Your mom uses one kind, your coworker, another. Your sister swears by a brand you’ve never heard of. And your closest friend forgot to put theirs on this morning (gasp!).
With so many sun protection habits and opinions, how do you know which is the best sunscreen for your skin? Between different lifestyles, skin types, tones, and concerns, there’s a lot to consider when choosing a sunscreen.
So, what do you need to know? We’ve got the answers to the most common sunscreen queries so you can feel confident about the most important step in your skincare routine.
Table of Contents
First off, do I need to wear sunscreen every day?
The short answer: yes, always! Sun damage doesn’t only occur during summer. Solar radiation can pass through clouds and reflect off surfaces such as water and snow. So, sun protection shouldn’t be limited to summertime or sometimes.
How does sunscreen help protect my skin?
First, let’s talk about the solar spectrum. The solar spectrum is made up of different kinds of radiation, and a couple of them might sound familiar:
UVA rays: Often referred to as aging rays, this type of solar radiation is responsible for premature aging of the skin (photoaging), including the appearance of sun spots and wrinkles. This type of ray can pass through glass, reaching your skin while you’re at home, driving, or working at the office.
UVB rays: This type of ray is the primary cause of sunburn (which is why it’s known as the burning ray). And tanning, rather than being healthy, is actually an indication of sun damage.
Both types of rays also contribute to the risk of developing skin cancer. Fortunately, broad spectrum sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB radiation.
If I don’t burn, should I still wear sunscreen?
It’s important to remember that sun damage is much more than the occasional sunburn – sun damage is accumulative, and sunscreen helps protect your skin from sunburns, premature skin aging, and skin cancer.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as “safe” tanning or time spent in the sun without protection. Unprotected sun exposure can damage skin cells, speeding up the natural aging process and increasing the risk of skin cancer. So, even if you have a deeper skin tone and don’t burn easily, the sun still impacts your skin.
To protect yourself, do your best to use sunscreen and follow good sun protection habits, such as seeking shade and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing. Plus, check your local UV index to find out how strong the sun is where you are right now.
What does sunscreen have to do with skin aging?
Your skin has a memory, meaning that damage accumulates as the years go by. The sun’s UV radiation provokes unstable molecules, called free radicals, to break down proteins in the skin. While your body has natural processes that help protect itself, cell and DNA damage can occur if the number of free radicals produced becomes too great.
This process is called oxidative stress, and it shows up on the skin as an early development of fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation — in other words, premature aging. The good news? Sunscreen can help combat this process by protecting skin from the photoaging effects of the sun.
How to read your sunscreen label
Ok, now you’re on board with the importance of using sunscreen. But it’s equally important to understand what kind of protection to choose. To start, there are properties every sunscreen should have. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen that:
- Has an SPF of 30 or higher
- Offers broad spectrum protection
Let’s dive into the details.
What does broad spectrum mean?
Remember: UVA radiation is mostly responsible for long-term damage, such as photoaging and skin cancer, while UVB radiation contributes to sunburns. Broad spectrum sunscreen protects your skin from both, making it the only type of sunscreen recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.
What do the letters SPF stand for?
SPF is short for sun protection factor. It measures the amount of time your sunscreen will help protect your skin from UVB radiation. Sunscreens use the SPF system to advise the amount of protection they offer your skin against sunburns and tanning, both of which can increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
What do the numbers after SPF mean?
Good question! The numbers indicated on your sunscreen, such as SPF 30 and SPF 50, tell you how long it would take for UVB radiation to burn your skin when out in the sun — as long as you’re using the sunscreen exactly as directed on the label. But it’s important to remember that it’s not a direct measurement (SPF 30 doesn’t mean 30 minutes).
It’s best to choose a higher SPF to help protect your skin from sunburn and damage for longer when in direct sunlight. But, you still need to reapply sunscreen often! More on that in a sec.
What is water-resistant sunscreen?
When a sunscreen is water resistant, it means the SPF has been tested and shown to remain effective when skin gets wet. Check the label on your sunscreen, which will tell you if the product is water resistant and how long you can rely on it while swimming or sweating. This is usually measured in a period of 40 or 80 minutes — so make sure to keep up with reapplication as specified.
