Introduction
It’s all fun and games until you get sunburned! Overexposure to the sun leads to skin damage and increases your risk for skin cancer. In this blog, I’ll share 5 tips on how to shop for sunscreen so you can have fun in the sun safely.
One in every five people will develop skin cancer. Protecting your skin is the best way to decrease your risk of developing this type of cancer. Understanding how to read the ingredients on sunscreens will help you choose the best one.
Sunscreen vs sunblock – Is there a difference?
Yes!
Sunscreen
Sunscreen contains chemicals that are absorbed into the skin to help break up the sun’s rays before it can enter your skin.
Chemicals
Typical chemicals found in sunscreen are avobenzone, octocrylene, ensulizole, homosalate, octisalate, octinoxate, and oxybenzone. None of these have been classified as safe and effective according to the FDA and are undergoing more research.
Avoid benzene and benzophenone as the FDA has declared these as known carcinogens.
Sunblock
Sunblock contains minerals that reflect the sun with a physical barrier to protect you from the sun’s rays. It’s timelier to rub on the skin than chemicals because it’s thicker to create a physical barrier.
Minerals
The active ingredients that meet the FDA standards for GRASE (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective) are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Pro tip: Avoid any sun products that contain PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) as it’s not recognized as safe and effective.
UVA and UVB from the sun
There are two types of UV (ultraviolet) light: UVA & UVB. UVA is related to skin aging (wrinkles and age spots) and UVB is linked to skin burning which includes tanning and cancer. This is due to the wavelength of the sun. UVA is the longest wavelength and least harmful compared to UVB.
Pro tip: UVA & UVB lights are used in tanning beds.
Five tips on sunscreen shopping
#1 Broad-spectrum
Look for a broad-spectrum sunblock that will block both UVA and UVB rays.
Pro tip: Avoid sunscreens that mix mineral-based ingredients (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) with organic chemical formulas containing avobenzone.
#2 SPF (sun protection factor)
SPF is a scientific measurement of how long a sunscreen will protect you from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. SPF measures sunscreen protection from UVB rays, but since sunlight gives off both types of UV, it’s best to look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
For example: If you burn after being in the sun for 10 minutes without sunscreen, SPF 15 would protect you 15 times longer in the sun. Sun exposure for each person will vary; many other factors will affect your skin.
Other factors:
- Time (10 am until 4 pm is when the sun is most intense)
- Location (higher sun exposure closer to the equator)
- Exercising, sweating, and swimming (limits protection)
- Application (most people don’t apply enough sunscreen)
Look for a sunscreen that has a SPF of at least 30.
Pro tip: Higher SPF values are not necessarily better at protecting your skin. No matter how high the number, the UV can enter the skin. Nothing is 100% safe.
#3 Read labels
Take some time to look at the ingredients. Look for zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide and avoid the above-listed chemicals, especially benzene and benzophenone, and PABA.
Pro tip: You won’t find sun products labeled as “sunblock” as the FDA outlawed it in 2011.
#4 Avoid sunscreens sprays
Sunscreen sprays might seem easy and quick to apply, but that’s the problem. They don’t give adequate coverage due to the thin layer and wind blowing.
Pro tip: Consumers who live in Australia are recommended to avoid aerosol sunscreens completely.
If you’re going to use them, shake well before applying, reapply often, and get out of the wind before spraying.
#5 Water resistant
Look for water-resistant sunscreen and reapply as directed which is usually every 40-80 mins. It’s hot in the sun and most people sweat as it’s also humid. Using a water-resistant sunscreen will help keep you protected longer, especially if you’re splashing around water or swimming.
Pro tip: Reapply every hour unless you burn easily.
Conclusion
Sunscreens won’t be labeled as sunblock. You’ll need to look for the ingredients zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide – SPF 30 or higher, water-resistant. Plan ahead by applying at least 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply according to the directions no matter what number of SPF is listed.
Read labels for ingredients.
Lotions and creams are better than sprays.
Pro tip: You can use the same sunscreen on your face as you use on your body. Face sunscreens are formulated differently to be gentler on your skin. Caution with using homemade sunscreens!
In addition to sunscreen, wear UV protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and seek shade.
Snow, water, and sand are reflective surfaces that create a higher intensity of the sun. You can still burn on a cloudy day and through windows.
EWG (Environmental Working Group) will be releasing their guide to Sunscreens for 2023 shortly. You can search for your sunscreen at EWG. (no affiliation)
Have fun in the sun with optimal options to stay safe while protecting your beautiful skin.
In optimal health,
Lisa