different types of colors and designs of the clothes. Even safeguard your brand-new tattoos from blazing sunburn.

Try: NEWBYINN UV Sun Protection Cooling Arm Sleeves for Adults Men Women

Face Mask Scarf, Beautiful sun protection clothing

Face Mask Scarf

For individuals days whenever you shouldn’t be worried about hair flying everywhere…

The Aqua Design SunGuard Headband will probably be your new closest friend! Although you put on it around your mind like a headband or like a scrunchie to maintain your hair retracted, however, you can put on it around your neck or higher the face like a nose and mouth mask or balaclava. There are plenty of options!

Let’s say you’re cruisin’ on the boat, and you’ll need a little wind protection for the face… Simply slip the headscarf around your neck and pull its soft fabric over the face and ears! The SunGuard Headband is really a fun, sporty accessory to increase your wardrobe.

Try: Aqua Design Women’s Face Mask Scarf UPF 50+ Sun Protection

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