How to choose a sunscreen
Types, textures, and benefits. These are the starting points for finding the best sunscreen for your skin. Now, let’s dig into each factor.
What is mineral sunscreen and how does it work?
Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to help protect your skin from the sun. They work by forming a shield on top of the skin, helping to deflect the sun’s rays. They’re also sometimes called physical sunscreens.
Many dermatologists recommend mineral formulas as they are generally suitable for a wide range of skin types, including sensitive skin. And with the right formulation, they can do more than just protect. Our unique Eryfotona mineral sunscreens help repair existing sun damage in the skin through the use of DNA Repairsomes®.
What about chemical sunscreen?
As opposed to mineral sunscreens, chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin. They help turn UV radiation into dispersed heat. And as long as your sunscreen has an SPF of 30 or higher and offers broad spectrum protection, choosing between a chemical and mineral sunscreen is all about personal preference.
Is there a difference between face sunscreen and body sunscreen?
The major difference between body and face sunscreen is texture and formulation. Sunscreen shouldn’t feel like a chore to wear, and the best choice is one you’ll wear every day.
For face sunscreens, look for an ultralight emulsion formula. Opt for one that blends into skin easily, without leaving a greasy residue or white cast. With body sunscreen, antioxidant and hydrating ingredients are key players in daily formulas.
How to wear sunscreen
Now’s the moment. You’ve found your everyday skincare ally: the perfect facial sunscreen. The next step? Make sure you’re wearing it the right way and reapplying often enough.
Should I apply sunscreen before or after moisturizer?
Sunscreen should be the last step in your skincare routine, so you’ll apply it after your moisturizer. Here’s a quick breakdown of a morning skincare routine:
Step 1: Cleanse
Step 2: Apply eye contour cream
Step 3: Apply your serum
Step 4: Moisturize
Step 5: Protect skin with sunscreen
Make sure to leave some time between applying your moisturizer and moving on to your sunscreen step to ensure the product has absorbed correctly. Another tip? Apply your sunscreen according to the product label and at least 15 minutes before leaving the house in the morning or before sun exposure.
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
Reapply at least every two hours, regardless of the protection factor. And even more frequently (every 40 minutes or so) while swimming, sweating, or after you’ve dried off with a towel. All of these measures depend on the activity you’re doing, the intensity of the sun when you’re exposed, and even on skin type.
What about reapplying sunscreen over makeup? Try out a tinted formula. Eryfotona Ageless is an ultralight-tinted mineral sunscreen providing SPF 50 broad spectrum protection. The versatile coverage helps skin look more even in tone and corrects visible imperfections.
Does sunscreen expire?
Sunscreen does have an expiration date. But don’t worry, it’s probably not any time soon!
The Food and Drug Administration mandates that all sunscreens must be formulated to maintain their original degree of protection for three years — even after opening. However, that timeline only considers optimal storage conditions. So if you’re prone to leaving your sunscreen in a hot car, your formula might tap out sooner.
To keep your sunscreen in tip-top shape, avoid exposing the bottle to excessive heat or direct sun. And make sure to toss out sunscreen that shows any notable changes in color or consistency. Here at ISDIN, we advise that with average use and storage, most sunscreens should be used up within a year.
Loving your skin means protecting it every day
Through the years, rain or shine, the best way to give your skin the TLC it deserves is by keeping it safe. And sunscreen is your skin’s trusty ally along the way. Because happy skin is healthy skin, and healthy skin is beautiful.
Reference:
Naidoo, K., Birch-Machin, MA. Oxidative Stress and Ageing: The Influence of Environmental Pollution, Sunlight and Diet on Skin. In Cosmetics (2017): 4, 4.
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen-patients/sunscreen-faqs
Behind the blog:
Article written and reviewed by:
Our namesake embodies the spirit of embracing life and all its wonder. As wellness journalists, we explore topics that invigorate the senses and keep curiosity alive. We believe that glowing skin is the result of a healthy body and mind. Weaving beauty with science, we aim to inspire you to live young at every age.
