Summer is officially here, and for many, it means days spent outside at the pool or the beach. One item that should always remain handy during the summer is sunscreen. While you may love to soak up the sun, over-exposure to the sun can cause wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. However, wearing the best sunscreen for your skin can help you safely fend off the harmful effects of the sun so you can enjoy your time in the summer sun with fewer worries.
If you want to pick out the best sunscreen for your skin, learn what you should be looking for so you can safely prevent skin cancer and sun damage.
• While chemical sunscreens fully absorb into the skin and may cause irritation for those with sensitive skin, if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, use a sunscreen that’s titanium or zinc oxide-based. Mineral sunscreens that contain zinc and/or titanium oxide form a seal over the skin, and are not absorbed.
• Even though the SPF number is important, it only talks about the protection from UVB rays, not UVA. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen to help protect against UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible for brown spots and wrinkles, so look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that states on the label that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• While no sunscreen is truly sweat-proof or waterproof, look for “water-resistant” sunscreens if you plan on playing sports or getting wet. Truthfully, even if you aren’t doing either (playing sports or going into the water), when it’s hot and humid out you can sweat off your sunscreen so always wearing a water-resistant sunscreen is the best bet.
• When it comes to sprays or cream sunscreens, choose cream over the spray. While the idea of a spray sunscreen seems convenient, the issue is that it’s difficult to get even coverage with a spray. If you want to ensure adequate sun protection, stick to a cream. Typically you can see where you have applied the cream, whereas it can be challenging to determine if you are adequately covered with a spray sunscreen, especially on windy days.
Frequently Asked Questions
For sensitive or acne-prone skin, mineral sunscreens containing titanium or zinc oxide are recommended. These sunscreens form a protective seal over the skin rather than being absorbed, reducing the risk of irritation compared to chemical sunscreens.
Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. While SPF ratings indicate protection from UVB rays, UVA rays can cause brown spots and wrinkles. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen ensures comprehensive protection from the harmful effects of the sun.
No sunscreen is completely waterproof or sweat-proof. However, water-resistant sunscreens are designed to stay effective for a certain period while you sweat or swim. They are especially recommended for sports or water activities, but also beneficial in hot and humid conditions to prevent sunscreen from washing off.
Cream sunscreens are generally preferred over sprays because they provide more even and visible coverage. Spray sunscreens can be difficult to apply evenly, especially on windy days, which may lead to inadequate protection. Creams allow you to see where you have applied the product, ensuring better sun protection.
The SPF number on sunscreen indicates the level of protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn. However, it does not measure protection against UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and brown spots. Therefore, it's important to choose sunscreens labeled as broad-spectrum for full protection.
